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Rick Riordan Presents: Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies Hardcover – February 7, 2023

by Stacey Lee (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 53 ratings
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Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents best-selling author Stacey Lee's modern reimagining of a classic Chinese folktale―replete with magic, boba, and lots of trash talking.

Twelve-year-old Winston Chu is supposed to learn impulse control at the cooking academy his mom enrolled him in. But learning to think before he acts won’t happen overnight.

While skateboarding home with a pie in hand, Winston inadvertently stops a robbery at Mr. Pang’s Whimsies, an oddities shop in Chinatown. As a reward, Mr. Pang invites Winston to choose any item in the store. But the strange old man warns Winston to browse carefully, for the first thing Winston touches will be the thing he gets. Before Winston can decide, a magpie flies under a shelf, and he impulsively grabs an old broom to sweep it out.

Mr. Pang hands him the broom, along with a dustpan. “Two for one. Congratulations.”

Deflated, Winston returns home, determined to put the broom incident behind him. Or at least in the closet. But when some of his most beloved possessions go missing, all Winston can think about are the broom and dustpan. Did they somehow take his stuff? And what―or who―will they dispose of next?

It’s time to break into Mr. Pang’s Whimsies, where clearly there’s more going on than meets the far-seeing eyeball. It’s time to fight magic with magic. And this time, Winston better have a plan.

Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, soon to be a series on Disney+.

Look for these other exciting adventures from Rick Riordan Presents:
Rick Riordan Presents: The Last Fallen Moon by Graci Kim
Rick Riordan Presents: Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
Rick Riordan Presents: Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee
Rick Riordan Presents: Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    368 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 7
  5. Dimensions
    5.85 x 1.15 x 8.55 inches
  6. Publisher
    Rick Riordan Presents
  7. Publication date
    February 7, 2023
  8. ISBN-10
    1368074804
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1368074803
  10. See all details
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Winston Chu, Stacey Lee, Rick Riordan Presents

Winston Chu

Winston Chu

Winston Chu

Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies Winston Chu vs. the Wingmeisters
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4.4 out of 5 stars
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Discover More Myths, Magic, and Mayhem from Rick Riordan Presents! Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Graci Kim's thrilling debut about an adopted Korean-American girl who discovers her heritage and her magic on a perilous journey to save her witch-clan family. Best-selling author Yoon Ha Lee presents a space opera about thirteen-year-old Min, who comes from a long line of fox spirits. This sci-fi adventure with the underpinnings of Korean mythology will transport you to a world far beyond your imagination. Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Lori M. Lee's middle grade debut about a lonely Hmong girl who discovers she's a powerful shaman warrior in this fantasy inspired by Southeast Asian mythology. Seventh grade is hard enough without adding vampires to the mix! Discover the story about a pre-teen vampire slayer with a strong helping of Ghanaian folklore. Anyone who enjoys fast-paced myth-based adventures will be swept up in this one featuring Maya and Mexica gods and their magical offspring. A thrilling fantasy adventure based on the Mexican legend of La Llorona (the Crying Woman).

Editorial Reviews

Review

"From creepy Coco to delicious bubble tea, Stacey Lee weaves together elements from west, east, and in between to create a magical world all its own. I became a fan all over again."――Abigail Hing Wen, New York Times best-selling author of the Loveboat, Taipei series

"It is a spectacular kind of joy to find a book that makes you wonder and dream and believe that magic is just around the corner waiting to happen―Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies does this and more. In her explosively clever middle grade debut, Stacey Lee has written a brilliant adventure full of humor, heart, and whimsically wicked objects."――Stephanie Garber, New York Times #1 & internationally best-selling author of the Caraval series

"Lee deftly crafts an adventure that strings together seemingly random clues only to have them fall satisfyingly into place in the end. Themes of friendships, grief, and family love are explored throughout . . . There’s plenty of magic, healing, and love to enjoy on this roller-coaster ride."――Kirkus Reviews

“Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies is a roller coaster ride of enchanting surprises and chaotic magic that leads the reader through the most epic journey! I didn't want it to end!!”――Ellen Oh, award-winning author of Finding Junie Kim and the Spirit Hunters trilogy

“Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies is the best kind of adventure story―one with both hilarious magic and a heartfelt emotional core!"――Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor

“We read to learn, right? Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies teaches you all sorts of useful skills, like how to get your sister's soul out of a doll, how to help celestial spirits find love, and what not to choose when a strange shopkeeper offers you one free gift. Lee's tale is full of family, friendship, hijinks, hilarity, and flying pizza slices that will slap you if you're not careful―all told by a master raconteur.”――Carlos Hernandez, award-winning author of Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

About the Author

Stacey Lee is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of historical and contemporary young adult fiction, including The Downstairs Girl, a Reese’s Book Club Late Summer 2021 YA pick, and her most recent novel, Luck of the Titanic, which received five starred reviews. A native of southern California and fourth-generation Chinese American, she is a co-founder of the We Need Diverse Books movement and writes stories for all kids (even the ones who look like adults). Stacey loves board games, has perfect pitch, and through some mutant gene, can smell musical notes through her nose. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @staceyleeauthor.

Website: www.staceyhlee.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/staceyleeauthor
Twitter: twitter.com/staceyleeauthor

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rick Riordan Presents (February 7, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1368074804
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1368074803
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.19 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.85 x 1.15 x 8.55 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 53 ratings

About the author

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Stacey Lee

Stacey Lee

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Stacey Lee is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of historical and contemporary young adult fiction, including The Downstairs Girl, a Reese’s Book Club YA pick, and her most recent novel, Luck of the Titanic, which received five starred reviews. A native of southern California and fourth-generation Chinese American, she picked degrees at UCLA then UC Davis and practiced law for several years before retiring to start her real job writing books. Her books have been published in over a dozen countries, and have won the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association award, the PEN Center award for best YA, the Northern California Book Award, and the Golden Poppy Award and appeared on Cosmopolitan's Best YA Books of All Time, and Parade Magazines' Best YA, among others. She is a co-founder of the We Need Diverse Books movement and writes stories for all kids (even the ones who look like adults). Please visit her website at www.staceyhlee.com.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
53 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

snapbookreviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth Every Penny
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2023
Verified Purchase
I have already purchased this book for my personal collection because it's that good.

Stacey Lee grabs the reader in the first few pages and never lets go. Her crisp, clear, vivid writing is a lesson in how to keep kids engaged in a story without bogging them down in unnecessary internal monologues or meandering descriptions of settings.

The characters are distinct, essential to the story, and flawed in just the right places. Readers will cheer for the them, especially sweet, scared/brave Winston.

Kids will ultimately decide the if this book is worth their time and attention, but I will recommend it to readers who love adventure, humor, mythology, and dynamic writing.

Thanks to NetGalley for lending me this ebook. My opinions are my own.
One person found this helpful
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4.0 out of 5 stars A fun adventure
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book is a fun adventure full of magic, with likable characters abound. The Good vs Evil aspect doesn't really involve some grand journey like many books in the imprint, instead focusing on one dangerous location the kids repeatedly visit.
The main character's friends are all likable and developed, but his love interest feels almost tacked on up toward the end.
I'm not opposed to m/f romances, but it's frustrating when authors barely develop them at all and ignore potential pairings with much greater chemistry- in this case, Winston and his best friend Mav. They're great together and I hope the sequel (that I assume we're getting) throws a curveballs and makes them a pair.
Or make the three of them a polycule.
2 people found this helpful
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Sara M Gronski
5.0 out of 5 stars Funny!
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2023
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My daughter loved this book. We bought it because her favorite author recommended it.
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CraftyY
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2023
This book gave me so much nostalgic feelings .. I used to live in the Bay Area and all the details of the San Francisco made me miss the city. One of the many reasons I love reading her books is all the descriptive details she provides. So descriptive I could imagine every action, scent as if I’m seeing it visually on screen!

Winston gave me a fun and exciting aerial view of his neighborhood. It was nice to see a view of a fast paced ride from his skateboard riding through the streets of the city like we were on a rollercoaster ride!

I applaud Stacey for navigating all the feelings of Winston as a teen dealing with the grief of passing of his dad. It is so much to deal in the first place but she describes his vulnerability and looking for closure on point. Every family member was dealing with grief differently and it was nice to see that perspective.
It was heartbreaking and my heart was hurting though.

There were many funny moments. I love the interaction he had with his crush Dani. All his emotions and the scene of Winston trying to impress her was hilarious. I loved hearing about the instruments. I played the cello myself so hearing Dani’s musical history made my heart sing. And the fuzzy Ukelele!!!
I love his support system! His crew! The soccer mates are his sidekicks.

I recommend this to middle schooler especially who is living the teenage years! I also recommend it to adults since it’s fun going back in our time and feel the teenage emotions. Ha! I can’t wait until the next book and I’m sure it’s full of excitement. Author Stacey never disappoints!
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Evie
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read if you like hilarious, friendship adventures w/thoughtful characters to root for.
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2023
Hilarious! My kids fought over it. Winston saves a curiosity shop from being broken into and as a reward, gets to choose something in the shop, first thing he touches is the thing he chooses, but he's impulsive, so he ends up with an old broom and dustpan! They start stealing his stuff... This book was completely imaginative and full of adventures, the kind with a group ensemble so you get to see the power of friendships. Sort of like Goonies but modern fantasy set in San Francisco. I'm still crying over the dancing cactus...
2 people found this helpful
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Karen
4.0 out of 5 stars Whimsical and Fun!
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2023
Every Rick Riordan Presents book is an exciting new adventure, and as I continue reading the stories that come out of this imprint, I learn more and more about other cultures and their mythologies. In Winston Chu, Stacey Lee presents a story I’m wholly unfamiliar with—that of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. In her book, the characters of the Cowherd and Cloud Weaver are pulled from their mythological origins and placed in a modern setting, allowing kids (and adults!) to better relate to this classic tale.

One of the highlights of this book is Lee’s ability to capture the spirit of a 12-year-old kid. Children can be so random and strange at this age, and she really tapped into that voice for Winston and his friends. But Lee also wasn't afraid to tackle large topics like loss and grief. All of Winston’s emotions—from the sadness to the anger—are completely valid, and it was truly inspirational to see the author write such a big, profound story in a children’s book. Loss is a part of life, and I’m glad Lee talked about this issue head-on without fear that it might be too much for a kid to read about.

Stacey Lee’s imagination is also top-tier because each one of Mr. Pang’s whimsies has a clever name and a truly inspired magical property. His shop opens up a whole new avenue to Winston and his friends, where each whimsy could either be a tool used to aid them or distract them from their ultimate goal. All of them are fun and clever and even a little scary at times, but they’re also full of a magic I’m dying to explore further.

Lee plants each detail in Winston Chu with care, and doesn’t forget to go back to every single one of them in order to provide us with a satisfying ending to this book. I loved all of the full-circle moments, as well as the way she wrapped up all the threads she had exposed in the beginning. I’m so excited to see what’s next in the Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies sequel. Something tells me it’ll be even more magical than this one!
2 people found this helpful
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Chenyi H.
5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting whimsical adventure through the City by the Bay!
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2023
A fun & mystical adventure through the City by the Bay. Every chapter is filled with excitement and mysteries as we follow Winston in finding his missing beloved possessions. A refreshing spin of Chinese folklore and boba - a must read for all ages.
One person found this helpful
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