Angela Ahn

“No! Don’t stop!” I was reading this book aloud to my fourth-grader, and when I tried to take a break after a few chapters, he begged me to keep going.

Team Park is the story of Evan Park, a fourth grader in British Columbia. Evan’s teacher, Mr. Humberton, ends the school year by having each student choose a slogan for their summer. Evan lands on “The Summer of Fun” and starts dreaming of how cool it would be to train for a Dominator Ninja competition now that his broken wrist show more has mostly healed. But when he tweaks his wrist again, his dreams are dashed. That’s when his sister comes up with an idea that may just save their summer of fun and repair some broken relationships in their family as well.

The high-stakes competition was definitely the highlight of the book. And as we read through the book together, my son (who is into ninja sports himself) was fascinated not just with the idea of a ninja competition but also with the relationship dynamics between the main characters. It gave us a lot to talk about and led us down a rabbit hole of watching ninja and mud races together. We may have even gotten a little inspired ourselves.

My son shared that he found the ending of the book too tidy, which I think was insightful on his part. He understands that conflict isn’t usually resolved in an instant, and he would have liked to see real-life, long-lasting solutions to the struggles Evan’s family was facing.

All in all, this is a great middle grade read. We give it 4/5 stars. show less

children's fiction - Paleontology-obsessed 10 y.o. Peter (his 11th birthday is coming up in August) is finishing his 5th grade year and looking forward to going on his first real dig over the summer, if only his 2nd-grade genius 8 y.o. sister (L.B., short for Little Beast, and don't you dare call her Charlotte) doesn't ruin everything. Things take a turn when his halmoni/grandmother "Hammy" starts forgetting things and wandering off, but his Korean-Canadian family has plenty of love and show more support to keep things positive. Takes place in Vancouver with a summer road trip to the Royal Tyrrell Museum in the Badlands of Drumheller, Alberta (tons of fossils!) and some family-friendly stops in between, including the Banff Hot Springs.

Another sweet story from Angela Ahn, whose characters are largely inspired by her own kids. I mostly picked this up because it deals with a raccoon latrine (but only very briefly--apparently covering your practice paleontology "dig site" with some plywood is enough to deter future raccoon deposits) but I love how much heart this family has--even at her brattiest, L.B. in her own way is always thinking about her family. show less

Angela Ahn delivers another winning story in Julia on the Go – The Big Splash, a sequel that stands firmly on its own while deepening the heart and complexity of the series. This early chapter book is a beautiful exploration of community, shifting friendships, and stepping into unfamiliar territory—whether that means meeting new people, taking on new responsibilities, or navigating uncomfortable feelings.

Julia Nam, already a familiar and lovable protagonist from the first installment, show more returns with her trademark honesty and emotional insight. Once again, Ahn captures the nuances of a child’s inner world with remarkable clarity. Julia’s reflections on her feelings—whether she’s navigating the awkwardness of a new friendship, feeling resentment toward adults, or struggling with her place in a group—are written with a gentle empathy that encourages young readers to reflect on their own emotions, too.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle a wide array of real-life themes with simplicity and grace. From economic hardship to family-run businesses, from the frustrations of group dynamics to the joy and challenge of team sports, everything is woven seamlessly into a fast-paced, engaging narrative. Ahn doesn’t shy away from complexity, but she presents it in a way that is accessible and meaningful to young readers.

The story is tight and well-structured, with intersecting plotlines that come together in a satisfying, kid-friendly resolution. The blend of humour, heart, and everyday drama makes it both relatable and entertaining. While it covers some difficult themes, the tone remains light, making it a perfect balance for readers just beginning to tackle longer, more layered stories.

Julia on the Go – The Big Splash is a fantastic addition to any early reader’s collection—smart, sincere, and full of charm. Angela Ahn once again proves her talent for writing stories that resonate with kids and adults alike. show less

This one is a good addition to the friendship-changing, pre-adolescent, figuring out who you are genre. Often these books focus on a child who has always had that one friend, and then that one friend starts making new friends or hanging out with the popular kids, leaving the main character hurt, left out, and more alone than ever. This one swaps the roles a bit. Krista has been best friends with Jason since they were both three years old. Now in 5th grade, she is included in the popular show more girls' circle, leaving Jason hurt and Krista torn. In addition to the growing up/evolving friendship story at the book's heart, Krista is also navigating her Korean-Canadian heritage, and figuring out how to balance her looks, background, and interests with both western and Korean influences at school, at home, and in popular media. When Krista has to figure out how to make things right with Jason, she has help from an unexpected source: her severe, traditional Korean grandmother. I really enjoyed this one, and only wish it included recipes! show less