Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind was really fun to read, I liked it but just didn't totally love it. Therefore, I feel 3 out of 5 stars is the best reflection of my experience with this book.

Let's start with what worked really well. The characters were very endearing. Momo and Danny are in middle school, but that doesn't mean they don't have deep feelings and important struggles. I appreciated the way Sugiura explored certain themes in this book especially identity, bullying, and the dangers of dismissing children's imaginations. Momo isn’t popular at school and doesn’t have any friends, not through any fault of her own; middle school is just stupid and tough when someone decides you aren’t popular and bullies you or when a teacher considers your imagination “not developmentally appropriate.” Like Momo, Danny is Japanese but was adopted by white parents. I was a bit surprised that the author touched on race a little in this book and how that plays a part in parenting children. I'm not a parent, but I am a mixed race person so I appreciate the author's intentions but I'm not sure if it was nuanced enough to be very impactful. The dialogue between Momo, Danny, and Niko was very entertaining if a bit silly at times. I think it brought a lightheartedness to the very high stakes adventure that our three characters embark on. I really liked that Sugiura clearly wrote about Japanese mythology in a modern setting. I think the author did an excellent job at explaining the shikome, oni, and kami as well as the Land of the Dead (or Yomi).

What didn't work very well for me was the pacing of the events that take place in this story. I understand that it's supposed to be a high-stakes fantasy, but it just felt like so much happened and continued to happen that the climax didn't feel very,,,climactic. There was also some repetition. As much as I found the dialogue to be entertaining, it oddly dragged at times due to the back-and-forth between our main characters and side characters.

This book is filled with exciting scenes, lovable characters, and secrets. Overall, this was an entertaining read that could bring joy to many people - especially younger readers.

Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for sending me an ARC.

Disclaimer: I do not read middle grade regularly. I am also older than the target audience, but young enough to remember what I was reading at that age. Now an important fact about me as a child: I was obsessed with Percy Jackson. I was introduced to Greek mythology through my grandmother, who lent me an old copy of Edith Hamilton’s collection of stories. Predictably, I fell in love with Riordan’s reimagining. In fact, I picked this book up partly because of my grade school nostalgia. I have to admit that I made a fair amount of comparisons between the two while reading this, which I think is unfair, especially considering my recollections of the Percy Jackson series are foggy from the passage of time.

All of this to say, I did enjoy this book. It didn’t blow me away but it was a solid read and I particularly enjoyed the character work. I found the exploration of transracial identity to be interesting and based on my understanding, portrayed with depth. I found the relationship between Momo and her sidekicks (Niko and Danny) to be endearing. Nobody demonstrates Sugiura’s ability to write fully-realised characters more than the titular Momo herself. Sugiura represents grief, trauma and anxiety with incredible empathy. I can’t deny I was frustrated by her at many points of the story. But this was because I saw so much of myself in Momo, who was often unable to be a “hero” because of her insecurities. Sugiura illustrates the all-consuming power of anxiety – a panic that prevents you from moving forward – with frightening clarity.

Another reason I requested this book is because I’m Japanese and am always interested to read about Japanese folklore and mythology. I adored the title, thinking the subtle nod to Momotaro, a Japanese folk hero, was clever. I was excited for Sugiura’s twist on familiar creatures, spirits and gods. However, the result was a mixed bag. Susano-O was my favourite representation mythologically speaking. Niko, her kitsune companion, I also liked. However, I was lost when it came to the portrayal of the other kami (gods). I understand the modern update to their attire, considering most Japanese people do not wear traditional clothing anymore, but their personalities felt hyper-Americanised (sports bar scene?). And while I enjoyed the depictions of kappa, tengu and other supernatural creatures, I question their purpose. It sometimes felt like Sugiura was attempting to introduce the reader to as many characters from Japanese folklore without deciding if it was appropriate for the narrative. While I appreciate it, I feel like it is part of the reason why the pacing feels so all over the place. Several of the fights felt unnecessary to the plot as a whole, serving only to slow down the progression of the narrative. From my notes while reading: “the scope of her journey is [so wide] which makes for some interesting elements of mythology and mystery but serve very little purpose to propel the story forward (it feels 'stuck'/stagnated). For a story that has such a tight time frame there is no sense of urgency.” Because of the lack of build-up, the pay-off felt unearned.

Even though it was not to my taste, I am glad I read this book. Any book that has me scribbling annotations in the margins as I read is well worth my time. I hope others find engaging with the text as fruitful. Also, I appreciate Sugiura’s disclaimer in the acknowledgements that there exist many versions of each represented folk figure and it’s clear she’s done her research.

I will definitely be recommending this to whoever asks and I’ll feature them front and centre in our displays so people can find it easily. I think it would be a great for a child in the intended demographic.

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's through NetGalley.
Momo simply wants to fit in and have friends. She and her mom have always been considered a bit strange, and she has been bullied and ignored at school. Not that she is twelve, she sees some strange creatures and remembers her mom's stories from when she was younger. Adventure begins when she meets a talking fox and is attacked at a local mall. Nico the "fox" rescues her and a former friend, Danny, comes to help as well. This threesome must learn to trust each other, develop their fighting skills, travel to a special island and close a portal before evil beings take over the world.
Sugiura weaves Japanese gods, monsters and heroes throughout the book. It is obvious she has studied the various traditions and blended them into the characters and creatures battling for the worlds. I appreciate the way this book can be a standalone though hints are offered in the final chapter and Epilogue of more adventures and battles yet to come.

This book is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, with a quest to save the world, magical encounters, and several near death experiences. It was such a joy to see several familiar mythological creatures and discover new ones, as well as uncover the plot twists along the way. The climax and resolution felt a bit too fast for me, but as it's the first to a series and after reading the epilogue, it made a little more sense as to why it happened the way it did. This was a great start and I'm excited to see where the story goes next.

A fantastic story that introduces readers to the world of Japanese mythology! I particularly enjoyed reading the title of each chapter and then finding the same line in the story. It is a fun game that helps readers pay extra close attention to the story.

A full review for Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind will be published on February 14th at 2:00PM EST on Instagram and Goodreads @abookwormsgarden.

Thank you Net Galley and Random house for giving me an e ARC of Momo Arashima Steals the sword of the wind.
In this book we follow Momo, a 12 year old social out cast. She's bullied at school, lonely. Her one friend (Danny) no longer acknowledges her. Her dad is dead. Her mother is listless, forcing Momo to care for her parent.

After a monster attack, following the appearance of a mysterious fox, Momo, the fox, and Danny travel a world steeped in Japanese and Shinto beliefs and beings. The only way to save Momo's mom is straight through kamis, samurai crabs, dragon flown row boats, and magical swords.

It's a story about coming off age, learning who you are, setting your parents differently, and making friends.

There's a sub plot around Danny that deals with his adoption by white parents and his struggles fitting in at school. Between it and Momo's parentification, I found this story deeply emotional and moving.

I enjoyed the story and the two Japanese American kids (and a fox) saving the world. I loved the friendship dynamics. This book has wit, heart, and excitement, and I'm looking forward to the next installment.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind represents a new direction for Misa Sugiura, being both her first middle grade and first fantasy. She makes the transition well, having clearly studied the genre and pulled from specific influences, while still adding her own distinct flavor. One thing that stood out to me immediately is the focus on Japanese mythology, and I love how Sugiura dug deep into the various roots of those influences, from Shintoism to Buddhism, and presented them in such a digestible way for young readers.
Momo is a relatable young girl, who’s dealing with a lot. I can absolutely relate to being bullied for being different, even if the more magical circumstances with mythical beings and visions are obviously fictional. But I love that ultimately her belief paid off, just as she was prepared to set them aside. She goes on an epic journey to save her mother and finds out more about herself in the process.
I appreciate that Momo’s relationship with her mother wasn’t perfect, but Momo still loved her. Even if Momo was frustrated by her absentmindedness, I love that Momo was still willing to do what she could for her, and I hope there’s room for their relationship to improve from here.
Danny is a complex character, and one who I had a lot of complex feelings about. He’s Japanese by birth, but adopted by white parents, and I appreciated hints at what the text says about his environment’s impact on him.
This is a fun middle grade fantasy, and I’m eager to read more in the series. If you’re looking for more stories in the vein of Percy Jackson or the Rick Riordan Presents line, I recommend checking this out!

Momo wants to be like any other twelve-year-old, but that is not to be because she not only has to take care of herself she has to take care of her mother who kind of checked out when Momo’s dad died. But now Momo’s mother is very sick and if Momo can believe what a kami talking fox, dressed up like in olden times is saying, Momo is the only one that can save her mom. How did Momo’s mom never tell her about her past, but that is for another day, Momo’s must travel to a mysterious island and battle a lot of evil spirits and IF she lives through that maybe her mom and world will be ok.
This is a fun, action packed book. Momo is a great character as are her sidekicks and I loved learning more about the Japanese culture and lore. I had so much fun reading the book and seeing what they could all get into next I stayed up pretty late a couple of nights. This book will be good for all ages and reluctant readers as well.

Inventive and full of Japanese folklore! Twelve year-old Momo Arashima has discovered that she is half kami (Japanese mythic goddess), but with very hidden talents--if any at all. Her father was lost at sea, and she has cared for her ill and despondent mother (and other matters) most of her life.

If school wasn't torture, that would have been some relief, but Momo's former friend Danny decided to join the mean and popular group, and participated in making fun of her at school, online, and everywhere but home.

The day Momo sees a fox wearing vintage clothing and standing upright, Danny is first to jeer and "just have fun" at her expense, but Danny shouldn't have been able to see it! Niko, the fox, has come with an urgent message; Momo must accompany him to preserve her mother's life, and to save the world from demons escaping from the underworld.

Has Momo's unhappy life made her strong, or overburdened her to emotional exhaustion? Can she and Niko do this between the two of them? Why can Danny see Niko?

I would have liked to see Momo understand the difference between courage and determination. Her insecurity was dangerous to everyone on more than one occasion. She needed to hear "A small setback and a big comeback" instead of thinking every step meant possible failure--and changing her mind. It's good she wasn't alone.

3/5

Thanks to Labyrinth Road, Random House Children's, and NetGalley, for the temporary digital preview of this uncorrected galley; any review is voluntary and my own opinion.

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This Middle School effort was a delight to read. The story follows Momo who just wants a normal life beyond taking care of her widowed mother, and dealing with kids in school. Everything changes when her mother falls ill and a normal life turns into one filled with magic and a journry that will change everything.

This was an amazing adventure.
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All Momo wants for her twelfth birthday is a normal life--a life like everyone else's. At home, she has to take care of her absentminded widowed mother. At school, kids ridicule her for mixing up reality with the magical stories her mother used to tell her.

But then Momo's mother falls gravely ill, and a death hag straight out of those childhood stories attacks Momo at the mall, where she's rescued by a talking fox . . . and "normal" goes out the window. It turns out that Momo's mother is a banished Shinto goddess who used to protect a long-forgotten passageway to Yomi--a.k.a. the land of the dead. That passageway is now under attack, and countless evil spirits threaten to escape and wreak havoc across the earth.

Joined by Niko the fox and Danny--her former best friend turned popular jerk, whom she never planned to speak to again, much less save the world with--Momo must embrace her (definitely not normal) identity as half human, half goddess to unlock her divine powers, save her mother's life, and force the demons back to Yomi.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.

Momo Arashima is the least popular seventh grader in her school. She has no friends and is always having to take care of her sick mom. She's at the mall one day when she gets attacked by a creature straight from the Japanese myths her mom used to tell her. Momo gets swept up in a world she didn't believe in along with her ex-friend and a talking fox, and it's up to them to save Momo's mom.

If you're a fan of Rick Riordan, you definitely need to check this one out! I'm already excited for the second book in the series.

Rep: Japanese main character, adopted Japanese side character

CW: bullying, sick parent, loss of a parent, blood, violence, there's a scene where some demon's dig up a disembodied head which could be scary for younger readers

I would like to thank Random House Childrens for providing me with an ARC.

I feel like a lot of young readers will be able to connect with Momo a lot. I think she was a very well written character and is very interesting. However, I do think that some of the writing could have been tighter. The writing felt like is was overly simplistic at times. I loved the themes that were tackled, especially some of the topics surrounding the ethnocentrism of the adults around Momo that only led to her feeling more like an outcast. I would have liked that there was more of a discussion surrounding Momo's mother making Momo take care of her and Momo having to feel responsible for her mother. Otherwise, I think this book was decent, but the writing could have been a bit better.

From the start, MoMo Arishima Steals the Sword of the Wind has the feel of a Rick Riordan Presents novel- which is great! You are immediately immersed in Japanese mythology as you follow Momo, a 7th-grade Japanese girl who has a history of seeing things that are invisible to everyone else. She is an outsider in her community which is very indicative of the current social narrative. She's angry at her place in the world, and the feeling of loneliness drives her. Middle graders reading this book will empathize with Momo and how she handles her fears and anxieties, hopefully learning the value of friendship, honesty, and inner strength along the way.

However, as much as I enjoyed the representation of Japanese culture and mythology, I felt the story was lacking. Momo teams up with Danny, an ex-best friend, and Niko, a talking fox... wait, haven't I seen this boy, girl, animal trio cliché before? I found myself comparing them to other heroes across middle-grade mythology books and found them lacking. All the other heroes had a *spark* within them and between each other that bonded them, but with this story, I found myself not really caring

I would recommend this book to others, but only as a supplement to the existing middle-grade fantasy stories that are so loved by others. Not because this book was outstanding in its own right. Hopefully, the next book in the series can right some wrongs and bring more depth and connectedness to these characters.

“A little daughterly disobedience never hurt anyone, especially when it comes to saving lives.”

All Momo Arashima wants is a normal life―one where she doesn’t have to worry about her absentminded, heartsick mother and where the mean kids at school would just leave her alone. She never should’ve believed in her mother’s magical stories, much less told her peers about them. But then a shikome attacks Momo on her twelfth birthday, and, while escaping, she runs into her former best friend-turned-popular-jock, who can also see the shikome. Oh, and a talking fox with a penchant for alliterative insults saves them. Turns out her mother’s “make-believe” stories are anything but. In fact, her mother is a Shinto goddess who can no longer protect an important passageway to Yomi, the land of the dead, and now the world is in grave danger. Momo, along with Niko the talking fox and Danny the ex-best friend, must embark on an epic journey to discover who Momo really is, what it means to be a hero, and save the world. Totally normal stuff.

This is middle grade fantasy at its best! Misa Sugiura spins a hilarious, dynamic tale set in a world influenced by Japanese Shinto belief, wherein Momo, Niko, and Danny face plenty of trials and tribulations. I was hooked right from the start―even before the Shinto world was fully unveiled, the bullying that Momo endures, just because the kids at school view her as "other," adds a heavy dose of unfairness that infuriated me enough to keep turning the pages. And I wasn’t the only angry one―Momo is, too. Momo’s anger at the injustices of bullying, the deviousness of cold-hearted kami (gods), and the cruelty of Izanami, the Queen of Death, is easy to sympathize with, and how she learns to deal with her anger is admirable. Even more so when you remember that she's only 12 years old! Momo's inspiring determination made me utterly adore her and root for her every step of the way.

On their journey, Momo, Danny, and Niko grapple with mythical beings such as kami, yо̄kai, and oni. They are introduced to us in a style reminiscent of Percy Jackson and the Olympians―even if you aren’t familiar with the belief system, the book presents everything in a memorable and fun way, easily digestible for readers of all ages. Throughout it all, Sugiura tackles heavy themes, such as the complexities of transracial adoption and toxic masculinity, with a careful and considerate hand. They are all woven into the story in a way that is accessible for a middle grade audience and add another layer of dimension to an otherwise lighthearted fantasy romp.

I can’t recommend Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of Wind enough, especially for fans of Percy Jackson who are looking to learn about other mythologies. This book is the first installment of a forthcoming series, and I can’t wait to plunge back into Momo’s story in book two.

(Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)

This was an engaging adventure and bodes well for future installments in the series.

Momo is tired of being the caregiver in her family. On her 12th birthday, she has been the one to look after her mother ever since her father’s disappearance, rather than the other way around. Mom just doesn’t seem to engage with the world or understand how it works.

Of course, as Momo finds out, that could just be because Mom is an exiled goddess! Furthermore, in order to save Momo’s life, her mother promised Momo to the goddess of the underworld, to begin on her 12th birthday.
And to complicate things further, the gate to the underworld is weakening. It is up to Momo, helped by fox spirit Nico, to restore the gate and save the world. On the way, she meets many mythological figures, including her grandfather.

Joining Momo and Nico on the quest is Danny, Japanese by ethnicity, but adopted by Caucasian parents. They had been good friends once, but when Danny became more concerned with being cool, Momo was cast aside. Danny remembers the stories Momo’s mother had told them, and is a great supportive sidekick as they travel to multiple fantasy worlds. He’s not without his snark, and Momo is unsure of whether they will truly be friends ever again, but he’s handy to have around.

I enjoyed the dialogue and characters here, as well as the peek into Japanese folklore and fairytales. There’s some snappy dialogue and great description.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Stories of non-Christian gods and goddesses. Perilous situations. Loss of a parent. Bullying.

Who Might Like This Book:
Those who like learning about the folklore of other cultures. Fans of adventure and stories about friendship.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2023/01/multicultural-middle-grades.html

This book was so fun and charming! I loved the adventure and sense of lore. The characters were extremely likable and this book was just all-around very refreshing to read.

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind was such a pleasure to read! It is action-filled and fun, with a fantastic former-friendship to trusted companion thread that plays an important role in the climax of the book. I adored the reimagined Japanese spirits and mythological figures and loved how each was incorporated into Momo's journey, and particularly enjoyed how each helps Momo and her friends (or hinders them) along the way. Very much looking forward to reading more books set in this world!

I loved this! I didn’t want to put it down. I already preordered two copies: one for me and one as a birthday present for a friend!

At just turned twelve Momo is not enjoying life. In the list of popularity going around school she’s the very last name. Her father died and now she finds herself caring for her absentminded mother, who is convinced her father isn’t dead, and wants to go stare out at the sea in hopes of seeing him. It also doesn’t help that Danny, a former friend, is now very popular and seems to be laughing at her with everyone else at school. And then there’s the fox…that’s dressed like a person…that keeps showing up.

Of course this all comes to a head when she finds out her mother is actually a goddess, but one who’s dying and it’s up to Momo to save her. Niko is the fox that’s ready to take her on the quest, against her mother’s wishes. Then Danny volunteers to help. The quest kept me turning the pages. I love Momo’s compassion, but also her frustration and how she learned to channel those feelings. The different parts of the quest kept me riveted. The more I found out about Danny the more I sympathized with him. I didn’t really like Momo’s grandfather. I really loved the part with the crabs! I also hope there’s another adventure in the future for Momo and her friends!

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Loved the Japanese representation; wasn't as wild about the mother pining away from grief and making her daughter take care of her. Also, I do like the Vivienne To cover illustrations, but her work appears on so many similar fantasy titles that it makes it hard to keep them straight in my mind. (Dragon Warrior, Dragon Pearl, Dragon City... you see my problem!)