Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena

by Julie C. Dao Narrated by Angela Tran, Richard Nguyen

Overview

"A rousing adventure and heartwarming series opener." - Publishers Weekly

A rollicking, action-packed adventure of laser tag and fierce sibling rivalries, Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena is the first book in a commerical middle grade fantasy series by Julie C. Dao.

"Dao is a bright voice in middle grade fiction, crafting characters and plot in a way that feels effortless...A fresh title that weaves elements of sports stories and sci-fi with realism and beautifully developed characters, in a way that makes this story irresistible." -School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Clip and Sadie Chu couldn't be more different. Popular, athletic Clip wants to become his school's first seventh-grade soccer captain, while brainy star student Sadie is determined to prove that she can do anything her boastful brother can.

They have just one thing in common: they love laser tag. Like, really love it.

When the Blackwood Gaming Arena comes to town, bringing virtual reality headsets and state-of-the-art courses, they couldn't be more excited-or competitive. But then a mysterious figure appears and claims to be a part of the game, forcing the Chus and their friends to save themselves from a sinister force lurking inside the simulation. Together, they must fight their way through epic battlegrounds that will test their speed, skills, and smarts . . . but will Clip and Sadie learn that they're far better off working together than competing for the ultimate victory?

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Dao is a bright voice in middle grade fiction, crafting characters and plot in a way that feels effortless...A fresh title that weaves elements of sports stories and sci-fi with realism and beautifully developed characters, in a way that makes this story irresistible." —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

"Through the siblings’ alternating perspectives and respective internal struggle... Dao (Song of the Crimson Flower) delves into the Chu’s intergenerational dynamics, pressures, and expectations. A rousing adventure and heartwarming series opener." —Publishers Weekly

"Chapters alternate between sports-loving Clip’s voice and academically inclined Sadie’s point of view as the siblings unravel the mystery in the most challenging—and imaginative—game of laser tag they’ve ever played. Young gamers, and readers who enjoy rooting for a strong sibling relationship full of competition and support, will revel in this fun, fast-paced adventure." —Booklist

“An action-packed tale of sibling rivalry where thrills and challenges highlight the importance of family and teamwork. This book will delight readers with its fast pace and captivating worlds. Dao has once again crafted a must-read story full of immersive adventure.” —Adrianna Cuevas, author of Pura Belpré Honor book The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez and Cuba in My Pocket

“Laser tag has never been cooler! Both a wild, rollicking adventure and a sweet and nuanced sibling story, Julie C. Dao’s middle-grade debut is first on the leaderboard for me.” —E.L. Shen, author of The Comeback

“Julie Dao delivers a thrilling, pulse pounding joy ride of an adventure brimming over with humor and heart. Readers will love following bickering siblings Sadie and Clip into their wildly imaginative and sinister game of laser tag that will test their skills, their nerve and their love for each other. Team Chu forever!” —New York Times bestselling author Samira Ahmed

“An epically cool adventure that combines fantasy, virtual reality, and competitive sibling rivalry. Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena is fast-paced and bursting with richly designed gaming worlds that you'll wish were real. It's vivid, thrilling, and so much fun.” —Akemi Dawn Bowman, author of the William C. Morris Award Finalist Starfish and The Infinity Courts series

“The perfect balance of heart and action that will have young readers racing to that last page—and then screaming for the next book.” —Scott Reintgen, Indie Bestselling author of the Nyxia series

Kirkus Reviews

2023-03-14
Laser tag becomes more than a game for two rival sibs in this series kickoff.

Even though it gives them even more opportunities to snipe at each other, the opening of a big new gaming arcade with multiscenario virtual-reality laser tag is exciting news for both cocky seventh grader Clarence “Clip” Chu and his hotly competitive younger sister, Sadie. The stakes ramp up far past just high scores and bragging rights, though, when the two meet Tom, the son of the game’s designer, who has been trapped in the game’s virtual worlds and can’t leave without help from a team willing to join him there—to tackle not only suddenly all-too-realistic monsters, but changing hazards and brain teasers posed by the ominously intelligent software. By the time the Chus have led Tom and assembled allies into and past the Swamp of Despair, a Haunted Castle, and other battlegrounds, their bitter rivalry has been transformed into respect for each other’s complementary abilities and their own familial relationship. The apologies and gestures of reconciliation do get a bit heavy-handed toward the end, but the messaging doesn’t impede the tale’s quick pace or focus on action. Dao brings to life the foods, values, generational differences, and general rhythms of life in the Vietnamese American Chu household. There is racial diversity in the supporting cast.

A heady mix of personal growth and high-speed gaming action. (Adventure. 8-12)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178448908
Publisher:	Spotify Audiobooks
Publication date:	07/26/2022
Series:	Team Chu
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

Videos