The Monster and the Maze [Monkey King and the World of Myths]
by Maple Lam; illus. by the author
Intermediate    Putnam    240 pp.
4/24    9780593524633    $23.99
Paper ed.  9780593524640    $13.99
e-book ed.  9780593524671    $8.99

Worlds collide when brazen Chinese Monkey King Sun Wukong sneaks into the heavenly kingdom and strikes a deal to become a monster hunter and the first beast to earn his godhood. Seeking the Yao-Qi, a monster transformed by an evil energy, Wukong travels to the far west, meeting gods, humans, and creatures from Greek mythology. Although considered a lowly beast by gods and humans, energetic and curious Wukong is instrumental to challenging the prejudices of those around him. Lam intertwines lessons in employing critical thinking skills to understand others with fast-paced writing and appealing panel illustrations. With plenty of humor, adventure, and heart, this first book in a projected graphic novel series makes for a rousing read. A character glossary provides additional information and an invitation to explore their original stories. In a note, Lam discusses how the “mixed-cultural experience” of growing up in Hong Kong and Los Angeles inspired her story.

Pubissue-From the March/April 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.