Julie Black Belt

📖 The Scoop

Can Julie learn kung fu and get her black belt? Real kid power is more inspirational than Kung Fu Panda or The Karate Kid!

When Julie takes a kung fu class, she thinks getting a black belt will be easy. But her bold teacher says guess again! Since practice takes patience, Julie wonders, what would her movie idol Brandy Wu do?

Can Julie take her lessons to heart, and exercise both her mind and body? Then will she develop the self-confidence and discipline necessary to take the Yellow belt test and show her brother, parents, and heroine the true "spirit” of this sport?

Children and parents identify with Julie’s attitude and journey. She is a modern, refreshing character who leads a diverse class and displays authentic girl power. This is an engaging introduction of martial arts to young children who enroll in after school programs. Inspired by a real girl in a taekwondo class, this story’s lessons are applicable to any martial art, such as karate, ju-jitsu, aikido, judo, and wrestling.

Like real youngsters, Julie learns by doing. Teachers appreciate how the story promotes respect, conflict resolution, and self-defense, which in turn improves focus and concentration. Training builds confidence and social skills and improves physical fitness (coordination, balance, posture). Artist Charlene Chua’s vibrant illustrations capture Julie’s high-flying action and her evolving commitment with dynamic energy. The adventures continue in Julie Black Belt: The Belt of Fire!

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“Practice makes perfect. That’s what Julie learns in her beginning kung fu class along with lessons about dedication and determination. (She thinks getting a black belt will be a snap.)...a high-action story that encourages deep reflection despite the action movie look.”

- San Francisco Chronicle

"Idolizing the movie actress Brandy Wu, Julie confidently accepts her parents' offer to enroll in a kung fu class in Oliver Chin's delightful Julie Black Belt: The Kung Fu Chronicles. But getting a black belt won't be easy since her teacher says every beginner must start with a white one. Julie wonders what her big screen idol would do...Find out through Charlene Chua's lively illustrations in this engaging and empowering read."

- Audrey Magazine

"Evocative of graphic novels, the illustrations will catch readers' attention. They portray the range of emotions that Julie and the other characters experience and also present the characters in 'action shots,' which will appeal to younger readers and draw them into the story. Many of the illustrations are mid-action sequences that will give readers the impression that they are watching a movie instead of reading a book with static pictures."

- CM magazine

“Here’s another book that is perfect if you want to get younger children into comics. Plus it’s a positive story for female readers, an audience that is never given enough attention... It’s a positive tale that encourages hard work and persistence and it’s entertaining and charming to boot.”

- Ain’t It Cool News

“The exuberant digital illustrations show Julie’s journey from enthusiastic beginner to struggling novice to poised and confident student who earns her yellow belt...youngsters interested in the sport will be thrilled to follow Julie’s adventures. Other readers may also learn something from Julie’s determination to meet her goals.”

- School Library Journal

Genre: Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts (fancy, right?)