Families who loved Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book if your middle schooler feels caught between different worlds, whether it is the struggle of being the only minority in their town or the disconnect between their modern digital life and their family's cultural history. This high stakes adventure follows 12-year-old Zack, a Chinese American boy who knows little about his heritage until he is suddenly tasked with hosting the spirit of the First Emperor of China to save the world. While the plot is a fast paced, tech infused quest, the heart of the story explores the weight of parental expectations, the pain of microaggressions, and the complexity of reclaiming an identity that has been suppressed. It is an excellent choice for gamers and fans of mythology who are ready for more mature themes regarding political history, religious identity (specifically the Hui Muslim experience), and the moral ambiguity of historical figures. Parents should note that while the tone is adventurous, it touches on themes of state sanctioned violence and the loss of a parent.
