Kagawa, Julie. Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl. Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.) Series; bk. 1. Buena Vista Books/Disney-Hyperion. 04/2022. 309pp. Fiction. GRADES 4 – 7. HIGH ADDITIONAL. $16.99. 978-1-368-06819-2.
Shinji Takahashi becomes embroiled in an age-old feud between the “Society of Explorers and Adventurers” and the Hightower Corporation, both of which have a history of worldwide exploitation of artifacts and magical items. In his first of two titles (book two publishes in April, 2023), Shinji stumbles across a statue in a small South American marketplace and is chased (and captured) by Hightower guys, all before the real adventures begins. Shinji ends up escaping from a New York skyscraper, finding his way to the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, travels with them to Central America in search of a lost magical temple, and returns a stolen idol to protect its magical guardian. Kagawa’s fast-paced narration, interesting characters (Shinji is Asian American and Lucy is white), multiple locales, and humorous situations create a tale any adventure-seeking reader is likely to devour.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library