[6], In June 2022, Zhao announced that the publisher would be rerecording the audiobook with a new voice actor as the Mandarin in the book is mispronounced. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor - Common Sense Media This thrilling adventure combines history, fantasy, and myth to deliver a tale for the ages. He was the captain of their Mythrealm team, and Zacks heart had an embarrassing tendency to beat faster around him. He aligned his finger with the link and tapped again. His grip was so painful that Zack gasped, terrified that his bones might actually break. Make me stronger! The figure burst into echoing laughter, then rushed at Zack like howling wind. It was an awkward question to ask right away, though, so Zack just flashed a hopefully natural-looking smile and opened his own Mythrealm profile on his portal-lens, which was connected to his phone app. When he becomes powerful, he realizes he doesn't want to use it to do bad, hurtful things. Passing down stories is a powerful way to keep memories alive and stay connected to your heritage and community. See our. Zachary Ying has never had much chance to learn about his Chinese heritage. It had always been. Red-hot romances, poolside fiction, and blockbuster picks, oh my! What if he possessed a little kid and then sent him to China on an adventure? His every hair rose on its end. You call yourself a team because you pool your resources and knowledge. Are Zachary and his friends good role models? It does the same thing. Exalted Mythrealm creatures were only different aesthetically, having a fancier design that spawns with a one-in-ten-thousand chance. The frothy twister of water around him hurtled toward Aiden as a single shooting stream. Did you read that link I sent you? Not yet. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor, by Xiran Jay Zhao | The StoryGraph And my mom works at UMaine, too. Well, my sister says these crazy rich Asians are all over UCLA, wearing Supreme and driving BMWs and Porsches. Trevor huffed. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor is a 2022 Canadian middle grade contemporary fantasy novel by Xiran Jay Zhao. Zack was often frustrated that English labeled them all as Chinese, while in Mandarin there was a clear difference between Hurn, someone of Chinese descent, and Dlrn, someone from mainland China. But if your Ying is his Ying, youre probably from a surviving lineage! What are you talking about? Zacks own last name didnt sound like a real word anymore. Xiran Jay Zhaois the #1New York Timesbestselling author of theIron Widowseries. Format: Hardcover. Mythrealm did have a phone app version, but the controls were much more cumbersome, so nobody wanted to play with the kid who had to use their phone exclusively. Despite not getting wet, a coldness seeped into his bones. Hardcover - May 10 2022. Whoa, kid. For a better shopping experience, please upgrade now. Soman Chainani There are so many things I adore about the book from the characters to the amazing and hilarious facts about Chinese history. Later during an unexpectedly hostile confrontation between the new boy, Simon, and Zach's so-called friends, Zach abruptly becomes aware that he is being possessed by the spirit of Qin Shi Huang, the legendary first emperor of China. Youve always made it look bad. He struggled for control over his body. Publication date: 10 May 2022. to read read. Paperback $14.99; Paperback $14.99; Quantity In stock. He set his lunch box on the lid of the paper-waste bin and checked his phone. The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics, These books have been officially leveled by using the F&P Text Level Gradient Leveling System. Mentions of Chinese government suppression of the Uighur people and some of its tragic consequences. Its clear interface spanned his vision as a single long lens. Another message came. Qin Shi Huang explains that this is possible because Zach is Qin Shi Huang's direct descendant, and that he needs Zach's help to help prevent a catastrophe that could destroy China and possibly the world. Are you staying here past the summer? Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor | Xiran Jay Zhao | 9780861545483 This part of town was so white that hed been the only Asian kid all through sixth grade. It was easier to just pretend hed eaten them. I mean, there are a couple of different family names that are read as Ying, but his is really rare. Lots of words and phrases in modern and ancient Mandarin, usually translated. Listen, I dont know how the tournament circuit works in China, but over here, we have a regional one in two weeks. To his rising horror, a network of black lines darkened across his arms. Rich and strange (and kitted out with an eye-catching cover), but stronger in the set pieces than the internal logic. [11] It remained on the list for two weeks. Thrilling battles and chase and heist scenes are balanced with a droll sense of humor and quieter moments that explore Zacks complex relationship with his cultural identity, including criticism of Chinese government policies that oppress Muslims. Yet no matter how many times he told his mom she didnt need to cook him full-on Chinese meals, she never listened, because where would you get your nutrition? And whenever hed come home with his lunch uneaten, even with the excuse that hed been practicing fasting for Ramadan, her scientist side would activate, and shed unleash yet another lecture about the daily amount of protein and healthy vegetables a twelve-year-old boy needed. His now single mother was absolutely devoted to Zach, and did everything she could to provide for him, though this often meant working multiple jobs to keep their small family afloat. Then everything slowed down. 'Culture and technology clash as Zachary Ying takes adventure to a new level!' Kwame Mbalia, author of Tristan Strong 'Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor is an edge-of-your-seat adventure that has you laughing on one page and cheering on the next.Zach is a gamer turned hero who goes on an epic quest across the globe only to find his greatest strength within. Hes pretty cool. And my additional thanks to Xiran for their signature on a copy of Iron Widow and a selfie with them back in April! Which Book Pairs Perfectly With Your Fave Marvel Movie? 1 edition Zachary Ying never had many opportunities to learn Want to Read Rate it: Related series Series 2 primary works 2 total works But the attempted possession went wrong, and instead of binding himself to Zack's body the emperor accidentally possessed Zack's augmented-reality portal-lens instead. It opened to his chat history with Simon. Now! Aiden kept demanding. How much is it worth now? Trevor did a quick search on his own phone, then looked up with a mind-blown expression. Fear instinctively recoiled into him, but a few murmurs of agreement from his other teammates gave him the courage to go on. SO MUCH LOVE TO KARYN LEE FOR THE COVER DESIGN AND @Velinxi FOR THE ILLUSTRATION! A thin neon square closed around the code and flashed, then Simons profile popped up in Zacks view. So when he learns that hes meant to host the spirit of the First Emperor of China, hes more than a little surprised. Copyright 2023 Kirkus Media LLC. Of course they made a big deal out of how the one Asian kid in school had the weirdest food. His stare turned as sharp as knife edges under his thick bangs. I didn't find this out until after its release bc I was never sent samples of the audiobook in progress or any preview of it 1/9", "My publisher is now working on finding an actual Mandarin speaker to rerecord the whole audiobook. Okay. Simon whipped his bangs out of his eyes, which caught the gleam of his phone screen. And Zacks own energy meter appeared at his bottom right. This science-fiction/fantasy mashup incorporates Chinese history and mythology into relentless action. He dug out the other device in his pockets that couldve made a soundhis augmented reality portal-lens from XY Technologies. He is the only Asian kid in his mostly White town in Maine, and, as a Uighur Muslim, he is also a minority among other Chinese and Muslims. So when he learns that he's meant to host the spirit of the First Emperor of China, he's more than a little surprised. Zack is told that he needs to close the portal to protect his mothers spirit from being destroyed, but the kidnapping of his mother isnt as straightforward as it seems. Parental separation and loss are strong themes. So when an attack on his mother leaves her soul in the hands of demons, and Zack is revealed to be descended from Chinas first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, he feels overwhelmed and unprepared. Simon said nothing. Zack's father was executed by the Chinese government, and a video is described of him as he's being taken away by force. To start, in an alternate ending to the previous episode, Principal Krupp ends up in prison (a lot like being a student at Jerome Horwitz Elementary School, except that the prison had better funding). Plus, receive recommendations and exclusive offers on all of your favorite books and authors from Simon & Schuster. This leads up to a vicious climactic fight that sees Good and Evil repeatedly switching sides. Ha-ha, of course the two Asian kids found each other, he could already imagine the other kids saying. No, you are going to Stop! His mom works at Target. Heat scorched Zacks ears, but he tried to keep his tone unbothered. Common Sense Media reviewers include writers, editors, and child development experts. Thrilling battles and chase and heist scenes are balanced with a droll sense of humor and quieter moments that explore Zacks complex relationship with his cultural identity, including criticism of Chinese government policies that oppress Muslims. Sorry. Zack scratched the back of his head. ", "Culture and technology clash as Zachary Ying takes adventure to a new level!". We get a pass, right? Trevor nudged an elbow at Zack, grinning. Stop! Without a mortal host, Qin Shi Huang's spirit is almost forced to return to the spirit world, but realizes in time that Zach's AR Headset, his "XY Technologies Portal-lens", is sophisticated enough to act as a host, allowing Qin Shi Huang's spirit to remain on the mortal plane. The last thing he needed was another reason for the other kids to call him weird. I was throwing something else out. Kid, you care way too much about what other people think. Zack jolted, then looked around as cold sweat broke under his shirt and jeans. There, he witnesses fellow inmate Tippy Tinkletrousers (aka Professor Poopypants) escape in a giant Robo-Suit (later reduced to time-traveling trousers). Xiran Jay Zhao Ages 812. Most of the violence is in the fantasy realm with intense action in fights and battles. The smell of stir-fried green beans and beef slices heaped juicily over rice exploded through the air. Most Westerners thought of Chinese people as all having the same background and same beliefs, but that couldnt be further from the truth. So youre Zachary Ying, right? The boy held up the friending QR code on his phone screen. [] For all their differences of mood, the novels rescue what is valuable to Zhao in Chinese history and myth, and project it forward creating artistic acts of cultural reappropriation". Zack screamed. The book is funny at intervals, often thanks to the dichotomy of millennia-old spirits who know how to use modern technology. He landed in the inner turf with a thud and a scream of pain. Trevor went sailing out of the track. I uploaded my original pronunciation guide if you want to hear the correct Mandarin: [LINK] 9/9", "I have to stress that I do not blame the VA for taking the job so please do not harass them in any way! It wasnt that Zack had to stay away from all fellow mainlanders. Without meaning to, Zach forcibly exorcises the spirit of Qin Shi Huang, and flees. Trevors jaw dropped as well. Transfer it to my account right now, or Ill hurt him! Variations of Whoa, man! erupted from their teammates. CHILDREN'S SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | You Save 11%. This science-fiction/fantasy mashup incorporates Chinese history and mythology into relentless action. By Andrea Beach, ", Catrina and her family are moving to the coast of Northern California, "Think of the White Gloves like the Junior League-by way of Skull and Bones? Zack screamed again while kicking uselessly against Aidens legs. They clearly worked hard on the audiobook and gave a great performance, it's just a shame about the Mandarin", "Children's Middle Grade Hardcover Books - Best Sellers - Books - June 5, 2022 - The New York Times", "Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor (Zachary Ying #1) by Xiran Jay Zhao", "Xiran Jay Zhao uses the power of #BookTok to find new audiences", "11 exciting books for your kids' summer reading list", "Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao, Read by Neo Cihi", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Zachary_Ying_and_the_Dragon_Emperor&oldid=1115267591, This page was last edited on 10 October 2022, at 16:35. He slapped the compost bin shut. 2023 Kitchener Public Library. What are you Zack choked on his words upon catching sight of Aidens face in his periphery. They're trained in creating high-quality parenting advice based on best practices in child development. Its free and takes less than 10 seconds! The First Emperor built the Great Wall and the Terra-Cotta Army, and With an almost animalistic howl, Aiden switched his grip from Zacks arm to Zacks neck, lifting him into the air. The air practically hummed, charged with the smell of burning rubber. 352 pages first pub 2022 ISBN/UID: 9781665900706. Ages 812. Do you play Mythrealm on that? Zack jumped. Dude, stop! Zack said to Aiden, surprising himself with how firm he sounded. As we gather, we are reminded that Kitchener Public Library and all of its locations are settled on land that is the traditional home of the Chonnonton (Chi-nawn-ton), Anishinaabe (Ah-ni-shnah-bay) and Haudenosaunee (Ho-deh-no-show-nee). When a real demon threatens Zack and his mom is attacked, ending up in a coma, he discovers a connection to the spirit of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, that gives him magical powers. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor | CBC Books Simon stumbled a step back, steadying Zack by his shoulders. As if controlled by someone else, Zacks arms shot up at normal speed and wrenched Aidens fingers from his neck. After checking to make sure Ms. Fairweather was busy helping another group, he scrolled on his phone under the table. Most people have some of both, and choose how to act for complicated reasons. The cries of his three other teammates reached him distantly, as if through a tunnel. More, please! Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. Some Muslim dietary practices. Thread about the Zachary Ying audiobook: Turns out my publisher got a Japanese VA to narrate it, which means ALL the Mandarin in it is wrong. Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry [13], Kristin Brynsvold, for the School Library Journal, called Zachary Ying a "creative, engaging story" and highlighted that the novel appeals "to fans of ancient mythology and world history". Cause, you know, most of his kids were killed when his dynasty fell. Were they just standing on the turf and gawking? (Fantasy. Everyone calls him by his title, Qin Shi Huang, but his real name was Ying Zheng. As a result of her busy schedule, and a desire to help Zach assimilate into western culture, Zach was raised without much knowledge of China's history, culture, or language. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor - Goodreads meets Percy Jackson 12-year-old Zack never had many opportunities to learn about his Chinese heritage. I found it similar to "Percy Jackson" in a lot of respects (immortal, powerful, and morally grey beings of legend who gain powers from the legends about them need the help of twelve-year-olds . illustrated by Zack was so stunned he couldnt breathe. influencers in the know since 1933. by Zack had a bad feeling about what would happen if the meter hit zero. Is your Ying the same as his Ying? Things aren't just black and white, and people aren't either good or evil. About two thousand dollars on Mythrealm Exchange. No way that kid couldve caught all these on his own. Aidens wide eyes reflected the glow of Zacks phone. Unlike Western dragons, Chinese dragons controlled water, not fire, and were by far the most powerful Water-type creature in Mythrealmand thus rarer than rare. His accent sounded like Zacks moms, which meant he was probably also from mainland China, speaking Mandarin Chinese as a first language. Was it scary, exciting, or both? Cut to five years previous, in a prequel to the whole series. Simon let out an exasperated sigh. seemed like itd make everything worse. 1 by Xiran Jay Zhao RELEASE DATE: May 10, 2022 Twelve-year-old Zack is recruited into helping the spirit hosts of ancient Chinese emperors in a dangerous mission. He rolled over the wet track and onto the turf, but the water wouldnt let his head go. There are so many things I adore about the book from the characters to the amazing and hilarious facts about Chinese history. Did you know you can flag iffy content? Families can talk about the violence in Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor. Dav Pilkey VERDICT This new series will grab readers with its dynamic plot, video game lingo, and relatable characters. Julia Iredale. Welcome back. Where had it come from? If only Zack were stronger. Dav Pilkey Be a team player. Zack bit his lips together. [14], Alec Scott, for The Globe and Mail, compared Zachary Ying to Zhao's first novel Iron Widow (2021) and commented that "the two books speak to Zhao's obsessions both with anime, the visual storytelling popularized in Japan that's gone global, and with Chinese history and mythology. Itd been a long time coming. It was another sharp reminder that when people looked at Zack, Chinese was all they saw. Dav Pilkey His senses crashed back to their full depths. (May) Correction: The text of this review has been updated for clarity. Oh, and the First Emperor didnt properly possess Zach, instead attaching to his AR headset, which means Zach might have to find his own warrior spirit, something hes pretty sure he doesnt have. We acknowledge that this land is part of the Haldimand Tract, an area that includes six miles on either side of the Grand River and that was promised to the Haudenosaunee Six Nations and other Indigenous allies in 1784. RELEASE DATE: May 10, 2022. This action-packed middle grade contemporary fantasy follows a young boy as he journeys . Wait, were you gonna throw that food out? Simon pointed. Zhaos (Iron Widow) action-packed middle grade debut transports readers to a 12-year-olds encounters with legendary Chinese figures who connect him to his personal history. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor - Kindle edition by Zhao, Xiran Jay. Compact history lessons woven throughout guide Zack through the plot and into a greater understanding of his identity, while plentiful pop culture references root this fantastical read in the contemporary, making for a quickly paced book thats by turns educational, reflective, and thrilling. Be my mortal host, boy, and I will do everything in my power to grant you your greatest desire, the figure said in the same low, gruff voice Zack had heard earlier. Qin Shi Huang wants him to close a spirit portal to prevent spirits from breaking through and causing chaos in China and the world, but Qin Shi Huang was unquestionably a tyrant back when he was emperor of China. Zack's Chinese family is also Hui Muslim, a minority among other Chinese and Muslim people, but he knows little about his family legacy outside of his father's execution by the Chinese government for speaking out against its 'oppression of Uighur Muslims and other minorities.' Together with the spirit hosts of two other former emperors, Zack travels to China in an attempt to save his mothers life and prevent an otherworldly disaster. Be the first to review this title. It was now raining so thickly that the tips of Zacks hair plastered to his scalp. If you dont get this for me, my Chinese dragon will be my only creature thats plain. No ones gonna expect you to have an Exalted one, Zack pleaded. Current price is $15.99, Original price is $17.99. Language: English. What? Zack laughed a little too stiffly. TAOTIE (TA-OW-TYEH) Dark Type Origin: Chinese A malevolent creature of greed with the body of a goat, the fangs of a tiger, the hands of a human, and eyes under its armpits. It was deep and gruff like a teachers, yet when Zack looked around the hallway, there was no one else around. He loved his moms cooking, but his friends always wrinkled their noses as if the pungent sauces and spices hit them like a physical wave. It made his mouth water, and he couldnt help but eat a few sauce-soaked pieces with the chopsticks packed to the side, but he stepped back as he remembered the smell might stick to his hair and clothes. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. Hed made a terrible mistake. color by Just bye. Zack shuffled away. Zack's father was executed by the Chinese government, and his mother is in a coma. Get personalized recommendations. Jose Garibaldi, by Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). [12], Rachel Brooks, for Publishers Weekly, commented that, "Gamer Zachary Ying desperately wants to fit in outside the virtual world of Mythrealm, but as the only Asian kid in his largely white Maine town, he finds himself quietly suffering microaggressions and peer pressure to avoid standing out. [] Yu-Gi-Oh does a lot of crossover between technology and magic, so that's what I did in Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor. Xiran Jay Zhao (Author) Paperback $14.99 $13.49. His dissident father was executed by the Chinese government, and he faces Islamophobia in the U.S. Zack has made friends through playing Mythrealm, an augmented reality game that uses a wearable portal-lens that spawns mythical creatures from folktales and legends from around the world. Most violence is in the fantasy realm with intense action from battles and fights using magical abilities and powers. Preorder: [LINK] [IMAGES]", "Spring 2022 Children's Announcements: Publishers R-Z", "So. The First Emperor possesses this kid's AR gaming headset []. Compact history lessons woven throughout guide Zack through the plot and into a greater understanding of his identity, while plentiful pop culture references root this fantastical read in the contemporary, making for a quickly paced book thats by turns educational, reflective, and thrilling. Past definitions included running out of breath faster than anyone else in gym, acting like a girl when youre a boy, and, of course, bringing weird food to school. You dont know who the First Emperor of China is? Simon recoiled. Stop! What helps you feel better when you get scared? (Fantasy. Hed been teased all his life about how it made his name sound like a verb. Be my mortal host, it had said. Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide. You can help us help kids by Youre the one whos also Chinese, said Trevor, another member of their Mythrealm team. Thanks. Zack snatched his lunch box off the paper-waste bin lid. Levels up legendary Chinese heroes and folklore into a thrilling adventure with video game appeal. Zack flinched, but the material of the lens was so water-resistant that moisture slid right off, and no water mark lingered. (May), "Jam-packed with humour, heart, and hijinks, ZACHARY YING is the Chinese history class you wished you had at school. Oh, and the First Emperor didn't properly possess Zach, instead attaching to his AR headset, which means Zach might have to find his own warrior spirit, something he's pretty sure he doesn't have. George and Harold link up in kindergarten to reduce a quartet of vicious bullies to giggling insanity with a relentless series of pranks involving shaving cream, spiders, effeminate spoof text messages and friendship bracelets. He was born in 259 BCE As he skimmed the summary, something happened to him. In vivid detail, Zack saw the deepening grooves of Aidens contorting expression, the lashing of his tongue, and the individual flecks of spittle flying out of his mouth. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor. No matter how Zack moved his head, the tags indicator ring encircled Aidens rain-splattered face. Come on. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor Xiran Jay Zhao. Are you really letting all that food go to waste? Zack startled at the voice, so close it was practically in his head. Ill send you a link! All right. $13.49 RRP $14.99 Website price . Zack, click the link I sent you! he yelled over Zacks shrieking while taking out his phone. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor | Bookshare This kids kind of intense. His energy meter vanished. ; Is this the end? He didnt eat them anymore either. His dissident father was executed by the Chinese government, and he faces Islamophobia in the U.S. Zack has made friends through playing Mythrealm, an augmented reality game that uses a wearable portal-lens that spawns mythical creatures from folktales and legends from around the world. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor Read Aloud with Xiran Jay Zhao A familiar exhaustion weighed down on Zack. Hey! Aiden recovered and said, Why? His hands and the water sphere faltered a little. : NO. ZACHARY YING AND THE DRAGON EMPEROR From the Zachary Ying series , Vol. Zachary Ying and the DragonEmperoris their first middle grade novel. Xiran Jay Zhao reads aloud from Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor! I got the idea of the First Emperor of China, which I was really obsessed with because his story is so fascinating. Exploring diaspora and intersectional identity in between magical heists and mythical creatures, this book is a marvel. Back off, kid! came both out of his mouth and in his head. Choose Expedited Shipping at checkout for delivery by, Learn how to enable JavaScript on your browser, Our Most Anticipated New Kids Book Releases of May 2022, Awaken Your Inner Hero with These Young Reader Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books, Long Live the Pumpkin Queen: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, Kristy's Great Idea (Full Color Edition) (The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix Series #1), Share Your Smile: Raina's Guide to Telling Your Own Story, 7th Heaven (Women's Murder Club Series #7), The Hawthorne Legacy (B&N Exclusive Edition) (Inheritance Games Series #2), Deadly Little Scandals (Debutantes Series #2). currently reading. That voice definitely didnt come from his phone or portal-lens. Read more about how we rate and review. Not only that, but an energy meter trailed above the tag. Proudly designed by. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor: Zhao, Xiran Jay: 9781665900706: Amazon.com: Books Books Children's Books Geography & Cultures Enjoy fast, FREE delivery, exclusive deals and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery Buy new: $9.89 List Price: $17.99 Details Save: $8.10 (45%)