Karate Kids

PreS-K--Maya and her friends are in karate class. Maya is a beginner and has a white belt, while her friends are all at higher levels, but they all support one another, and Sterling sends a clear message about not giving up. As Maya puts it, "I can't touch my toes yet, but I stretch as far as I can go." This story will especially appeal to children in karate class because it introduces vocabulary and demonstrates the different terms with illustrations. At one point, Maya gets extra help from the teacher, or a sensei. The author, a karate champion, is passionate about her sport. At the back of the book she states, "Karate not only helps to improve fitness and flexibility, but it also teaches confidence, mindfulness, compassion, and respect. It is also a great way to make friends!" VERDICT Highly recommended for public and school libraries as an introduction to karate. This book also fosters kindness and encourages kids not to give up.--Robin Sofge, Prince William Public Library System, VA

A Saturday karate class comes to life in this picture book by Sterling, a sensei and medaled global competitor in the Japanese martial art form. In the first-person perspective, a pigtailed child called Maya conveys her enthusiasm for her karate class, showing readers her uniform, belt, and dojo, and using some karate terminology (age uke, gedan barai). Though Maya occasionally stumbles, her fellow karate kids are there to encourage her. Simple pencil and digitally colored illustrations complement the text's accessibility. Though the sensei--who resembles the author--and Maya herself are white, the children in Maya's class are inclusively portrayed, with multicultural names and skin tones, emphasizing the widespread appeal of the sport. Ages 3-7. (May)