Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven is a captivating middle grade graphic novel by Alina Chau that reimagines the classic novel by Wu Cheng’en (吳承恩). This story delves into the origins of Sun Wukong, drawing inspiration from the first seven chapters of Journey to the West. It immerses readers in his clever and thrilling battles against gods and mythical creatures, showcasing his legendary adventures in Heaven.

Chau engages young audiences by blending key narratives and characters from the original story with a humorous and action-packed modern twist. This approach not only preserves the heart of the classic tale but also breathes new life into it. By merging traditional Chinese art with contemporary comic design, she vividly brings the characters, costumes, and settings to life, drawing readers into an enchanting world.

Beautiful watercolor illustrations bring to life this middle grade graphic novel about former youth basketball star Jordan, who was paralyzed from the waist down in an accident. She misses playing her favorite sport and being part of the team. Jordan one day discovers a mysterious, injured elephant and, sensing a connection, decides to nurse him back to health. She names the elephant Marshmallow and he helps her discover that water polo could let her pursue her athletic dreams. But the town is experiencing a worsening drought that threatens the team’s ability to play. Marshmallow knows the secret to bringing back the rain but if he tells, he might have to leave Jordan forever.