Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of the Dark!: An amusing chapter book perfect for children ages 6 to 9

Sam Wu is Not Afraid of ... #3

by Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang, Nathan Reed (Illustrator)

The brilliantly funny third SAM WU book - the bravest scaredy-cat in the world! Perfect for reluctant readers and fans of Pamela Butchart.

Sam Wu is NOT afraid of anything. Except for quite a lot of things. Like ghosts. Sharks too. And also THE DARK! And so when Sam goes camping in the woods with his friends and cousin Stanley, who knows what scary kind of things they’ll face . . .?

Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of the Dark is the third book in this brilliantly funny and accessible new series - perfect for newly confident readers, fans of Pamela Butchart and Julian Gough's Rabbit and Bear.

Also by Katie and Kevin Tsang:

Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts - 9781405287517
Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Sharks - 9781405287524

Katie and Kevin Tsang met in in 2008 while studying at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Since then they have lived on three different continents and travelled to over 40 countries together. They currently live in London.

Kevin was born in Copenhagen and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. Some of Sam Wu's experiences are based on Kevin's childhood (he's feeling much more confident now). Katie was born and raised in Southern California. She has previously worked at Booktrust, the UK's largest children's reading charity, and also writes YA fiction as Katherine Webber.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Friendship, Adventure, Contemporary, Humor

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2019

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my intro to the Sam Wu series; I received a copy from the publisher because I am a Cybils panelist.

Straddling the line between graphic novel (40%) and prose (60%) this book is a perfect segway to get reluctant readers into longer books. Sam's over-the-top antics and imagination are hilarious.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly fun! I love these stories. Full of laugh out loud moments, friendship, adventure and beautiful illustrations! This had me cackling from the first page!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't decide if it's 3 or 4 stars, so I rounded up. I think it might be high interest in my community due to the Asian representation and the big need for early chapter books.

However, I didn't find it very engaging. Of course, I am not in the target demographic and might be judging it too harshly. I often find early chapter books difficult to enjoy, so perhaps it is a me problem.

This is the first book in this series that I have read. Maybe I would enjoy one of the others more? If a child likes it, they can find a few others to enjoy as well.

Good for 2nd/3rd grade

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't until I started making the booklist that I discovered this title was the third book in the series. Which is to say, you don't have to read these in order! I really enjoyed this book. It has fun pictures as well. There is a great part about being brave even when you are scared. And I really enjoyed how Sam understands the feeling of jealousy and how the best way to get rid of it is to be grateful. I hope you like this one!

Found in L4M YT Volume 70.

[Robin Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sam Wu's adventures. They're funny and relatable - I've felt all of Sam's fears - and a real delight to read. (6+)

*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. If you use it in any marketing material, online or anywhere on a published book without asking permission from me first, I will ask you to remove that use immediately. Thank you!*

[Lucy Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another addition to the Sam Wu series and as funny as the others. I just love the narrative style and the developing bonds between the group of friends and their “enemy”. This is a series I think children will really enjoy as it’s humour is accessible and has enough jeopardy to keep them engaged.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like Alvin Ho, Sam Wu is an Asian American (?) kid who is scared of many things, prone to melodrama and an overactive imagination. Where they differ is that unlike Alvin Ho, who is socially awkward (he can’t speak in public), Sam Wu actually has two good friends, Zoe and Bernard.

[Nette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Sam Wu and crew adventure! Loved it! Fun to read out loud!

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8yo son read this and absolutely loved it, gonna buy more of the series for him to finish!

[Julian Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam wu is going to camping with his friends and they think they saw a creature but turn out it was a good person and animal.

[Vonprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge fun, will be a hit with reluctant readers.

See my full review here: