Clara Wu and the Portal Book: Book One

by Vincent Yee, Santi Sann (Illustrator)

This is book one of an epic young adult Asian American fantasy adventure where Clara Wu, Sung Kim, Yuka Satoh and Daniel Nguyen must battle an ominous evil to save the world. But they are not alone as they are paired up with their trustworthy Guardians, the panda, white tiger, red crown crane and the water buffalo. Follow them as they unlock spectacular powers that they never knew they had, until they step into the World of Azen.


Clara stared down hopelessly at the glistening shards of the Bamboo Jade that was supposed to be unbreakable. She looked up to see the rabid mayhem all about her as the elite battle pandas protectively encircled her from the Warlock’s fiery creatures. Just a few weeks ago, she was a typical Chinese American teenager from New York City until she was whisked away into the realm of Azen, where she became the Panda Empress Warrior. Her eyes darted above the pandas’ helmets as she saw her fellow warriors fighting the horde of creatures from above. Sung, Yuka and Daniel were frantically casting their dwindling powerful elements. Fatigue was taking a toll on them along with the armies of the Tiger, Crane and Buffalo Kingdoms. They had fought the first half of the arduous battle and were counting on Clara and the Panda Kingdom army to defeat the last of the creatures. Then they broke through the last barrier. Suddenly, her eyes bulged as a fiery creature leapt over the battle pandas; its claws outstretched toward her as fire glowed from its snapping jaw. But before it could sink its claws into her, the end of a bamboo spear struck its head, slamming it to the ground. The Guardian Panda came into view and took one last glance at her before he turned away to make one last stand. Clara felt her courage abandon her as she was supposed to protect the Panda Kingdom but they were on the precipice of loss. Her eyes fell on her wrist, and the jewel glistened back at her. Instinctively, she reached out for it and knew it was their last hope.

An immersive epic fantasy steeped in Asian themes that will allow Asian American teens, children and even adults, to see themselves in story, as heroes.

A story aimed at better Asian Representation!

211 pages, Paperback

Published December 22, 2021

Reviews

[Shelley Takeuchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your kids like fantasy, check out this book series by Vincent Yee. The series now has 4 books, but begin reading with the first to get the background of the story. Clara is a Chinese American teen who resents having to study Chinese after school instead of going to her friend’s house. She throws her calligraphy book across the kitchen and stomps off to her room. When she is cajoled into purchasing a new book, she discovers a portal to another world with talking animal guides and special jade that provides super powers. She is joined there by three other teens of Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese descent and the adventure begins. The teens struggle with their Asian identities and learn the true power within themselves. The writing flows well and is a hopeful, encouraging depiction of Asian American youth. A book includes words and traditional Asian items that are defined in the ending dictionary for clarity. Suggested for Grades 4-11

I already started book 2....you must too!

[Melina Fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a 12yo boy, and my grandmother suggested this book to me called "Clara Wu and the Portal Book." It was so good, I finished it in less than a day. From there, I proceeded to finish the rest of the series, finishing the entire series in just five days. This book was amazing, and I would highly recommend it to any reader looking for a book with an Asian hero/heroine.