The Kung Fu Chronicles (Julie Black Belt #1)

by Oliver Chin (Author) Charlene Chua (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

When Julie takes a kung fu class, she thinks getting a black belt will be easy. But her bold teacher says guess again! Since practice takes patience, Julie wonders, what would her movie idol Brandy Wu do?

Can Julie take her lessons to heart, and exercise both her mind and body? Then will she develop the self-confidence and discipline necessary to take the Yellow belt test and show her brother, parents, and heroine the true "spirit” of this sport?

Children and parents identify with Julie’s attitude and journey. She is a modern, refreshing character who leads a diverse class and displays authentic girl power. This is an engaging introduction of martial arts to young children who enroll in after school programs. Inspired by a real girl in a taekwondo class, this story’s lessons are applicable to any martial art, such as karate, ju-jitsu, aikido, judo, and wrestling.

Like real youngsters, Julie learns by doing. Teachers appreciate how the story promotes respect, conflict resolution, and self-defense, which in turn improves focus and concentration. Training builds confidence and social skills and improves physical fitness (coordination, balance, posture). Artist Charlene Chua’s vibrant illustrations capture Julie’s high-flying action and her evolving commitment with dynamic energy. The adventures continue in Julie Black Belt: The Belt of Fire!

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School Library Journal

Gr 1-4--Chin reveals the hard work it takes for young martial artists to accomplish their goals. Julie idolizes action-movie star Brandy Wu and longs for a black belt like her heroine. She's already mastered all of the moves in her video games, so how hard can it be? But she discovers that the road to black belt is a long one, requiring bruised knees (and bruised pride), dedication, and perseverance. The exuberant digital illustrations show Julie's journey from enthusiastic beginner to struggling novice to poised and confident student who earns her yellow belt. The story includes kung fu terms and self-defense philosophy that will be familiar to young martial-arts students. The only possible concern lies in the depiction of some of Julie's techniques, which look slightly advanced for beginners (a leaping sidekick appears as one of the moves on her test). Overall, however, 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."Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT" Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"I recommend this book. The characters' constant state of motion adds excitement to the story. The kung fu classes are filled with male and female racially diverse students, and their cartoon-like appearance will appeal to children. When children read Julie's story they will understand how important and beneficial it can be to keep going despite difficulties. Julie's tireless effort and enthusiastic attitude create a positive ending to this story." - Resource Links

"This is a great book for girls (or boys!) who are interested in martial arts. The message is practice and hard work get results and that applies to most things in life." - PinkwithSparkles

"With art by Charlene Chua, Julie Black Belt features a girl who decides that with a little hard work, kung fu can be fun." - Super Punch

"the illustrations are so bright and vivid, younger kids may enjoy the story anyway. Charlene Chua definitely does a great job. There are lots of nice details while keeping everything simple and clean. The martial arts seem to be very popular these days; there's probably 3 or 4 studios in our little town. So, if your little one is interested, or if you're looking to get your child interested, this book might be perfect for you." - SuperCoolBaby

"Finding a female Asian heroine in a children's book is a pleasant surprise... Parents struggling to instill values in their children will appreciate the persevering young heroine who forgets external rewards while focusing on internal goals. The illustrations, reminiscent of 'The Incredibles' animated film, are bright and crisp. Take a look at this book. You might even see yourself in Julie." - Nichibei Times

"Oliver Chin's story moves at a fast enough pace to keep children engaged while still managing to show the different stages Julie goes through in finally earning her yellow belt. Charlene Chua's bright colors and animated illustrations of Julie practicing different skills are fun to look at. Julie Black Belt is a story about perseverance and serves as a great example to teach children how working hard pays off." - Northwest Asian Weekly

Oliver Chin
Oliver Chin has written The Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series, Baltazar and the Flying Pirates, Welcome to Monster Isle, Timmy and Tammy's Train of Thought, and The Adventures of WonderBaby. He is writing Julie Black Belt's sequel and lives in San Francisco, California.

Charlene Chua was born in Singapore and raised on a diet of American cartoons and music in the midst of a booming Asian city. She now is an award-winning illustrator living with her husband and cats in Toronto, Canada, and illustrating Julie Black Belt's sequel.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781597020091
Lexile Measure
810
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Immedium
Publication date
September 20, 2008
Series
Julie Black Belt
BISAC categories
JUV032070 - Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation | Martial Arts
Library of Congress categories
Conduct of life
Kung fu

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