Many children share imaginary stories with their family. (My own father and his family made up tales about an invisible trickster named Harvey who visited their home.) But if you share those stories at school and act as if you believe them, the other kids begin to think you are strange and you soon find yourself at the bottom of the pecking order. That is where Momo finds herself as the book begins. Even her best friend from childhood has not only abandoned her for the cool kids, he even joins in with their teasing.
The problem is...those stories Momo's mother told her were real, because her mother is a Shinto goddess who has chosen to marry a mortal and have a family. Momo has talked herself out of believing in figures from folklore like kappas or oni or talking foxes, but on her twelfth birthday everything from both sides of her life collide. Suddenly magical creatures are after her and her mother is wasting away. Should she trust a talking fox and go on a quest?
This story kicks off a series filled with Japanese mythology and folklore. Momo is a sympathetic character dealing with a mother who can't seem to cope since her marine biologist husband was lost at sea. Momo is left to deal with the details of daily life, the bullying at school (among other things - a viral video of a particularly embarrassing incident), and the betrayal of her best friend. After all that a few demons and monsters may not seem too challenging.
The book ends with a few problems solved, but more issues and dangers left to confront, so there will be plenty more action in the next book. Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan Presents and similar tales that blend friendship, adventure, and the mythology of cultures around the world.
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