Julie Black Belt: The Belt of Fire

Gr 1–4—In this sequel to Julie Black Belt: The Kung Fu Chronicles (Immedium, 2007), martial-arts student Julie's dominance in class is threatened when a new boy joins the group. While trying to show off their skills, both kids struggle until a visiting master teacher refocuses them on doing their individual best rather than on competing with each other. The story, while predictable, is satisfying. The inclusion of girls and women in the main story and in the subplot (a kung fu movie starring Julie's favorite female martial artist) is refreshing. The cartoon-style digital art is bright and lively. Despite a somewhat hokey concluding sentence ("…she ran toward the door and into the sunlight beyond"), children drawn to the martial arts will find this an appealing read. A suitable purchase for libraries that already own the first title in the series.—Maralita L. Freeny, District of Columbia Public Library