by Kim Chi and Stephan Lee
Illustrated by Utomaru
5 stars
This was absolutely adorable. One of the best books I’ve read all year. I was pulled in by the beautiful and energetic cover and the story inside did not disappoint.
The only place seventh grader Jae Han Kim feels he belongs is the Firkus Public Library where he hangs out with his friends, chats with the helpful librarian and friendly security guard, and creates his Donutella Hamachi comics. But now the mayor wants to tear down the library to build a mall. Can Jae Han find his inner fierceness to help save his favorite place?
Hilarious, sweet, and so much fun. There is a ton of library love in this book, which I adore. Ms. Henny is the librarian we all need in our lives.
Well-written and engaging. I was hooked from the start. Loved getting to see Jae Han figure out his relationships with his parents, brother, new friends, and his own identity.
The story works in real-life issues surrounding libraries including drag queen storytime controversies, inadequate funding, and their struggles to survive in a capitalist society – all wrapped up in a sweet story and a pretty package.
Wonderful themes of community engagement, activism, friendship, parental expectations, standing up for what you think is right, being yourself, and open communication.
Loved the gorgeous black-and-white artwork. Throughout the book, we get to read sections of Jae Han’s Donutella comics as he uses them to figure out his own feelings and how to proceed in the situation.
This was such a sweet, adorable, fun, inclusive, and fabulous book. Loved the story, loved the characters, loved the art. Would love to see more adventures with Donutella, Jae Han, and the other Library Avengers.