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Book Review

Publisher's Note:

When eight-year-old student ambassador Joseph Bazan wins a photo op with the President of the United States, he doesn’t quite know what to expect, but it certainly isn’t hanging out with the leader of the free world in a secret compartment inside the resolute desk! Joseph’s pluck and kid logic not only charm the president, but they soon help resolve a thorny trade dispute. This gives POTUS an idea. Across the ocean, eight-year-old boy king Nang Nukatau III has taken his father's crown and clumsily stumbled into an international incident, and now Joseph’s got a pressing mission: talk the tiny dictator back from the brink of war! The diplomatic slumber party soon goes from awkward to scary as the castle is stormed and the boys are lost across South Korea and Japan where they have to outrun bad guys, learn to read Hangul, unravel the riddle of Gyeongbok Palace, break out of an abandoned bathhouse, befriend an army of snow monkeys, and crack the Case of the Missing Dragon, all while showing Nang how to live in a world where everyone doesn’t always bow to you. Can a kid with a C+ in social studies solve the mystery and teach a king to be a kid? Student Ambassador is a globe-trotting action-adventure set in the real world where dangers mount, the stakes are high, and smarts save the day!…

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Student Ambassador: The Missing Dragon

by Ryan Estrada

Reviewer: Jenny
Genre: Fiction
Recommended Age: 9+

Overall Book Review:

Student Ambassador: The Missing Dragon is the perfect book for any tween looking for a quick read peppered with some adventure and intrigue. Parents will be happy to know that there is some educational value, namely learning a little Korean, included in a way that even a reluctant learner will likely enjoy. It’s also great that the hero is a child who has to step in when adults can’t accomplish the required task. Along with providing an inspirational protagonist, the author, Ryan Estrada, throws in light humor. Most notable are the funny, superstitious characters who teach about their culture while giving the reader a good laugh. The artist, Axur Eneas, creates fantastic art that adds to the drama of the story. Fans of graphic novels will love this five-star book!

Review of an Electronic Advance Reading Copy
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Iron Circus Comics

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  Few (9) brief incidents including characters nearly eaten by crocodiles; characters planning a war; character wants to beat another up; character afraid to die; character getting chased by animals; second-hand report of parents of a young child dying; reference to stealing; attempted murder; characters light a palace on fire.

Sex/Nudity:  None

Mature Subject Matter:

Reference to and planning of war.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None

Overall Book Rating
Profanity/Language
Rating:
0
10
Violence/Gore
Rating:
2
10
Sex/Nudity
Rating:
0
10

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About the Reviewer

Jenny
I love being able to help busy parents who just don’t have the time to pre-screen all their children’s books and know how much I appreciate it as my sons have gotten older. I feel very blessed that my amazing husband makes it possible for me to be a stay-at-home mother to four amazing boys. When not reading or enjoying time with my family, I like baking, especially trying new recipes, and the occasional sewing project.

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