
Reach for this book when your child is fascinated by puzzles or gaming and you want to encourage digital responsibility and sibling cooperation. It is a perfect choice for kids who are beginning to navigate the balance between following rules and pursuing personal goals. The story follows Andy and Mika, Japanese American siblings exploring Tokyo during the Olympics while playing an augmented reality game that tests their ethics and teamwork. The book explores themes of honesty, cultural identity, and the importance of communication within a family. It is highly appropriate for the 8 to 12 age range, offering a clean, fast-paced mystery that celebrates Japanese culture and the spirit of the Olympic games. Parents will appreciate how it models a healthy sibling dynamic where both characters' unique strengths are needed to solve the central mystery.
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Sign in to write a reviewMika has a secret goal that involves a bit of sneakiness, which is later addressed.
The book is very light and secular. It touches on cultural identity as the protagonists are Japanese American visiting Japan for the first time, handled with a sense of wonder and connection. Resolution is hopeful and triumphant.
An 8 to 10 year old who loves 'escape room' style puzzles, Pokemon GO, or sports, and who might benefit from seeing a brother-sister duo work through disagreements to achieve a common goal.
No specific scenes require previewing. It is a very safe, middle-grade read. Some knowledge of the Olympics or basic Japanese geography adds flavor but is not required. A child being secretive about their plans or feeling like they have to 'break the rules' to get what they want.
Younger readers (ages 8-9) will focus on the gadgets and the 'cool' factor of the game. Older readers (11-12) will better appreciate Mika's internal conflict regarding her secret mission and the ethical implications of game sabotage.
Written by real Olympic medalists, the book offers an authentic 'insider' feel to the Olympic atmosphere while seamlessly integrating Japanese culture and modern AR technology.
Siblings Andy and Mika Kudo travel to Tokyo for the Summer Olympics. They enter 'OlympiFan,' a city-wide augmented reality game created by a mysterious 'Masked Medalist.' As they solve puzzles and collect virtual medals, they discover someone is sabotaging the game. The siblings must balance their personal goals with the need to catch the culprit.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.