Cosplay crime

Gr 4--7--Cosplay is more than just dressing up in costumes--it is a celebration of fandom, uniqueness, and it "lets you forget the real world for a little bit." While exuberant 13-year-old Bree attends her first comic convention in costume, hoping to meet her favorite Japanese voice actor, she stumbles on a crime. A valuable art print is stolen, and since Bree desperately wants to solve the case to meet her beloved actress, she takes it upon herself to catch the thief. Bree and her nonbinary best friend, Alix, value the role of cosplay in their journey of pride and self-acceptance. Chan's high-interest novel has dyslexia-friendly features with font, cream paper, and larger trim size for accessibility. This book can be used in small group discussions on social anxiety and how to maintain individuality amid adversity. English teachers will enjoy the imagery of the gamers room. Furthermore, the short text will suit reluctant or striving readers who see the cover and think Squid Game. VERDICT Anime and manga fans will appreciate the references to popular stories combined with sweet friendship and realistic mystery.--Laura Dooley-Taylor

An anime fan must solve a mystery and save the day when things go wrong at a convention. Bree Wong and her best friend, Alix, are on their way to the Anime Expo dressed as the characters from Red Squirrel, Black Heart. Gregarious Alix is there to show off their meticulously crafted costume at the cosplay contest, while shy Bree just wants to meet Midori, who voices Red Squirrel. When Midori's signing event is canceled, Bree decides to play detective. She quickly discovers that a rare sketch documenting Red Squirrel's original character design--which Midori revealed at a panel--was just stolen. To recover the sketch and score a chance to meet Midori, Bree must overcome her shyness, venture into all corners of the Anime Expo, and dodge security and aggressive fans alike. The mystery's resolution is somewhat anticlimactic. Still, the simple vocabulary and quick pacing make the story a good fit for struggling readers, and the anime references and authentic representation of convention dynamics--including a scene where an older convention goer ogles Bree and another girl--will draw in fans of the format. The last name Wong suggests that Bree is of Chinese descent, though physical descriptions are minimal. Alix uses they/them pronouns and identifies as a girl. Rife with references to anime and fan culture, a mystery sure to entice readers. (Fiction. 9-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.