Julie Black Belt: The Kung Fu Chronicles

“The exuberant digital illustrations show Julie’s journey from enthusiastic beginner to struggling novice to poised and confident student who earns her yellow belt...youngsters interested in the sport will be thrilled to follow Julie’s adventures. Other readers may also learn something from Julie’s determination to meet her goals.” —School Library Journal

“Practice makes perfect. That’s what Julie learns in her beginning kung fu class along with lessons about dedication and determination. (She thinks getting a black belt will be a snap.)...a high-action story that encourages deep reflection despite the action movie look.” —San Francisco Chronicle

“Here’s another book that is perfect if you want to get younger children into comics. Plus it’s a positive story for female readers, an audience that is never given enough attention…It’s a positive tale that encourages hard work and persistence and it’s entertaining and charming to boot.” —Ain’t It Cool News

When Julie takes a kung fu class, she thinks getting a black belt will be easy. But her bold teacher says guess again! As reality doesn’t match her expectations, Julie wonders, what would her matinee idol Brandy Wu do?

Can Julie take her lessons to heart? Only then can this “white belt” pass her next test to show her brother, parents, and heroine this sport’s true spirit.

Julie is a refreshing female character whom children everywhere can identify with. Created before Kung Fu Panda and the new Karate Kid film, Julie displays what real kid power is!

"Idolizing the movie actress Brandy Wu, Julie confidently accepts her parents' offer to enroll in a kung fu class in Oliver Chin's delightful Julie Black Belt: The Kung Fu Chronicles. But getting a black belt won't be easy since her teacher says every beginner must start with a white one. Julie wonders what her big screen idol would do...Find out through Charlene Chua's lively illustrations in this engaging and empowering read." - Audrey Magazine

"Evocative of graphic novels, the illustrations will catch readers' attention. They portray the range of emotions that Julie and the other characters experience and also present the characters in 'action shots,' which will appeal to younger readers and draw them into the story. Many of the illustrations are mid-action sequences that will give readers the impression that they are watching a movie instead of reading a book with static pictures." - CM magazine