Thank you to the author, Sylvia Liu, and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book!

Hana Hsu wants to be meshed—connected to the multiweb full-time via an implant in her brain. That way, she’ll better understand her meshed mother and sister and hopefully reconnect with them. However, during her start-up program, strange things keep happening, leading Hana to investigate and uncover secrets…

Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation is a wonderful sci-fi adventure in a world steeped in Chinese culture. The two mesh (pardon the pun) together perfectly to create a truly unique and immersive world I loved reading about. Hana herself was my favorite of the cast, with her bot-building and desire to connect with her family. She’s a great protagonist!

This novel has a lot of twists and turns I did not see coming, too! I think young readers will be on the edge of their seats turning pages as they uncover secrets with Hana. I cannot wait for this book to come out so others can fall in love with it, too!

It's been a very, very long time since I've read a sci-fi book, and I'm so glad I did! This book was wonderful--fast-paced with believable but futuristic technology and filled with relatable characters. Set in 2053, the story is set in a world heavily influenced by Chinese culture and controlled by a handful of major corporations who wield far more power than the mostly ceremonial governments. The main character, Hana, is grieving the loss of her father and the time they spent together tinkering in their workshop. Both her mother and her older sister are meshed with technology that link their brains to a larger web, and Hana's grandmother isn't always fully present. When Hana is offered a spot at the prestigious Start Up school and given the opportunity to mesh early, she jumps on it. There, she quickly makes friends but starts to notice oddities, such as how one of her friends, Chuck, is getting sick and how her technology isn't working exactly right. Hana and her friends end up spying on the very same corporation where her mother holds a powerful position, and eventually, Hana is forced to choose whether she's going to trust her mother and the corporation or keep digging to find out what's really going on at Start Up. This wonderfully inventive story serves as a cautionary tale about corporate greed, power, and technology.

Sylvia Liu’s debut has everything you’d want in a middle grade SFF: action and suspense, masterful world building, and a dynamic cast of multilayered characters. Although set in the near future, it’s a timely commentary on current events at once both prescient and observant. Long after you’re done reading, you won’t be able to shake the vivid depiction of a scary (yet wholly possible) future in which kids and corporations battle for control - of minds, bodies and even the fate of the planet.

Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation is perfect for any middle grade reader looking for an action-packed science fiction story. Within the first ten percent of the book and solid world-building, I had slipped into the very familiar, yet different Earth of the future as portrayed by author Sylvia Liu. There were hints of Blade Runner, Ready Player One, and Ender's Game with the main character fighting to succeed in Start-Up so she can be enmeshed into the multiweb early, with hopes it will bring her closer to her mother and her sister. But, very quickly, she comes to realize that not all is as it seems. With corporations like Masbook and Pear and Nile (not so subtle allusions to some big-named brands we know) running the world and monitoring their every move, Hana has to tread very lightly if she doesn't want to get caught by the Jing Za security forces. She meets up with an outsider named Ink, who brings her to a qigong master named Wayman. (I like how the book ends up teaching the reader about mindful breathing techniques, awesome!) She also teams up with friends from school, and it becomes clear that one of them is getting sick. Could her illness be caused by the school? Could her mom be somehow involved? And what about the mysterious Ghost Crab Nation, can they help in time? With a few twists at the end, this is a page-turner all the way through!

Exciting and expertly done, HANA HSU zaps readers into a not-too-distant future where the blurred lines between humans and technology, right and wrong, and dystopia vs. utopia are constantly shifting. Rich, multi-layered, and full of teachable moments, this unique story would be perfect for sparking interesting book club discussions! Clever twists, memorable characters, and diverse cultures are woven into this fast-paced, urgent and important tale. Kids will "mesh" instantly with this book!

HANA HSU AND THE GHOST CRAB NATION is a fast-paced, original and riveting adventure novel that beautifully weaves a story of family love and loss with big issues such as the climate crisis, the dangers of corporate control over our everyday lives, and social revolution.

The year is 2053 and 12 yo Hana can't wait to follow in her older sister's footsteps at Start-Up Academy where she will be trained in advance of being meshed with the multi-web. Once her brain is laced into the web, Hana hopes she'll be able to get more of her mother's time and attention, after all as a busy executive with the I-Ching Corp, Hana's mother works nearly around the clock.

But not everything is as it seems at Start-up, and when some of Hana's classmates begin getting sick, she suspects that there's something very amiss both at the academy and the corporation that her mother has devoted her career to. Hana's suspicions lead her on a quest to get to the truth, but like all good quests, the truths she finds aren't necessarily the ones she went looking for.

Liu's near future is frightening, and yet familiar, and sends a powerful message about the reality we could be facing if we don't get a handle on both the climate crisis and our use of technology.

This is an intricately crafted, exciting adventure novel with an incredibly heartfelt core. The video game at the center of the story is beautifully well-realized and drawn, and the relationships between the characters so very real and true to life. This book will appeal not only to sci-fi fans, and gamers, but to readers looking for a great adventure involving social/environmental themes. I highly recommend this smart, exciting, and beautiful adventure!

Thank you to Razorbill, Penguin Kids for the eARC.

Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation is a fantastic middle grade science fiction novel that explores neural link technology. I loved the descriptions of the tech and the link to the multi web! When reading this book you are fully immersed in a world where thirteen year old kids are permanently enmeshed into the multi web. This book explores the pros and cons of technology and our uses of them. I love Hana and her struggle to fight for what she believes and to show her mom the extent of the problems with the technology from the corporation. This was a fantastic read and I enjoyed every word of it!

I absolutely loved HANA HSU! It's set in a near-future dystopia where everyone gets their brains linked up ("meshed") into a corporate-run network. Hana is excited to get meshed - in part because she thinks it'll bring her closer to her emotionally distant mom and sister. Only, as she begins to unravel mysteries and discover hidden conspiracies, she's forced to question everything she thinks she knows, and everything she thinks she wants. This book is a beautiful mix of rich world-building, thrilling sci-fi action scenes, and themes of family, loss, and what it truly means to be connected to other people. Exciting, emotional, and timely!

Sylvia Liu’s Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation was engaging and epic. I wasn’t intending to read it in a single day, but once I started I simply could not stop. There are so many elements of the book to rave about, but I’ll limit my review to some of my favorites (especially those that aren’t a spoiler risk). To give you a broad overview of what the book is about, Ms. Liu tackles the idea of “What would happen if science progressed to the point where we could link the human brain to the internet?” It’s one hundred percent a science fiction novel, but like many sci-fi books, there is an aspect where we aren’t that far away from the technology featured becoming today’s reality.

The Sun Tzu references in the book were awesome. Hana and the other Start-Up students learn a lot of things like war tactics while they are in their classes, and Sun Tzu was by far the most commonly quoted “teacher” in the book. There were even some quotes from The Art of War that I had forgotten. The author also embeds some science lessons into the book, with references to physics, biology, chemistry, neurology, and computer science among other things. Despite the use of a lot of very big words (i.e. Ophiocordyceps, the zombie ant fungus) I never had an issue understanding things. Of course, as someone who is older than the intended audience, I can’t really speak to how well it will go for a true middle school reader but for the most part, I think they will be ok.

One of the most striking quotes in the book to me was: “Hana had never lived in a world where Chinese culture, wasn’t popular, and she couldn’t imagine what it would be like to feel like it wasn’t cool.” You can easily switch the word “Chinese” out for “Western”, and you would have the culture in the present. To me, it was a subtle reminder to check my privilege. As a young adult white woman in the United States, I’ve never lived in a world where the culture I most closely identify with wasn’t popular. I have to remind myself that others don’t have the same experience. I’m pleased that this book was so thought-provoking and provided that opportunity.

Overall, Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation is a fantastic upcoming middle-grade sci-fi release. I would happily recommend it to young readers I know, and those who want a book that is both educational and entertaining. If you like books like Yoon Ha Lee’s Dragon Pearl or Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel Makonnen’s Last Gate of the Emperor, then you should definitely enjoy this book. I’m eager to read what Sylvia Liu releases in the future after finishing Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation! At the time of writing this review, it is unclear to me whether this book is intended to be standalone or part of a series but I would be satisfied either way.

Thank you to the author, the publisher Razorbill, and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary review copy of the book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation immensely. Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way.

Sylvia Liu's middle grade debut may just have it all. This is a fun, fast-paced sci-fi novel with a cast of endearing characters, lots of action, seamlessly detailed world building, and thoughtful messaging about the immediate challenges of climate change and attacks on free expression. Hana's challenges with family dynamics and new friendships will feel entirely relatable to 21st century middle grade readers and give the story additional depth. Bonus points for the historical references to two of my favorite Ben and Jerry's flavors from my youth.

Thank you to the author and publisher for letting me read an eARC.

In the year 2053, Hana is excited that she’s about to be admitted into Start-Up, the program that gets 12-year-olds ready to have their brains meshed to the multiweb. Once she’s meshed, she’s sure her sister Lin will pay attention to her again. More importantly, it will bring her closer to her mom, who hasn’t been the same since Ba died. But when Hana has a run-in with some kids at the junkyard, she starts to question whether everything she’s assumed about Start-Up, her mom’s work, and technology in general might be wrong. From the first chapter, readers are plunged into the action with meticulous, detailed world building that never bogs down the story. The dangerous mystery that Hana gets herself involved in solving will keep the reader turning the pages, but it’s Hana and her longing to be close to the ones she loves along with her sincere wish to make the world a better place that gives the story its heart. With thoughtful commentary on corporate control and screen addiction and an emphasis on the importance of friendship and family traditions, Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation combines action with heart, a surefire winner.

I had so much fun reading Hana's story. Hana is not only clever, but emotionally intelligent too. Her questioning nature often puts her at odds with others and creates tension, driving the action forward.

This middle grade sci-fi novel has so much for readers to love--3D characters, excellent world building, action, adventure, mystery, and enough danger with unexpected twists that delighted me and kept me reading to find out what would happen next. The family dynamics and friendships rounded out this futuristic story that felt so real and never pulled me out of my suspended belief that this was actually happening or possible.

The technology included and underlying issues facing this future society will give readers so much to think about in tomorrow's world. I see in-depth morality and ethical discussions on how far technology should interfere with what it means to be human happening as readers put themselves in Hana's shoes. Highly recommended for all middle grade readers.

This book absolutely blew me away. Not only was it thought-provoking and beautifully written, it was fast-paced and exciting, as well. A truly original sci-fi adventure.
The set-up grabbed me from the start. It’s the year 2053, and twelve-year-old Hana is joining her Start-Up Class. This is where she’ll train to mesh with the multi-web, where human brains are connected to all information and to each other. But as she progresses through the academy, she learns that not everything is as it seems, and she’s called to action by a corporate conspiracy that threatens everything she knows. Super exciting, and I can NOT wait share it with the student at my school.
Hana is such a great new character. She’s original, believable, brave, and smart and I was rooting for her the whole way. I know so many kids that are going to both admire her and relate to her. The world-building was well-thought out and vivid, and the themes surrounding technology were important and timely. It’s not often that I read a book that is this smart AND this fun, and I really enjoyed it.

In the middle of the 21st century, Hana Hsu is an ingenious kid dealing with a lot -- the loss of her father, a grandmother who's mind is failing, feeling of disconnection from her mother and older sister -- all in a world where all adults have their brains "meshed" into a worldwide network run by five massive global corporations (thinly veiled call outs to real companies we all know and use.) She's convinced that by excelling at Start-Up, the academy for elite students before their enmeshed upon turning 13, will solve many of her issues. But as she makes friends, begins competing for class ranking, and spending her off time with a few people who live outside the social and technological constructs of the society she knows, it becomes clear a conspiracy is afoot. The questions is whether Hana and her friends have the courage to follow the leads and help the Ghost Crab Nation uncover what's really going on, or if her desires to fit in and excel will win out in a world where everyone has secrets.

This book feels like if The Matrix, Ender's Game and Ready Player One all got together and did a middle-grade mash up. There are constant twists and Sylvia Liu weaves her own culture effortlessly into the writing itself and the post-governmental world she creates. Young readers will be sucked in by the premise and earnest desire of the protagonist to connect more with her loved ones, and then they'll hold on for dear life as the back half of the book buffets them with wrinkles and curves that blur the lines between friends and foes.

I loved this book! It has everything you'd want in a middle grade sci-fi. Future tech. Online world. Automaton birds. And a main character you love to root for.

Hana's family relationships (sisters, daughter-mother, daughter-grandmother) were key to the story and incredibly relatable. Her family and what they meant to her impacted her decisions and motivations in a way that made you really empathize with her, which portrayed a rich three-dimensional character.

What I loved most about this book is how real it felt despite taking place in the near future. It takes the pressing technological issues of today and stretches them into a fascinating new imagined world that kept me completely enthralled. Touching on issues of scarcity, environment, privacy, and scientific morality--this "future" world was so on point to what we deal with today that it's even hard to call it "fiction". Kids will absolutely relate to this, especially the creative videogame-style online world the characters inhabit--which was also one of my favorite aspects of the book.

Hana Hsu is a welcome splash of life to the middle grade sci-fi book scene! I highly recommend it.

If I had to describe Sylvia Liu's HANA HSU AND THE GHOST CRAB NATION in just one word, I'd be hard pressed to do it, because this book is so many beautiful, exciting, and original things. I absolutely gobbled it up, and young readers will do the same.

In 2053, twelve-year-old Hana Hsu can't wait to join her Start-Up class, where she will finally train to be meshed with the multiweb, the neural lace connecting human brains to all information, and to each other. Hana hopes with all her heart that, when she's meshed, she will finally feel connected to her mother and older sister again. But not all is as it seems. At Start-Up, some of Hana's classmates - including her new friend, Chuck - are getting sick, and Hana embarks on a quest to find out what's going on, a quest that leads her deep into an underground world of corporate conspiracies and resistance movements.

This book is so very, very smart. The near-future world is beautifully drawn, with plenty of threads tying Hana's world to our own, from the serious (we see the consequences of unchecked climate change and the cognitive overload of 'too much screen time' brought to vivid life) to the less significant (Ben & Jerry's still exists!). The mystery Hana needs to unravel is intricate and compelling, especially as she has to consider her own family's involvement in the corporate conspiracy. The high-tech action scenes are absolutely visceral, and will have kids turning pages compulsively, but the emotional heft of the story is never left behind. From the very first page, we feel Hana's grief at her father's death and her loneliness at being disconnected from her mother and sister. We also understand her confusion as both her Popo (her grandmother) and members of the resistance challenge her to think about what life might be like if it involved less tech and more connection to the natural world. Chinese philosophy and thought is woven into the narrative in such gorgeous ways, from the qigong Hana learns to use to calm her mind to the references to Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War.'

HANA HSU AND THE GHOST CRAB NATION is beautifully crafted, richly detailed, and lush with ideas. It will make kids think about the world they live in today, and the world they want to inhabit in thirty years. I can't wait to shout this one from the rooftops. My thanks to Razorbill for the eARC.

What an incredible page-turner! I didn’t see the plot twists coming and was still being surprised in the final chapters. I LOVED Hana and the fantastic cast of characters like Ink, Chuck, and Tomás.

As well as being a fast-paced, sci-fi adventure with incredibly fleshed-out characters, there are so many themes I was left thinking about when I finished reading. The amount of tech we consume and what we’re sacrificing for it, things advertised as helping bring people together that are creating more separation and sadness, as well as the benefits of having information at our fingertips.

This is a timely, inclusive, deeply funny and thoughtful middle grade book, and one this generation needs. I read middle grade novels and make note of the ones my niece and nephew will like that I also think have something important to say. I can't wait to give them this one!