(3) 4-6 Dragon's Guide series. Illustrated by Mary GrandPré. Dragon Miss Drake and her human "pet" Winnie travel back in time to the 1915 San Francisco World's Fair to meet great-granddad Caleb and solve a jewel heist. A mischievous wish-granting imp complicates matters. The growing dragon-human teamwork, San Francisco–specific history, a nicely integrated fantasy framework, and light comedy combine for a cheery continuation of the series.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Mary GrandPré. Winnie is newly enrolled in a magic academy. But Nanette, niece of Winnie's dragon-caretaker's "self-proclaimed rival," is also attending--and proclaims herself Winnie's rival. Lighthearted episodes of unusual lessons and field trips, illustrated by winsome spot art, are grounded by more serious encounters with Winnie's grandfather's goons in this buoyant second entry (A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans).

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2016

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Mary GrandPré. Dragon Miss Drake's pet Fluffy dies, then Winnie shows up. Winnie, a human, seems to have the notion that she is the owner and Miss Drake is the pet. An enchanted sketchbook leads to adventure when the magical creatures Winnie draws come to life. Miss Drake's refinement and Winnie's hardscrabble make-do set each other off with a vinegar-and-sweet piquancy shared by GrandPré's whimsical spot art.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2015

(3) 4-6 City Trilogy series. Scirye and her friends must escape false charges of treason in her Kushan homeland before they can journey to the City of Death for their final confrontation with Roland. Set in an alternate 1941 in which magic exists and ancient Silk-Road empires are world powers, the last installment in this unique fantasy-adventure trilogy will captivate its fans.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) 4-6 City Trilogy series. In this sequel to City of Fire, Scirye and her companions journey to the Arctic and, with the help of an ingenious princess, pursue the villainous Roland through the dangerous, icy Wastes. This blend of alternate history and fantasy crafts realistic, likable characters and culminates in an engrossing conclusion that leaves readers eagerly awaiting the series' final installment.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) 4-6 Artie brags to his tough cousin Petey about providing all the fireworks for Chinese New Year. With time running out before the celebration, Artie's uncle Chester makes a gracious sacrifice to help his nephew save face. The easy-to-follow story introduces readers to Chinese New Year traditions. Yep's preface explains that the 1950s-set tale is based on his own childhood memories. Bib.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(2) 4-6 Golden Mountain Chronicles series. In 1835, hard-working Swallow, with her mother and sister Lily, raises silkworms. In 1881, Lily's granddaughter learns of the great-aunt (Swallow) who sold herself into slavery so her family could survive. As the story continues, each generation of women, silk workers all, sacrifices for the sake of family. It all comes together to build a coherent and affecting portrait.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2011

(3) 4-6 City Trilogy series. A dragon attacks a museum exhibit in a magical alternate San Francisco, circa 1941. Three children, a miniature griffin, and a disguised dragon join forces and hunt the creature to avenge their personal losses. A capricious deity and a world-threatening subplot complete this projected trilogy opener. An artful blend of fantasy and history shapes the story. Bib.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Insu Lee. In this China-set adaptation of "Little Red Riding Hood," two squabbling sisters home alone disagree about whether to admit someone claiming to be their aunt--in actuality, a hungry tiger in disguise. The sibling rivalry angle adds dimension to the familiar tale, swiftly told by Yep. The illustrations ably juxtapose a slick, contemporary-looking style with a traditional Chinese setting.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 With Kathleen S. Yep. In 1922, a young boy leaves China for California, accompanied by his American-born Chinese father whom he scarcely knows. Upon arrival, the boy faces rigorous questioning by Angel Island officials. Yep used intriguing immigration transcripts to write this absorbing (if occasionally unpolished) fictionalized tale about his family. An extensive afterword supplies more information about Chinese immigration and Yep family history, including photographs. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(2) 4-6 Calvin (nicknamed "Flash" because of his hot temper) and his friend Barney join a Chinese basketball team's physically and emotionally grueling barnstorming tour. Cal learns to control his temper while facing prejudices and threats of violence. Yep integrates historical details seamlessly into the story. The frequent, exciting basketball games should be a big attraction for sports fans.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2009

(4) 4-6 Tiger's Apprentice series. As apprentice to the Guardian of a sacred phoenix egg, Tom is forced to put what little magic he knows into action when he and the Guardian enter the underwater world of dragons to try to protect the egg. The relentless drama of battles, deception, and thievery is somewhat alleviated by humorous characterizations of the Guardian's loyal band of friends.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(4) 4-6 Teddy's little brother Bobby seems destined for greatness, but Teddy seems destined to inherit his dad's fish store. He wants to prove himself while camping with Uncle Curtis, but all three have farcical bad luck with rain, rocks, mosquitoes, and even a skunk. Periodic life lessons add to the slightly formulaic feel, but Yep's yarning about San Francisco's Chinatown is entertaining.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(2) 4-6 Golden Mountain Chronicles series. The lives of two boys, old beyond their twelve years, intertwine in this saga of ugly events in the Wyoming Territory. This novel focuses on the 1885 race riot in which white coal miners massacred the Chinese workers favored by the mine owner. The well-drawn history is fascinating; a subplot is intriguing; and the plight of the boys as outsiders will appeal to readers. A historical note and a series overview are appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Margaret A. Bush | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2003

(3) 4-6 Girls of Many Lands series. While the mid-1800s city of Canton endures a British invasion, orphaned Spring Pearl leaves her home to live with her father's friend. Raised to be independent, Spring Pearl is frowned upon by the daughters of her new family. But when trouble occurs, her wisdom and strength help save the family. Yep's prose flows smoothly, and despite some stock characters, the story is enjoyable.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Suling Wang. Ten-year-old Ursula discovers her face is permanently scarred by smallpox, and she becomes reclusive, hiding in her Montana home and refusing to see her friends. When her family's Chinese cook suffers from discrimination, Ursula overcomes her fears and helps her small town accept differences. Accompanied by black-and-white drawings, the story entertains despite its heavy-handed message.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(3) 4-6 After Robin lands the part of Beauty in a production of "Beauty and the Beast," the young ballerina discovers she's been cast in the role both onstage and off when she starts working for beastly storeowner Mr. Cao. In this sequel to Ribbons and The Cook's Family, Yep never pushes the analogy too far, and he balances heartbreaking scenes with humorous ones.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 Royal Diaries series. When a neighboring tribe in the Great Forest of China in 531 C.E., begins to attack, Princess Redbird must put aside her own dreams to help her father defend their Hsien village and their neighbors, including the hated Chinese. Readers will be drawn to Redbird, who is based on a real person and whose presence in conflicting worlds tests her fortitude. Back matter includes a historical note, genealogy, maps, and archival illustrations.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 After Teddy's younger brother Bobby offends the school bully, the Chinese-American brothers must find a way to avoid retribution from their nemesis. With the help of some cookies made by the friendly neighborhood entomologist, the boys face down "Arnie-zilla." Despite a somewhat heavy-handed denouement and the writing's TV-sitcom-like quality, readers will be drawn in by the conflict and the story's humor.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 My Name Is America series. Just the right blend of fear, sorrow, discontent, and determination permeates twelve-year-old Runt's reflections on his perilous voyage to "the Gold Mountain," the backbreaking work in the mining camps, and the anti-Chinese sentiment of American claim-stakers. Ample historical and cultural details more than make up for the anticlimactic epilogue. A historical note and contemporary photos and drawings are appended.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger