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Tessa Miyata #1
Tessa Miyata Is No Hero
Tessa Miyata has never fit in. When she and her two sisters are told they will be staying with their grandparents in Japan, Tessa is thrilled. A summer in Japan could be her chance to go on an adventure worthy of impressing her classmates back home.
Her hopes are quickly dashed when she realizes her sisters are old enough to go into Tokyo, while she can’t even go to the corner store by herself. Plus, her grandparents want her to stay home with the neighbor kid, thirteen-year-old Jin Uehara, who’s made it clear he’s too cool to spend time with a weirdo like her.
When Tessa is finally allowed to go to Tokyo, it’s only to join her grandpa’s retiree aerobic class with none other than Jin. Their disastrous forced hangout comes crashing to a halt when Tessa and Jin break the Miyata family’s precious heirloom—accidentally releasing the malicious samurai god Taira Masakado and discovering a hidden part of the city where gods and mythological creatures walk among humans—including their new companion, a mythical nine-tailed fox who may be more trouble than he is help.
Tessa and Jin must now work together to stop Taira Masakado before he traps them—and the rest of Tokyo—under his command, forever.
Her hopes are quickly dashed when she realizes her sisters are old enough to go into Tokyo, while she can’t even go to the corner store by herself. Plus, her grandparents want her to stay home with the neighbor kid, thirteen-year-old Jin Uehara, who’s made it clear he’s too cool to spend time with a weirdo like her.
When Tessa is finally allowed to go to Tokyo, it’s only to join her grandpa’s retiree aerobic class with none other than Jin. Their disastrous forced hangout comes crashing to a halt when Tessa and Jin break the Miyata family’s precious heirloom—accidentally releasing the malicious samurai god Taira Masakado and discovering a hidden part of the city where gods and mythological creatures walk among humans—including their new companion, a mythical nine-tailed fox who may be more trouble than he is help.
Tessa and Jin must now work together to stop Taira Masakado before he traps them—and the rest of Tokyo—under his command, forever.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 22, 2023
31 people are currently reading
3271 people want to read
About the author
Julie Abe
8 books592 followersJulie Abe is the author of the EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH middle grade fantasy series; the middle grade fantasy ALLIANA, GIRL OF DRAGONS; and the young adult novel THE CHARMED LIST. She has lived in Silicon Valley, spent many humid summers in Japan, and currently basks in the sunshine of Southern California with never enough books or tea, where she creates stories about magical adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 16, 2023
4.0 Stars
This is a fantastic middle grade fantasy novel. I loved that the author does not simplify anything for the young reader but instead incorporates traditional Japanese words and cultural elements.
As an adult reader, this middle grade story totally held up. It reminded me of a Ghibli movie in the vein of Spirited Away. I have always been fascinated by Japan so I will admit that I had a great time with this story. It is a great narrative surrounding themes of friendship and adventure.
I would have loved to read this when I was younger and so I would love to put this into the hands of other young readers.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This is a fantastic middle grade fantasy novel. I loved that the author does not simplify anything for the young reader but instead incorporates traditional Japanese words and cultural elements.
As an adult reader, this middle grade story totally held up. It reminded me of a Ghibli movie in the vein of Spirited Away. I have always been fascinated by Japan so I will admit that I had a great time with this story. It is a great narrative surrounding themes of friendship and adventure.
I would have loved to read this when I was younger and so I would love to put this into the hands of other young readers.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
May 7, 2025
2025 Review:
Is there anything more wonderful than the pleasure of revisiting a book you loved and realizing that you love it just as much, if not a little bit more, than the first time you read it? I decided to reread Tessa Miyata is No Hero, and I’m so glad I did – and that I decided to go on the audio route, but more on that later. All you need to know right now is that this book is still one of my favorite middle grade reads, and I love it very much!
I’m inclined to look favorably at middle grade fantasy adventures; these were the kinds of stories that I grew up reading and the tales that shaped who I am as a reader, so I have a big soft spot for the genre. It still blows my mind that new, diverse titles keep getting added to the selection available to younger readers, and I’m especially excited whenever I hear about a new Asian-authored title. Julie Abe is an author whose work I’ve followed since I read her middle grade debut years ago. She’s proven with her many books (middle grade and young adult alike) that she knows how to tell a story that combines whimsical lore, action/adventure and character development and how to do it well.
Tessa Miyata is No Hero is a prime example of her work. Not only is this story written in a vibrant way that would lend itself well to animation (please, I’m begging a studio to snag this one for an animated adaptation!), but it also weaves all its elements together into a story that’s entertaining and fun and heartfelt. Sure, this is the story of Tessa’s high stakes, wildly whimsical Tokyo summer adventure where she and her allies must save the city from supernatural forces of destruction. But it’s also the story of Tessa learning who she is, becoming comfortable with that identity and understanding who and what matters most in her life. I love that both things are true, and Julie Abe did a fantastic job with her storytelling.
If you’re a middle grade fantasy adventure fan; if you happen to enjoy anime or Japanese lore; or if you just want to read a fantastic middle grade, look no further than Tessa Miyata is No Hero. It’s a phenomenal addition to the genre and one that I can eagerly and wholeheartedly recommend!
[I mentioned earlier that I listened to the audiobook for this reread. I’m glad I did, because the narrator – Sura Siu – did a fantastic job! I enjoyed her performance a great deal, and she did a wonderful job bringing Tessa and her story to life with her voice.]
2023 Review:
It's fun to have Julie Abe writing a different kind of fantasy where magic is woven into the real world; she's done it with her previous YA release but this is the first of its kind among her middle grade books. It's a delightful adventure that captures the spirit of animes that I loved in with a few similar elements, including:
- a main character who feels set apart from the world and is struggling emotionally
- unlikely allies (both human and fantastical) she meets along the way
- magical lore based on history and myth that marry magic and the mundane
- a series of difficulties, obstacles and challenges en route to saving the day
I was really swept up in Tessa's story, and I absolutely adored this book!
Is there anything more wonderful than the pleasure of revisiting a book you loved and realizing that you love it just as much, if not a little bit more, than the first time you read it? I decided to reread Tessa Miyata is No Hero, and I’m so glad I did – and that I decided to go on the audio route, but more on that later. All you need to know right now is that this book is still one of my favorite middle grade reads, and I love it very much!
I’m inclined to look favorably at middle grade fantasy adventures; these were the kinds of stories that I grew up reading and the tales that shaped who I am as a reader, so I have a big soft spot for the genre. It still blows my mind that new, diverse titles keep getting added to the selection available to younger readers, and I’m especially excited whenever I hear about a new Asian-authored title. Julie Abe is an author whose work I’ve followed since I read her middle grade debut years ago. She’s proven with her many books (middle grade and young adult alike) that she knows how to tell a story that combines whimsical lore, action/adventure and character development and how to do it well.
Tessa Miyata is No Hero is a prime example of her work. Not only is this story written in a vibrant way that would lend itself well to animation (please, I’m begging a studio to snag this one for an animated adaptation!), but it also weaves all its elements together into a story that’s entertaining and fun and heartfelt. Sure, this is the story of Tessa’s high stakes, wildly whimsical Tokyo summer adventure where she and her allies must save the city from supernatural forces of destruction. But it’s also the story of Tessa learning who she is, becoming comfortable with that identity and understanding who and what matters most in her life. I love that both things are true, and Julie Abe did a fantastic job with her storytelling.
If you’re a middle grade fantasy adventure fan; if you happen to enjoy anime or Japanese lore; or if you just want to read a fantastic middle grade, look no further than Tessa Miyata is No Hero. It’s a phenomenal addition to the genre and one that I can eagerly and wholeheartedly recommend!
[I mentioned earlier that I listened to the audiobook for this reread. I’m glad I did, because the narrator – Sura Siu – did a fantastic job! I enjoyed her performance a great deal, and she did a wonderful job bringing Tessa and her story to life with her voice.]
2023 Review:
It's fun to have Julie Abe writing a different kind of fantasy where magic is woven into the real world; she's done it with her previous YA release but this is the first of its kind among her middle grade books. It's a delightful adventure that captures the spirit of animes that I loved in with a few similar elements, including:
- a main character who feels set apart from the world and is struggling emotionally
- unlikely allies (both human and fantastical) she meets along the way
- magical lore based on history and myth that marry magic and the mundane
- a series of difficulties, obstacles and challenges en route to saving the day
I was really swept up in Tessa's story, and I absolutely adored this book!
August 21, 2024
Tessa Miyata is No Hero is a delightful middle-grade fantasy that takes you on a wonderous adventure, inspired by Japanese mythology and legends.
full review to come on my blog; but know that I absolutely loved this book!
Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me with an e-ARC!
full review to come on my blog; but know that I absolutely loved this book!
Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me with an e-ARC!
August 19, 2023
“Ame futte, ji katamaru. After the rain, the earth hardens.”
Rating: 4.5 stars
★★★★✩
full review soon but middle grade fantasies always will have my heart & this one was just so good! im in love with julie abe's writing and gonna be seated for every other book she puts out 🤌
August 11, 2025
3.5/5
This was cute and I liked it more than Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch, but it still felt like it was missing something. I really liked the setting and the fantasy elements, but at some points I felt that things could've been explained a bit better. It also felt like the pacing was off at some points or like things just weren't progressing at a normal pace. I still liked it quite a bit, though, and (if I can get to it soon) will probably pick up the sequel.
This was cute and I liked it more than Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch, but it still felt like it was missing something. I really liked the setting and the fantasy elements, but at some points I felt that things could've been explained a bit better. It also felt like the pacing was off at some points or like things just weren't progressing at a normal pace. I still liked it quite a bit, though, and (if I can get to it soon) will probably pick up the sequel.
August 21, 2023
**I received a copy of the book through NetGalley and a finished copy from the publisher. I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own. **
Abe pulls from history and mythology to provide a contemporary middle-grade fantasy that is full of heart and courage. Although I adore middle-grade reads, many are often fast-paced and plot-driven, jumping quickly from one point to the next. I found Tessa Miyata is No Hero to be well-paced and sufficiently establishes the background of the characters and provides character development while mixing in magic and history.
Pick up Tessa Miyata is No Hero if you’re a fan of middle-grade fantasy reads that incorporate East Asian history and mythology. Most of all be ready to cheer for the underdog. I am ready for the next book! (3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars)
Abe pulls from history and mythology to provide a contemporary middle-grade fantasy that is full of heart and courage. Although I adore middle-grade reads, many are often fast-paced and plot-driven, jumping quickly from one point to the next. I found Tessa Miyata is No Hero to be well-paced and sufficiently establishes the background of the characters and provides character development while mixing in magic and history.
Pick up Tessa Miyata is No Hero if you’re a fan of middle-grade fantasy reads that incorporate East Asian history and mythology. Most of all be ready to cheer for the underdog. I am ready for the next book! (3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars)
July 7, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
This book is action packed, and the banter is witty. I loved the relationship between all the characters, and how they could bounce off of each other. It's a heartwarming adventure, and a good introduction for kids to Japanese mythos and words.
This book was a solid 4.5 for me up until the end, and what tipped it over, was the clear messaging of immigrant kids being stuck between two worlds. Julie Abe did a great job with building up the world, where we see Tessa growing up in the bay area of California, but clearly having ties to her home. Being told you don't belong both to where you grew up, and where you're from, and that being reinforced by those around you is scary and confusing as a kid! That representation hit home.
I found myself rooting for Tessa, and that even if Tessa didn't believe herself to be a hero, she still grew in to her role as one. Seeing her grow from her role as the kid othered by things outside of her control, to gaining friends she could trust, and know she was loved by her friends and family.
This book is action packed, and the banter is witty. I loved the relationship between all the characters, and how they could bounce off of each other. It's a heartwarming adventure, and a good introduction for kids to Japanese mythos and words.
This book was a solid 4.5 for me up until the end, and what tipped it over, was the clear messaging of immigrant kids being stuck between two worlds. Julie Abe did a great job with building up the world, where we see Tessa growing up in the bay area of California, but clearly having ties to her home. Being told you don't belong both to where you grew up, and where you're from, and that being reinforced by those around you is scary and confusing as a kid! That representation hit home.
I found myself rooting for Tessa, and that even if Tessa didn't believe herself to be a hero, she still grew in to her role as one. Seeing her grow from her role as the kid othered by things outside of her control, to gaining friends she could trust, and know she was loved by her friends and family.
July 30, 2023
Got an arc from work
This was so cute?? I read like 200 pages of it in one day and I am SO not the target audience, I’m glad kids are gonna have a book this fun, and I can’t wait for book two!
Now brb, I wanna go rewatch Noragami now
This was so cute?? I read like 200 pages of it in one day and I am SO not the target audience, I’m glad kids are gonna have a book this fun, and I can’t wait for book two!
Now brb, I wanna go rewatch Noragami now
October 11, 2023
This was a cute and enjoyable read! I always love reading about Japanese mythology and culture and that was represented really well here! I could relate to many of Tessa's struggles as a Japanese American and I liked how the book addressed the idea of feeling like you come from two different worlds but don't feel like you fit in either of them. I also thought it was interesting how most of the gods in the story were intentionally absent and reluctant to help Tessa. Usually in these stories the gods will always help the protagonist in one way or another, so it was an interesting take here to make them unwilling to help out and force Tessa to figure things out herself.
However, though I liked the book and many aspects about it, in general it felt pretty average to me and utilized a lot of tropes typical of middle grade mythology retellings, many of which I feel are overused. For instance, Tessa being the unpopular girl at school and being a constant target for bullying by the popular kids is something that happens to a lot of the protagonists of these kinds of stories (and it's something I'm not a huge fan of), so I was a little disappointed this trope wasn't subverted in that regard.
I also feel like the bullying Tessa went through was exaggerated a bit more than necessary to the point where it was difficult to relate to. It just seems really unlikely to me that her friend would post a video of her talking to air and it would go viral. It just doesn't seem like the kind of video that would become popular online. I would understand if the video had just been shared within her community or something but I think the situation was just escalated to a point where it felt unrealistic. I felt the same way about the bullies Tessa encounters in Tokyo. I didn't feel like there was a clear motivation for them to target her and break the daruma, so them going after her just felt forced and kind of random.
The pacing of the story also seems a bit off. This was most noticeable while they were in the dojo, as that whole arc felt a bit longer than it needed to be. Maybe it's just because I'm used to training arcs in stories being really short, but I was expecting this to be a stepping-stone in their quest and it ended up taking up a significant chunk of the book instead.
I think the story opened a little too fast as well. It would have been nice to see Tessa meet the woman and the wolf for the first time instead of it being relayed to us in exposition. Plus the charm bracelet is kind of glossed over too even though it's pretty important to the plot. It seems like the author really wanted to drop us right into the action but honestly I think the story would have benefited from a slower start here.
And while I enjoyed the characters overall I also feel like some aspects of them went underused. I think it's interesting that much of Tessa's connection to Japanese culture stems from her love of anime because she'd never been to Japan before the story, but it's not really acknowledged or explored at all even though I think it has potential.
Even though some of the writing bothered me, I would still recommend this book. The story is still enjoyable and has a good message, but it's fairly average and predictable and doesn't do anything revolutionary for the genre.
However, though I liked the book and many aspects about it, in general it felt pretty average to me and utilized a lot of tropes typical of middle grade mythology retellings, many of which I feel are overused. For instance, Tessa being the unpopular girl at school and being a constant target for bullying by the popular kids is something that happens to a lot of the protagonists of these kinds of stories (and it's something I'm not a huge fan of), so I was a little disappointed this trope wasn't subverted in that regard.
I also feel like the bullying Tessa went through was exaggerated a bit more than necessary to the point where it was difficult to relate to. It just seems really unlikely to me that her friend would post a video of her talking to air and it would go viral. It just doesn't seem like the kind of video that would become popular online. I would understand if the video had just been shared within her community or something but I think the situation was just escalated to a point where it felt unrealistic. I felt the same way about the bullies Tessa encounters in Tokyo. I didn't feel like there was a clear motivation for them to target her and break the daruma, so them going after her just felt forced and kind of random.
The pacing of the story also seems a bit off. This was most noticeable while they were in the dojo, as that whole arc felt a bit longer than it needed to be. Maybe it's just because I'm used to training arcs in stories being really short, but I was expecting this to be a stepping-stone in their quest and it ended up taking up a significant chunk of the book instead.
I think the story opened a little too fast as well. It would have been nice to see Tessa meet the woman and the wolf for the first time instead of it being relayed to us in exposition. Plus the charm bracelet is kind of glossed over too even though it's pretty important to the plot. It seems like the author really wanted to drop us right into the action but honestly I think the story would have benefited from a slower start here.
And while I enjoyed the characters overall I also feel like some aspects of them went underused. I think it's interesting that much of Tessa's connection to Japanese culture stems from her love of anime because she'd never been to Japan before the story, but it's not really acknowledged or explored at all even though I think it has potential.
Even though some of the writing bothered me, I would still recommend this book. The story is still enjoyable and has a good message, but it's fairly average and predictable and doesn't do anything revolutionary for the genre.
May 15, 2024
I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
This book was phenomenal. The world and characters are perfectly developed. Tessa is very flawed but is always trying to do better or the right thing. She's struggles a lot. Everyone around her seems to be better or stronger than her, which obviously affects her own perception of herself. She gets bullied and left behind by her own family because she seems like a massive troublemaker. Abe did a wonderful job at portraying Tessa's emotions. The side characters felt fully developed too. The entire story had me gripped and I struggled to put it down. I can't wait until the next book in this series comes out.
This book was phenomenal. The world and characters are perfectly developed. Tessa is very flawed but is always trying to do better or the right thing. She's struggles a lot. Everyone around her seems to be better or stronger than her, which obviously affects her own perception of herself. She gets bullied and left behind by her own family because she seems like a massive troublemaker. Abe did a wonderful job at portraying Tessa's emotions. The side characters felt fully developed too. The entire story had me gripped and I struggled to put it down. I can't wait until the next book in this series comes out.
August 5, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
3.5/5 STARS
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Synopsis:
Tessa goes to Japan to spend the summer with her grandparents and sisters. When she breaks a family heirloom and releases a god, she must try and stop it from destroying Tokyo.
This is book one in a MG fantasy series. It is set in Tokyo and filled with Japanese mythology and culture. I love learning new things and this book has a lot of Japanese words and a few graphics. It is fast paced and there is a lot of action along with a quest feel. It took me a little while to get into it because I thought I had missed a previous book as things were not explained and assumed to be known. Once I got the gist of things and it picked up, I did enjoy it and would read the next book in the series.
Thank you Little Brown Books for Young Readers for the gifted copy! 🏯
3.5/5 STARS
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Synopsis:
Tessa goes to Japan to spend the summer with her grandparents and sisters. When she breaks a family heirloom and releases a god, she must try and stop it from destroying Tokyo.
This is book one in a MG fantasy series. It is set in Tokyo and filled with Japanese mythology and culture. I love learning new things and this book has a lot of Japanese words and a few graphics. It is fast paced and there is a lot of action along with a quest feel. It took me a little while to get into it because I thought I had missed a previous book as things were not explained and assumed to be known. Once I got the gist of things and it picked up, I did enjoy it and would read the next book in the series.
Thank you Little Brown Books for Young Readers for the gifted copy! 🏯
November 21, 2023
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Julie Abe is a middle grade queen. I've loved all of her middle grade series like Alliana, Girl of Dragons and Eva Evergreen. From the beginning, I loved the sister and family bonds in Tessa Miyata Is No Hero. It's a family of love, support, and also that feeling when you feel so alone. That you don't fit in. And it's a thread Abe continues to weave and pull. If you love those main characters who don't feel like they could be the hero, this is for you.
Julie Abe is a middle grade queen. I've loved all of her middle grade series like Alliana, Girl of Dragons and Eva Evergreen. From the beginning, I loved the sister and family bonds in Tessa Miyata Is No Hero. It's a family of love, support, and also that feeling when you feel so alone. That you don't fit in. And it's a thread Abe continues to weave and pull. If you love those main characters who don't feel like they could be the hero, this is for you.
January 2, 2024
Such a heartwarming story full of magic, Asian folklore, and adventure. It's a story about friendship, family, and finding one's inner strength. I really enjoyed the magical trials and loved how action packed it was. However, it did take me a while to warm up to the main character. Although I understood her struggle and insecurities, I felt she was too self-deprecating at times. I was really happy when her character started to grow at the end of the novel, but wished it had happened sooner.
Overall though, I really did enjoy the story. I can't wait to continue seeing the growth of our main character as the series progresses. With the epilogue teaser, I feel it will be a very fun and magical ride.
Overall though, I really did enjoy the story. I can't wait to continue seeing the growth of our main character as the series progresses. With the epilogue teaser, I feel it will be a very fun and magical ride.
November 19, 2023
super super cute!! very fast paced, but i loved seeing tessa and jin become besties. the forced-into-hanging-out-because-youre-family-friends to ride-or-die pipeline is so real. this one is for all the girlies who fantasize about moving to a new country and deleting instagram.
January 3, 2024
My kids and I never got into social media popularity games, so Tessa’s big problems felt a bit alien to me. And then the bulk of the book was devoted to training, which is realistic but not as engaging. So this wasn’t as fun for me as the witch books.
December 31, 2024
Fine for the intended age.
September 5, 2023
Absolutely loved this middle grade adventure novel from author Julie Abe!
Tessa is a girl struggling to fit in while dealing with mysterious visions no one else can see. The author captures the struggle of middle schoolers to make friends and deal with family matters. Love her two supportive sisters! The girls travel to Japan for the summer, and here the story really picks up, as we see the sights of this amazing country, and then see the mythical side of it as well!
The side characters where hilarious and memorable, and I'm excited for the next book in this series!!
Tessa is a girl struggling to fit in while dealing with mysterious visions no one else can see. The author captures the struggle of middle schoolers to make friends and deal with family matters. Love her two supportive sisters! The girls travel to Japan for the summer, and here the story really picks up, as we see the sights of this amazing country, and then see the mythical side of it as well!
The side characters where hilarious and memorable, and I'm excited for the next book in this series!!
September 22, 2023
*Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Tessa has never fit in at home or at school, but a summer trip to Japan with her sisters to visit their grandparents just might change that. Her hopes are quickly dashed when she realizes she's not old enough to go to Tokyo with her sisters and gets stuck at home with the neighbor kid Jin. Tessa and Jin soon find themselves swept up into the world of Japanese legend and mythology, and have to race to save Tokyo and the magical city before it's too late. I enjoyed this book, Tessa is a great character and a nice change of pace from the typical, Percy Jackson type main characters we usually get in these MG mythology fantasy books. She's unsure and struggles, she doesn't take to the supernatural and gods and such very quickly, and she's often described as the wrong one from the job and unheroic. Tessa ends up proving them all wrong, but it does make for a more interesting and realistic underdog story. I loved how integrated Japanese culture and myth was in the book, with the author also including bits of the language in the dialogue. This was a fun book, and I look forward to the next one.
Tessa has never fit in at home or at school, but a summer trip to Japan with her sisters to visit their grandparents just might change that. Her hopes are quickly dashed when she realizes she's not old enough to go to Tokyo with her sisters and gets stuck at home with the neighbor kid Jin. Tessa and Jin soon find themselves swept up into the world of Japanese legend and mythology, and have to race to save Tokyo and the magical city before it's too late. I enjoyed this book, Tessa is a great character and a nice change of pace from the typical, Percy Jackson type main characters we usually get in these MG mythology fantasy books. She's unsure and struggles, she doesn't take to the supernatural and gods and such very quickly, and she's often described as the wrong one from the job and unheroic. Tessa ends up proving them all wrong, but it does make for a more interesting and realistic underdog story. I loved how integrated Japanese culture and myth was in the book, with the author also including bits of the language in the dialogue. This was a fun book, and I look forward to the next one.
October 3, 2023
Tessa has always felt like an outcast, with a bracelet that appeared in her wrist one day that no one else can see. She tries her best to fit in but feels cursed. When she and her older sisters are sent to stay with their grandparents in Japan, she feels connected with the city. After meeting the neighbor boy Jin, who is forced to spend time with her, they accidentally find a hidden city and take on a quest to save Tokyo.
I loved every minute of this book! I was so excited to sign up after reading Eva Evergreen by this author and I was not disappointed. Full of magic and gods, self discovery and friendship, this adventure story is downright epic. Tessa tries so hard to make her family proud and hates when they worry about her, but she always seems to find trouble. I love her spirit and fierceness and determination to never give up! I highly recommend this book to everyone!
I loved every minute of this book! I was so excited to sign up after reading Eva Evergreen by this author and I was not disappointed. Full of magic and gods, self discovery and friendship, this adventure story is downright epic. Tessa tries so hard to make her family proud and hates when they worry about her, but she always seems to find trouble. I love her spirit and fierceness and determination to never give up! I highly recommend this book to everyone!
June 15, 2024
TESSA MIYATA IS NO HERO by Julie Abe is fast paced yet heartwarming story about a young Japanese American girl who visits her grandparents in Japan with her sisters. After accidentally breaking her family’s heirloom daruma, she releases a samurai god who seeks to rule the city. With the help of some new friends, Tessa must defeat the god to save her family and the city of Tokyo!
Julie Abe does it again! You all know that I LOVED the Eva Evergreen books, so I was very interested in reading a new novel from Julie outside of that series (disclaimer, I’ve chatted with Julie on IG for years, so I feel like we’re on a first name basis lol). Since this book is set in Japan, I immediately fell in love with this story. Julie expertly captures the essence of Japan and lays the setting out so beautifully that it brought me back to past trips. She doesn’t shy away from using Japanese words (there is a glossary in the front for reference, if readers are not familiar), but she also doesn’t over explain the Japanese elements (which I appreciated as someone who is more familiar).
Tessa is also a delightful protagonist who is just trying to figure out how to fit in. I always love how Julie captures the feeling of being caught between two worlds, which is also very prevalent in Tessa’s narrative. I’m glad for the representation, as I wish I could have read more stories like that when I was younger. Lastly, the remaining cast of characters are great, and I especially love that there’s another pet companion in this story as well!
Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend this amazing book! I haven’t seen it get much shine on Bookstagram, but it definitely deserves the recognition. I recommend anyone to give it a try, especially if you like Julie’s other books. Perfect for middle graders and adults alike! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5!
[Free review copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review ]
Julie Abe does it again! You all know that I LOVED the Eva Evergreen books, so I was very interested in reading a new novel from Julie outside of that series (disclaimer, I’ve chatted with Julie on IG for years, so I feel like we’re on a first name basis lol). Since this book is set in Japan, I immediately fell in love with this story. Julie expertly captures the essence of Japan and lays the setting out so beautifully that it brought me back to past trips. She doesn’t shy away from using Japanese words (there is a glossary in the front for reference, if readers are not familiar), but she also doesn’t over explain the Japanese elements (which I appreciated as someone who is more familiar).
Tessa is also a delightful protagonist who is just trying to figure out how to fit in. I always love how Julie captures the feeling of being caught between two worlds, which is also very prevalent in Tessa’s narrative. I’m glad for the representation, as I wish I could have read more stories like that when I was younger. Lastly, the remaining cast of characters are great, and I especially love that there’s another pet companion in this story as well!
Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend this amazing book! I haven’t seen it get much shine on Bookstagram, but it definitely deserves the recognition. I recommend anyone to give it a try, especially if you like Julie’s other books. Perfect for middle graders and adults alike! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5!
[Free review copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review ]
December 26, 2023
rep: japanese
so much fun! tessa miyata has never fit in with any crowd. even though she's truly loved by her family, they don't understand her insecurity and her need to belong. with some luck, she was able to join her sisters to japan to spend some time with their grandparents. unfortunately, the miyata family's previous heirloom was broken while tessa was transporting and it released the malicious samurai god. in this city, gods and mytholgical creatures started to roam amongst the humans and only tessa and jin can see them. both of them need to work together and overcome their internal struggles to save tokyo and the people within.
tessa will go through multiple struggles and internal turmoils. she will be forced to face her fears and will brilliantly overcome them with some help from her friends. i loved the japanese culture and the exploration of tokyo in this book. tessa also finally have a glimpse of japan after living in california for most of her life. this was absolutely delightful and i can't wait to get to the rest of the series.
so much fun! tessa miyata has never fit in with any crowd. even though she's truly loved by her family, they don't understand her insecurity and her need to belong. with some luck, she was able to join her sisters to japan to spend some time with their grandparents. unfortunately, the miyata family's previous heirloom was broken while tessa was transporting and it released the malicious samurai god. in this city, gods and mytholgical creatures started to roam amongst the humans and only tessa and jin can see them. both of them need to work together and overcome their internal struggles to save tokyo and the people within.
”No one is the same as another. Our lives and experiences all mark us differently, giving us separate strengths and weaknesses, joys and sorrows that we carry in our hearts.”
tessa will go through multiple struggles and internal turmoils. she will be forced to face her fears and will brilliantly overcome them with some help from her friends. i loved the japanese culture and the exploration of tokyo in this book. tessa also finally have a glimpse of japan after living in california for most of her life. this was absolutely delightful and i can't wait to get to the rest of the series.
August 3, 2023
This was a wonderful middle grade fantasy book! This book has a great story and is filled with Japanese culture and words. I love that there’s a glossary in the front of the book to help you get familiar with some of the terms that are used frequently throughout this book. I loved the characters in this book, especially Tessa and Jin. Overall I really enjoyed this one and I think middle graders will as well.
July 18, 2023
I enjoyed many aspects of this book, I did not enjoy the length. For as much fun as it was, I found myself bored/reluctant to pick it back up again.
August 18, 2023
“She, Tessa Miyata, was not a hero. But she wasn’t going to stop trying to save her family either, no matter what obstacles got thrown in her way.”
Middle grader Veronica would’ve loved this book.
As it is, adult Veronica had a pretty good time reading Tessa Miyata is No Hero, but fantasy-loving middle grade Veronica, who at the height of her anime (and CCS) obsession would’ve absolutely loved this book. Like sneak-under-the-covers, scour-the-internet-for-fanfiction, daydream-about-being-a-part-of-the-story-daily loved this book.
Tessa Miyata is No Hero is what you’d get if you a Disney movie and an anime decided to combine their powers and become a middle grade book.
Julie Abe’s latest middle grade fantasy is filled with adventure, fun, and of course, magic. When Tessa Miyata is sent to spend the summer under the watchful eye of her grandparent’s in Japan, her boring vacation is suddenly with the wrong kind excitement. Thrust into the spirit realm and the world of gods and nine-tailed foxes, she and the grumpy boy-across-the-street must team up to save Tokyo–and more importantly, their families–from a vengeful samurai spirit bent on destroying them all. The only problem? Tessa Miyata is no hero.
“I told my dad I was going to bring you back. Obviously, talking foxes, revenge-bent samurais, and rock creatures were not what he or I were expecting, but I am going to live up to my word.”
-Jin Uehara, only thirteen and already grumpy
I loved Tessa and Jin’s dynamic. Maybe it’s the residual effects of my childhood crush on Syaoran Li, but Tessa and Jin remind me so much of one of my earliest OTPs and I (friend-)ship them so much. Jin is the sullen martial artist tasked with showing Tessa around Tokyo. Ridiculously skilled and disciplined to a fault, he’s the complete opposite of Tessa who’s only talents seems to be causing trouble for her family and following her heart. After a rocky first meeting, their begrudging reluctance leads to a tentative friendship, and it’s just so cute and wholesome and precious 🥺
“Even though I’m nothing much, I can be a hero.”
-Tessa Miyata (not a hero)
Tessa is the kind of underdog protagonist I think many readers can root for and relate to. Because of the magical visions that have plagued her for most of her life, Tessa has always felt like a bit of an outsider even before the bullies made her feel like she didn’t belong. The story grapples with ideas of loneliness, self-worth, and identity, which is honestly pretty impressive for a middle grade book. As a persnickety adult reader, I obviously wish these themes had been teased out and explored with more nuance, but as someone who grew up with zero stories about diaspora kids, Tessa Miyata’s musings on what it means to be Japanese as an American is pretty cool to see in kidlit.
I was totally going to recommend Tessa Miyata is No Hero for Zachary Ying fans before I realized it’s already in the comp. Though the latter includes more history, Julie Abe transports you to Japan and introduces readers to Japanese culture in a really fun and whimsical way. I might make a Percy Jackson comp here if I’d actually read the series, but Tessa Miyata is No Hero is definitely reminiscent of Hercules with glimpses of Mulan and a ton of anime vibes. It’s a lighthearted celebration of centuries of Japanese culture.
Now for some minor complaints about a kidlit book by a grown(-ish) up who is definitely not the target audience because, why not? One. The pacing is off. The sudden shift from the prologue and Part One is a bit jarring. I wish there had been a smoother transition and that Tessa’s visions of the woman in white, the wolf, and the wooden mask were woven into the story more. Two. While I get the reason behind the “one day in the spirit world is one minute in the real world” rule, I feel like it makes the timeline kinda wonky. On the other hand, I’ve seen a lot weird stuff in anime and this is a book for middle graders, so… 🤷🏻♀️ Three. For the most minor of complaints, I do find the fact that the cute, albeit sassy, animal companion turned out to be kind weird, but again, super minor complaint.
I’d definitely recommend Tessa Miyata is No Hero to young readers looking for a magical Asian-inspired adventure or for older readers looking for a fun, lighthearted book to feed their inner child. I, personally, am excited to see where Julie Abe is taking the series next, and I would just like to say that “Yikes and Yakult” is my new favorite catch phrase and I will be using it extensively.
I received a gifted copy from the Little Brown Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2023
Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing an e-copy through NetGalley.
Rating: 4.5
Synopsis:
Tessa Miyata can see things. Things that are not supposed to be there. Like a bracelet with a fox charm on her wrist that no one else notices. Because of her weird hallucinations, her former best friend betrayed Tessa for social popularity, leaving her an outcast in school. Her older sisters, despite making efforts, don’t make her feel any better with their pitying looks and too-busy-for-Tessa lives. When she tries to fit in at a new summer camp, a lady in white robes and a giant wolf confront her, warning her of a great danger and nearly destroying the museum’s gift shop. To change scenes, Tessa’s grandmother sends her and her sisters to Japan so they can spend the rest of the summer with their other grandparents. The whole family, including Tessa, hopes that this will be a new start for her. But instead of exploring Tokyo and having fun like her sisters, Tessa is stuck at home with her not-as-fun grandparents and the neighbor’s kid, Jin, who doesn’t seem to like her already.
But fate has other plans. Tessa Miyata can see things, and they want her to listen. When an encounter in a Japanese alley goes wrong, Tessa and Jin accidentally break a family heirloom, and the violent samurai god Taira Masakado breaks loose. He threatens to engulf everything in magical fire, burning Tokyo to the ground. With the help of a mystical nine-tails fox named Kit, Tessa and Jin barely escape, falling into Takamagahara, the hidden city filled with mythical creatures and gods of Japanese legend. Tessa, Jin, and Kit now must work together to stop Taira from destroying Tokyo, dealing with grumpy gods, enduring lethal dojos, and learning to trust each other in the process. But can Tessa really save the world when no one, including herself, believes she can do anything right?
What I Liked: Tessa Miyata is No Hero is an encouraging story to all kids who feel like no one believes in them. This idea is made concrete in Tessa’s ability to see Japanese mythological creatures, and it’s a really clever way to portray themes of belonging, self-esteem, and self-worth, something youth seem to be struggling with more than ever today. Tessa is a fantastic protagonist with deep-rooted emotions and confidence issues, and she sorts through them maturely but also like a realistic 12-year-old, a hard combination to pull off. The side characters, Jin and Kit, are also complex and well-written side characters, each with their own strengths, flaws, and personal struggles that drive them forward. The world building of Japanese mythology is spectacular, showcasing different gods, locations, and beasts that you normally don’t find in similar Japanese-inspired novels, which is nice. The plot is adventurous, engaging, and emotional, pulling readers through Tessa's physical and internal obstacles as she battles both sides of her life. Overall, Tessa Miyata is No Hero is a wonderful mythology-adventure read that is sophisticated in its focus on real life themes, dilemmas, and advocacy for growing middle schoolers.
Personal bias: I love middle grade adventures based on mythology.
What I Didn’t Like: Nothing!
Who Would I Recommend This To: Kids who like mythology-adventure books (any Percy Jackson read-alikes), kids who like Japanese mythology especially, and kids who want something deeply/more emotionally mature than your average adventure-novel.
Review Date: October 16, 2023
Rating: 4.5
Synopsis:
Tessa Miyata can see things. Things that are not supposed to be there. Like a bracelet with a fox charm on her wrist that no one else notices. Because of her weird hallucinations, her former best friend betrayed Tessa for social popularity, leaving her an outcast in school. Her older sisters, despite making efforts, don’t make her feel any better with their pitying looks and too-busy-for-Tessa lives. When she tries to fit in at a new summer camp, a lady in white robes and a giant wolf confront her, warning her of a great danger and nearly destroying the museum’s gift shop. To change scenes, Tessa’s grandmother sends her and her sisters to Japan so they can spend the rest of the summer with their other grandparents. The whole family, including Tessa, hopes that this will be a new start for her. But instead of exploring Tokyo and having fun like her sisters, Tessa is stuck at home with her not-as-fun grandparents and the neighbor’s kid, Jin, who doesn’t seem to like her already.
But fate has other plans. Tessa Miyata can see things, and they want her to listen. When an encounter in a Japanese alley goes wrong, Tessa and Jin accidentally break a family heirloom, and the violent samurai god Taira Masakado breaks loose. He threatens to engulf everything in magical fire, burning Tokyo to the ground. With the help of a mystical nine-tails fox named Kit, Tessa and Jin barely escape, falling into Takamagahara, the hidden city filled with mythical creatures and gods of Japanese legend. Tessa, Jin, and Kit now must work together to stop Taira from destroying Tokyo, dealing with grumpy gods, enduring lethal dojos, and learning to trust each other in the process. But can Tessa really save the world when no one, including herself, believes she can do anything right?
What I Liked: Tessa Miyata is No Hero is an encouraging story to all kids who feel like no one believes in them. This idea is made concrete in Tessa’s ability to see Japanese mythological creatures, and it’s a really clever way to portray themes of belonging, self-esteem, and self-worth, something youth seem to be struggling with more than ever today. Tessa is a fantastic protagonist with deep-rooted emotions and confidence issues, and she sorts through them maturely but also like a realistic 12-year-old, a hard combination to pull off. The side characters, Jin and Kit, are also complex and well-written side characters, each with their own strengths, flaws, and personal struggles that drive them forward. The world building of Japanese mythology is spectacular, showcasing different gods, locations, and beasts that you normally don’t find in similar Japanese-inspired novels, which is nice. The plot is adventurous, engaging, and emotional, pulling readers through Tessa's physical and internal obstacles as she battles both sides of her life. Overall, Tessa Miyata is No Hero is a wonderful mythology-adventure read that is sophisticated in its focus on real life themes, dilemmas, and advocacy for growing middle schoolers.
Personal bias: I love middle grade adventures based on mythology.
What I Didn’t Like: Nothing!
Who Would I Recommend This To: Kids who like mythology-adventure books (any Percy Jackson read-alikes), kids who like Japanese mythology especially, and kids who want something deeply/more emotionally mature than your average adventure-novel.
Review Date: October 16, 2023
August 19, 2023
Tessa has been seeing a creepy woman with a wolf mask and an actual white wolf with the woman for some time, but no one else can see or hear this woman. And because of this woman, she’s been dubbed as a weirdo ever since she was seen and recorded talking to a dumpster because no one could see who she was actually talking to. Well, one day at an art museum, she sees the woman again and tries to hide in a gift shop where a boy who happens to be the cousin of her ex-best friend who had uploaded the video that ruined her life tries to upload a new video of her and so Tessa asks the woman for help. In turn, the woman says you will owe me a favor and gives her the wolf mask, takes care of the phone using the wolf and then the wolf disappears into the mask that Tessa now owns. Now summer break has started and Tessa and her sisters go to Japan for the summer and stay with her grandparents where Tessa has the adventure of a lifetime involving saving Japan from a vengeful god.
Such a fun, and magical adventure! This reminded me a lot of Spirited Away with Tessa and Jin visiting the spirit world where gods and goddesses live and experiencing this spirit world. Spirited Away is my favorite film ever and it made me feel so warm and fuzzy reading this book!
Tessa is hilarious and it makes me sad that she’s bullied and kids don’t seem to like her and thinks she’s weird. She seems like she’d be a fun and quirky friend! Tessa is so tough and resilient. I was impressed by her multiple times. No matter how someone treated her or how she felt after being abandoned again or looked at like she’s not worthy, she gets back up and continues to be her Tessa-self and do better and be the better person since everyone needs to be saved from the vengeful god. I just don’t know how that girl is so kind after always feeling like she’s a bother, or odd, and others treat her that way, and yet she’s always the bigger and better person.
Jin is that more stoic friend who seems to be more reasonable and thinks before he reacts unlike Tessa who seems to allow her temper to get the better of her sometimes 😅 Jin is the mediator! He had some growing to do in this book! He’s very similar to Tessa, at least how he feels about himself and how others look at him especially his father. I think Tessa taught him a lot when it comes to being a true friend and sticking to your friend no matter what. A quote from Jin I loved: “I’m not leaving her behind. I’ve been left behind before, and I swore I’d never do that to someone I cared about again. I’m going to protect her with all that I’ve got”. Be still my heart!
Kit is an adorable little feisty kitsune who clearly is more we just don’t know what or maybe who yet! He was a great addition to this group, a comedic relief but also a sort of dad to the both of them, or mentor, that’s better, a mentor for the two of them!
I loved the world and adventure that happens in this book, and I love how much Tessa and Jin grow in this book and I love the way it ended with Tessa feeling more like she’s worth something and that she’s loved no matter what and that she has family who loves her despite how others may feel about her, and that she’ll find those friends one day who get her.
The book is also beautiful with a beautiful cover and illustrations inside! Julie knows how to write magical adventures! I received a free gifted copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Such a fun, and magical adventure! This reminded me a lot of Spirited Away with Tessa and Jin visiting the spirit world where gods and goddesses live and experiencing this spirit world. Spirited Away is my favorite film ever and it made me feel so warm and fuzzy reading this book!
Tessa is hilarious and it makes me sad that she’s bullied and kids don’t seem to like her and thinks she’s weird. She seems like she’d be a fun and quirky friend! Tessa is so tough and resilient. I was impressed by her multiple times. No matter how someone treated her or how she felt after being abandoned again or looked at like she’s not worthy, she gets back up and continues to be her Tessa-self and do better and be the better person since everyone needs to be saved from the vengeful god. I just don’t know how that girl is so kind after always feeling like she’s a bother, or odd, and others treat her that way, and yet she’s always the bigger and better person.
Jin is that more stoic friend who seems to be more reasonable and thinks before he reacts unlike Tessa who seems to allow her temper to get the better of her sometimes 😅 Jin is the mediator! He had some growing to do in this book! He’s very similar to Tessa, at least how he feels about himself and how others look at him especially his father. I think Tessa taught him a lot when it comes to being a true friend and sticking to your friend no matter what. A quote from Jin I loved: “I’m not leaving her behind. I’ve been left behind before, and I swore I’d never do that to someone I cared about again. I’m going to protect her with all that I’ve got”. Be still my heart!
Kit is an adorable little feisty kitsune who clearly is more we just don’t know what or maybe who yet! He was a great addition to this group, a comedic relief but also a sort of dad to the both of them, or mentor, that’s better, a mentor for the two of them!
I loved the world and adventure that happens in this book, and I love how much Tessa and Jin grow in this book and I love the way it ended with Tessa feeling more like she’s worth something and that she’s loved no matter what and that she has family who loves her despite how others may feel about her, and that she’ll find those friends one day who get her.
The book is also beautiful with a beautiful cover and illustrations inside! Julie knows how to write magical adventures! I received a free gifted copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 5, 2024
Tessa Miyata has always had trouble making and keeping friends. She frequently sees a lady and wolf no one else can see, and interacting with them in public has seriously hurt her social life. She's a bit of an outcast at school, and the problems have followed her even to summer day camp. Her grandmother is shipping her off to her Japanese grandparents just outside Tokyo for the summer with her older sisters. Tessa feels bad for the trouble she's caused her caregivers, and she kind of feels like it's her fault she and her sisters are orphans in the first place. She's in a kind of dark place when she, her grandfather, and a neighbor kid of his, Jin, head off into town on an errand. Grandpa sprains his ankle, so it is up to Tess and Jin to take a family heirloom to be fixed. However, on the way it is broken and a evil entity trapped inside is unleashed on the city. A charm on Tessa's bracelet turns into a living kitsune, and helps them train to take down this evil. But they only have a few days to do so. Can Tessa really become the hero Tokyo needs in just a matter of days?
Julia Abe is quickly becoming a new favorite author. I love her Eva Evergreen series, and Tessa is just as great to spend time with. I like the Japanese mythology and legendary figures incorporated. Kit is a likable, quirky, and slightly mysterious (he has no memory of his past) sensei for Tessa and Jin. Jin is a very kind guy who doesn't hit it off well with Tessa at first, but they quickly learn to appreciate each other's strengths and companionship. Tessa has had a very rough life between losing her parents, a social media fiasco that has made her a pariah at school, wondering if she's going crazy since she sees things no one else does, and feeling like she's a burden to her grandparents and sisters. There are several lies about herself she must realize are untrue and a serious crash course in self-acceptance is needed, but her hardships make her extra determined to help others in need. Thankfully, some wacky Japanese gods, and Kit's lines are there to keep things much more lighthearted than they otherwise might have been. A sure win for mythological fantasy adventure fans.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: There are some battles with mythical creatures, and some of them are dispatched. Tessa stumbles into a land filled with bones of fallen warriors. The bad guy masquerading as a samurai of legend is creating havoc in real Tokyo (they think it is an earthquake); there are some injuries.
Ethnic diversity: Tessa and her sisters are Japanese American, there are Japanese people and American kids also included in the story, but most time is spent in the mythical world.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Tessa was a victim of cyber bullying, she blames herself for her parents' deaths (not her fault), and she's a bit depressed from all that. She ends up in a healthier place by the end. Jin is also grieving the death of a parent.
Julia Abe is quickly becoming a new favorite author. I love her Eva Evergreen series, and Tessa is just as great to spend time with. I like the Japanese mythology and legendary figures incorporated. Kit is a likable, quirky, and slightly mysterious (he has no memory of his past) sensei for Tessa and Jin. Jin is a very kind guy who doesn't hit it off well with Tessa at first, but they quickly learn to appreciate each other's strengths and companionship. Tessa has had a very rough life between losing her parents, a social media fiasco that has made her a pariah at school, wondering if she's going crazy since she sees things no one else does, and feeling like she's a burden to her grandparents and sisters. There are several lies about herself she must realize are untrue and a serious crash course in self-acceptance is needed, but her hardships make her extra determined to help others in need. Thankfully, some wacky Japanese gods, and Kit's lines are there to keep things much more lighthearted than they otherwise might have been. A sure win for mythological fantasy adventure fans.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: There are some battles with mythical creatures, and some of them are dispatched. Tessa stumbles into a land filled with bones of fallen warriors. The bad guy masquerading as a samurai of legend is creating havoc in real Tokyo (they think it is an earthquake); there are some injuries.
Ethnic diversity: Tessa and her sisters are Japanese American, there are Japanese people and American kids also included in the story, but most time is spent in the mythical world.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Tessa was a victim of cyber bullying, she blames herself for her parents' deaths (not her fault), and she's a bit depressed from all that. She ends up in a healthier place by the end. Jin is also grieving the death of a parent.
August 22, 2023
Today, I'm reviewing Julie Abe's new middle-grade fantasy book, "Tessa Miyata Is No Hero." Having read several of Abe's books in the past, I can easily say that her "Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch" fantasy series is one of my favorites, so I wasn't surprised when her new novel, Tessa Miyata Is No Hero, caught my attention instantly. Abe's ability to create vibrant and relatable characters has always been one of her strengths, and the characters in "Tessa Miyata Is No Hero" is no exception.
The story revolves around Tessa Miyata, a 12-year-old girl who constantly feels like an outsider. When Tessa and her sisters are sent to stay with their grandparents in Japan, she sees it as an opportunity for a grand adventure that will finally impress her classmates back home. However, her hopes are quickly shattered when she discovers that life in Japan is not much different from California. Her two older sisters can explore Tokyo as they please while she is confined to the house and left in the company of Jin Uehara, a thirteen-year-old who wants nothing to do with her. Despite her initial disappointment, Tessa's summer takes an unexpected turn when she and Jin accidentally unleash an ancient samurai god named Taira Masakado and stumble upon a hidden part of the city where mythological creatures and gods coexist with humans.
"Tessa Miyata Is No Hero" is a fantastic middle-grade fantasy novel that will captivate readers of all ages with its rich storytelling and incorporation of Japanese culture and mythology. As someone who appreciates the depth and complexity of all literature, I was impressed by how the author embraced the complexity and beauty of Japanese words and cultural elements. The attention to detail in this middle-grade story is reminiscent of the beloved Ghibli movies, such as Spirited Away and Rick Riordan's adventure novels. As an adult reader, I thoroughly enjoyed diving into this enchanting world and exploring the themes of friendship and adventure, both beautifully woven throughout the narrative. The book is action-packed and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The witty banter between the characters adds a delightful layer to the story and showcases their unique personalities. Julie Abe skillfully creates another world that is both familiar and fantastical, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story and connect with the characters on a deep and personal level. I give this book a rating of 5 stars.
The story revolves around Tessa Miyata, a 12-year-old girl who constantly feels like an outsider. When Tessa and her sisters are sent to stay with their grandparents in Japan, she sees it as an opportunity for a grand adventure that will finally impress her classmates back home. However, her hopes are quickly shattered when she discovers that life in Japan is not much different from California. Her two older sisters can explore Tokyo as they please while she is confined to the house and left in the company of Jin Uehara, a thirteen-year-old who wants nothing to do with her. Despite her initial disappointment, Tessa's summer takes an unexpected turn when she and Jin accidentally unleash an ancient samurai god named Taira Masakado and stumble upon a hidden part of the city where mythological creatures and gods coexist with humans.
"Tessa Miyata Is No Hero" is a fantastic middle-grade fantasy novel that will captivate readers of all ages with its rich storytelling and incorporation of Japanese culture and mythology. As someone who appreciates the depth and complexity of all literature, I was impressed by how the author embraced the complexity and beauty of Japanese words and cultural elements. The attention to detail in this middle-grade story is reminiscent of the beloved Ghibli movies, such as Spirited Away and Rick Riordan's adventure novels. As an adult reader, I thoroughly enjoyed diving into this enchanting world and exploring the themes of friendship and adventure, both beautifully woven throughout the narrative. The book is action-packed and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The witty banter between the characters adds a delightful layer to the story and showcases their unique personalities. Julie Abe skillfully creates another world that is both familiar and fantastical, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story and connect with the characters on a deep and personal level. I give this book a rating of 5 stars.
August 23, 2023
Tessa Miyata has never really fit in anywhere. Add in the fact that she sees things that no one else does and it’s a recipe for no friends and lots of bullies. But when she finds out she will be spending the summer in Japan with her grandparents and sisters, Tessa has high hopes that she’ll be having exciting adventures to post about on social media that will make the kids back home stop teasing her. Unfortunately, the only adventure she’s allowed to go on is to senior aerobics class with her grandpa and the neighbor boy, Jin Uehara. The forced hangout takes a turn when a precious family heirloom is destroyed, unleashing the malicious samurai god Taira Masakado and pulling Jin and Tessa into a hidden part of the city that houses gods and other spirits. The pair must now work together alongside a mythical nine-tailed fox in order to stop Taira before he destroys their world.
What a fun story this was! Tessa’s struggle with finding her place in the world is deeply relatable, especially for the intended audience of this middle grade novel. Through her journey, she struggles with feeling like she is enough, like she is a burden to her family, and the lessons she learns along the way will help guide younger readers as they navigate similar feelings while also resonating with older readers and reminding them of what is important in life.
The story finds a good balance between action-packed fight sequences and slower moments like senior aerobics class. The Japanese mythology and culture that is sprinkled throughout the story made me want to pull out some research books and learn more about them both. The nuanced characters are a welcome reminder that people have depth and may not always be as they present themselves on the outside. What I think I loved the most was the relationship that Tessa shared with her sisters as well as the relationship that formed between Jin, Tessa, and their mythical new companion Kit.
This is just the first book in a new series and I am excited to see what comes next for Tessa and Jin. While the story wraps up nicely, it still leaves it open ended for the next book so I don’t feel like I am losing my mind over a terrible cliffhanger.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book for free and have voluntarily written this review.
What a fun story this was! Tessa’s struggle with finding her place in the world is deeply relatable, especially for the intended audience of this middle grade novel. Through her journey, she struggles with feeling like she is enough, like she is a burden to her family, and the lessons she learns along the way will help guide younger readers as they navigate similar feelings while also resonating with older readers and reminding them of what is important in life.
The story finds a good balance between action-packed fight sequences and slower moments like senior aerobics class. The Japanese mythology and culture that is sprinkled throughout the story made me want to pull out some research books and learn more about them both. The nuanced characters are a welcome reminder that people have depth and may not always be as they present themselves on the outside. What I think I loved the most was the relationship that Tessa shared with her sisters as well as the relationship that formed between Jin, Tessa, and their mythical new companion Kit.
This is just the first book in a new series and I am excited to see what comes next for Tessa and Jin. While the story wraps up nicely, it still leaves it open ended for the next book so I don’t feel like I am losing my mind over a terrible cliffhanger.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book for free and have voluntarily written this review.
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