Tokyo Heist

May 7, 2012
Renn’s fun debut takes a kitchen-sink approach, throwing together romance, mystery, and action in a way that echoes the manga that 16-year-old Violet loves to read (and hopes to create herself someday). While spending the summer with her absentminded artist father in Seattle, she finds out about the theft of some van Gogh drawings owned by her father’s patrons, Kenji and Mitsue Yamada. Drawn into the mystery of the theft, she fights with her best friend (and crush) Edge, runs into members of the yakuza, ends up in Japan with her father, and teams up with her friend Reika to search Tokyo and Kyoto for both the van Goghs and the painting they inspired. Renn keeps the action moving briskly, and if she hews to a few clichés (Violet’s manga-inspired “it’s more romantic to hide your feelings” approach to Edge is a prime example), the action, mix of genres, and large cast of characters always keep things interesting. Fans of mysteries and thrillers will enjoy this just as much as fans of Japanese culture. Ages 12–up. Agent: Kirby Kim, William Morris Endeavor.

May 1, 2012
A van Gogh heist, a trip to Japan and a yakuza attack: Could there be a better summer? Violet's an otaku--a comics-loving Japanophile, derided as a "Manga-loid" by her school's mean girls--who draws her own manga and makes scarves out of vintage kimonos. Her dreadful summer plans (working at the comic-book store) are delightfully derailed when she has to join her estranged artist father in Tokyo, where he's been commissioned to paint a mural. But what's this? Her father's employers have been relieved of three van Gogh drawings, and Violet knows just the suspicious characters who might be guilty! The plucky detective investigates in both Seattle and Tokyo, following suspects around town in a tangled blonde wig and deciphering codes incorporated in both art and kanji. Soon the mystery begins to resemble an episode of Violet's own manga, Kimono Girl, complete with dangerous yakuza (Japanese mobsters), blackmail letters and FBI stings. Eagle-eyed Violet's sleuthing is assisted by her keen love of art, from manga to van Gogh to ukiyo-e, Japanese woodblock prints. A proficient caper spiced up by Violet's eye for art. (Fiction. 12-14)

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June 1, 2012

Gr 7 Up-Violet Rossi, cynical and annoyed with the adults in her life, plans to spend the summer with her artist dad in Seattle. She is a creative, manga-loving 16-year-old who even has a manga alter ego, Kimono Girl. She is excited when her dad's new commission is her ticket to Tokyo for the summer. However, before they leave, his patrons have precious van Gogh drawings stolen from their home, and a yakuza, a Japanese gangster, demands they give him a painting that he thinks they have. When the teen and her dad land in Japan, the danger increases and the gangster threatens to "erase" Violet's dad if he does not receive the painting. Violet is smart and knows a lot about Japanese culture. She starts researching the case, thinking it would be good inspiration for her Kimono Girl manga, but she eventually becomes wrapped up in the mystery. The plot has lots of twists and turns, leaving readers on edge, and a hint of romance (Violet has a crush on her best friend back home). Readers will cheer for Violet as she uses her wits and outsmarts the adults. Teens will learn about Japanese culture, and fans of manga and art students will rejoice that they can relate to the protagonist and story.-Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2012
Grades 7-10 Everyone has better summer plans than Violet. Her best friend/boy-of-her-dreams is going to film camp, and her other friend, Rieka, will be in Tokyo visiting her family. Although Violet isn't an otaku (a manga fan obsessed to a debilitating degree), she is an aspiring artist and maybe a little jealous of Rieka. What's worse is that she has to stay with her distant muralist father in Seattle. But her luck changes when she learns that some of her dad's clients were recently robbed of priceless Van Goghs. When those clients are threatened by the Yakuza, Violet and her dad decide to take the search international, and Violet finally gets to see Tokyo for herself. With guidance from her favorite manga, Vampire Sleuths, and her own artistic creation, Kimono Girl, she makes up her mind to find the missing Van Goghs herself. Renn's debut will be a surefire hit with Japanophiles, who will thoroughly appreciate Violet's enthusiasm for the culture. This art heist has twists and turns, romance, and the happily-ever-after that many will be rooting for.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)