Win a $25 GC: The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan

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Why I Write Middle Grade

There’s something really magical about the charm, innocence, and joy of children’s books. They have this incredible ability to delight the spirit and leave readers with a warm, cozy, hopeful feeling inside. Kids are curious, brave, and full of imagination and they’re on the brink of discovering who they are and what they’re passionate about. I remember my middle grade years as a time when anything felt possible. That’s the kind of optimism I aim to convey through my writing.

Growing up, I loved escaping into my own little world where books were my constant companions. It was during my middle grade years that I discovered my favorite authors—authors who still hold a special place in my heart today. I remember how those stories filled my days with wonder and adventure. And now, as a writer, I love being able to revisit that sense of wonder and possibility.

Middle grade books have this incredible power to shape young minds and hearts. They can teach important life lessons, foster empathy, and encourage kids to dream big. Knowing that my stories might inspire or comfort a young reader is the most incredible and rewarding feeling, and I hope to never stop creating stories that spark joy, inspire hope, and provide a comforting escape, just like the books I loved as a child. On top of that, middle grade books are not just for kids; they’re for everyone. It’s about connecting with that inner child in all of us and reminding readers, young and old, that magic can be found in the most unexpected places.

Mo Seto, martial arts movie star! Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it? Too bad there's a height restriction to audition. But 12-year-old Modesty (Mo) Seto has never let her height get in the way before, not when she became a black belt, or when she fought the meanest boy in her class, and she’s not going to let it stop her this time! Now if only she can figure out a way to grow five inches and fool everyone at the auditions…and find time to search for her missing father (who just might be harboring a dangerous secret of his own). Join Mo on an adventure (and audition) of a lifetime and find out if powerful things really do come in small packages!

Publishers Weekly calls THE LEGENDARY MO SETO “Adrenaline pumping”, Kirkus Reviews says it “Packs a punch”, and Booklist calls it “Remarkably relatable.” Leap in and join the fun!

Enjoy an Excerpt

I may be small, but I am fierce. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. Over and over again. Fierce.

“Charyeot,” the taekwondo tournament referee says in Korean. Attention.

I snap my arms to my sides.

“Kyeong-nae,” the ref says. Bow.

I turn to face my opponent, Dax Washington. His dark skin glistens with sweat. We dip our heads.

I look up to see Dax towering over me, his eyes stormy.

It suddenly occurs to me how much “fierce” sounds like “fears.” Not that I’m scared or anything. I’m not.

“Sijak!” The ref throws up his hand. Begin! Immediately Dax’s large fists hammer down like a hailstorm.

Well, maybe I’m a little worried.

Dax lunges. I block his front kick with my forearm. I flinch and reel back. The ref blows his whistle, but Dax doesn’t stop. I barely have time to move before—oof—another kick nails me in the elbow.

Okay, fine. I’m totally panicking.

About the Author

A. Y. Chan grew up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area reading all the middle grade and young adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favorite genres. After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored other martial arts, such as Wing Chun, Hapkido, and Muay Thai. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading.

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