Tokyo Heist

Gr 7 Up—Violet Rossi, cynical and annoyed with the adults in her life, plans to spend the summer with her artist dad in Seattle. She is a creative, manga-loving 16-year-old who even has a manga alter ego, Kimono Girl. She is excited when her dad's new commission is her ticket to Tokyo for the summer. However, before they leave, his patrons have precious van Gogh drawings stolen from their home, and a yakuza, a Japanese gangster, demands they give him a painting that he thinks they have. When the teen and her dad land in Japan, the danger increases and the gangster threatens to "erase" Violet's dad if he does not receive the painting. Violet is smart and knows a lot about Japanese culture. She starts researching the case, thinking it would be good inspiration for her Kimono Girl manga, but she eventually becomes wrapped up in the mystery. The plot has lots of twists and turns, leaving readers on edge, and a hint of romance (Violet has a crush on her best friend back home). Readers will cheer for Violet as she uses her wits and outsmarts the adults. Teens will learn about Japanese culture, and fans of manga and art students will rejoice that they can relate to the protagonist and story.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI