Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Sharks

February 1, 2019

Gr 2-5-Sam and his best friends Bernard and Zoe vow to face down even the fiercest of sharks on their school field trip to the aquarium so bullies like Ralph will not have any excuse to tease them. But how could Sam have known that an extremely scary shark named "Crazy Charlie" would try to attack him through the glass tank? Once again, Sam and his friends must prove themselves or lose face. The latest challenge is to attend Ralph and Regina's birthday party at the beach despite obstacles like Sam's newly intensified fear of sharks, and the fact that Bernard cannot swim. Of course, in the end, Sam proves that he can be a hero by facing his fears. Following the enjoyable Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts, the funny plots and schemes also offer a realistic depiction of growing up as a Chinese American kid. VERDICT An engaging and authentic underdog tale that fans of Mark Parisi's "Marty Pants" and Lenore Look's "Alvin Ho" series will enjoy.-Tara Kehoe, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Charlotte, NC

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2019
Sam Wu is still totally NOT scared.Even though he's already demonstrated his bravery by conquering a ghost (Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts, 2018), Sam somehow once again finds himself trying to shake the nickname "Scaredy-Cat Sam." After an embarrassing incident during a school trip to the aquarium, he and his friends face a beach birthday party and the twin specters of swimming (turns out his brainy friend Bernard can't swim) and sharks (obviously). He notes, in his characteristically wry way, that "apparently, bravery is something you have to prove over and over again." This second installment, like Sam, seems anxious of venturing beyond the surf; it largely clings to the format of the first book, nearly act for act. Nonetheless, it should find its readers, who may find comfort and confidence in following Sam's incremental growth. Additional time spent with Na-Na, Sam's sharp and sassy grandmother, reveals more about Sam's family's Hong Kong origins and highlights a loving, realistic, intergenerational relationship. Foodies will enjoy the additional references to Chinese fare--one memorable scene finds Sam, white-skinned Bernard, and darker-skinned Zoe happily chewing on grilled squid. While Reed's Na-Na isn't a particularly compelling image of a Hong Kong grandma, readers will otherwise appreciate the illustrations' big-eyed humor as well as the dynamic type styling, graphics, and page design.A sequel skittish of unchartered waters still finds its way. (Fiction. 7-10)

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