A rollicking, action-packed adventure of laser tag and fierce sibling rivalries, and the first book in a commercial middle grade fantasy series by Julie C. Dao…
Clip and Sadie Chu couldn’t be more different. Popular, athletic Clip wants to become his school’s first seventh-grade soccer captain, while brainy star student Sadie is determined to prove that she can do anything her boastful brother can. They have just one thing in common: they love laser tag. Like, really love it.
When the Blackwood Gaming Arena comes to town, bringing virtual reality headsets and state-of-the-art courses, they couldn’t be more excited—or competitive. But then a mysterious figure appears and claims to be a part of the game, forcing the Chus and their friends to save themselves from a sinister force lurking inside the simulation.
Together, they must fight their way through epic battlegrounds that will test their speed, skills, and smarts . . . but will Clip and Sadie learn that they’re far better off working together than competing for the ultimate victory?
PRAISE FOR
TEAM CHU AND THE BATTLE
OF BLACKWOOD ARENA
A School library journal best book of 2022
A 2023 CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL FAVORITES AWARD WINNER
may 2023 mackids middle grade book club selection
A 2024-2025 WASHINGTON STATE SASQUATCH AWARD NOMINEE
"Dao is a bright voice in middle grade fiction, crafting characters and plot in a way that feels effortless . . . A fresh title that weaves elements of sports stories and sci-fi with realism and beautifully developed characters, in a way that makes this story irresistible."
school library journal, STARRED REVIEW
"The spirited narrative explores how Clip and Sadie relate to each other and their passions via virtual reality escapades, clever puzzles, and friendly sibling rivalry. A rousing adventure and heartwarming series opener."
"The perfect balance of heart and action that will have young readers racing to that last page -- and then screaming for the next book."
- Scott Reintgen, Indie Bestselling author of the Nyxia series
"An action-packed tale of sibling rivalry where thrills and challenges highlight the importance of family and teamwork. This book will delight readers with its fast pace and captivating worlds. Dao has once again crafted a must-read story full of immersive adventure."
Adrianna Cuevas, author of Pura Belpre Honor book The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez and Cuba in My Pocket
"Chapters alternate between sports-loving Clip’s voice and academically inclined Sadie’s point of view as the siblings unravel the mystery in the most challenging—and imaginative—game of laser tag they’ve ever played. Young gamers, and readers who enjoy rooting for a strong sibling relationship full of competition and support, will revel in this fun, fast-paced adventure."
BOOKLIST
"Julie Dao delivers a thrilling, pulse pounding joy ride of an adventure brimming over with humor and heart. Readers will love following bickering siblings Sadie and Clip into their wildly imaginative and sinister game of laser tag that will test their skills, their nerve and their love for each other. Team Chu forever!"
SAMIRA AHMED, NEW yORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF INTERNMENT AND AMIRA & HAMZA: the war to save the worlds
"Laser tag has never been cooler! Both a wild, rollicking adventure and a sweet and nuanced sibling story, Julie C. Dao’s middle-grade debut is first on the leaderboard for me."
e.l. sHEN, AUTHOR OF THE COMEbACK
"An epically cool adventure that combines fantasy, virtual reality, and competitive sibling rivalry. TEAM CHU AND THE LASER TAG ADVENTURE is fast-paced and bursting with richly designed gaming worlds that you'll wish were real. It's vivid, thrilling, and so much fun."
- Akemi Dawn Bowman, author of the William C. Morris Award Finalist STARFISH and THE INFINITY COURTS series
BUZZ FOR TEAM CHU
AND THE BATTLE OF BLACKWOOD ARENA
*New and Forthcoming AAPI-Focused Titles (Publishers Weekly)
*Spring 2022 Children's Announcements: Publishers M-Q (Publishers Weekly)
*MACKIDS SPOTLIGHT: JULIE C. DAO (Mac Kids School & Library)
*SFF BOOKS COMING OUT IN JULY TO KEEP ON YOUR RADAR (Book Riot)
*Books by Asian Authors—July to December 2022 (A Book and Chai)