Julie Black Belt (Book 2): The Belt of Fire
By Oliver Chin
Illustrated by Charlene Chua
Published by Immedium on October 8, 2013
32 pages – ages 4+
The Julie Black Belt books are a series of early reader books about a young girl and her quest – her quest to become a black belt – a black belt in Kung-Fu! But little does Julie know that it takes a long time to become a black belt…
In book one (The Kung Fu Chronicles, Immedium 2007), Julie joins a Kung-Fu school, but is surprised it is so hard – after all, she mastered Kung-Fu in several video-games. Should be easy, right? Will Julie ever become a black belt?
In book two (The Belt of Fire), Julie is working towards her orange belt in Kung Fu. She is the best student in the class, but a new kid shows up. Julie is jealous of her new classmate (a boy) because he is very good at Kung-Fu. They both try to prove to the other that they are great. But, when the teacher puts them together for a project, can they work together?
This is a great series! They are a perfect reading level for younger kids who are reading by themselves. I also think it is a great story book for parents to read to kids because the illustration are fantastic. They are very cartoon-y, and are perfect for young kids.
I love the message in both books – never give up, the best things in life aren’t easy, teamwork always works, and teachers are great. 🙂 Julie is a good-hearted girl who you can easily relate to – she wants to be a black belt, not a white belt. I like that it shows how hard it is to get different belts in the martial arts (just FYI I am now up to a blue belt in jujitsu and a green belt in karate and I have my black belt in TaeKwon-Do – so I know it’s hard 😉 ). I think it’s cool that the main character is a girl. There are a lot of girls in my martial arts classes. The story isn’t just about martial arts, but more about being your best and working hard to get what you want. The Julie Black Belt books are a GREAT series for kids!
I give this book and series 5 out of 5 bookworms!
To learn more about the Julie Black Belt series, please visit the official website HERE.
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Categories: Age 6-9
Natuerlich (take a guess first) I would read a book that could potentially be about ME! And I will be able to overlook the lack of green eyes!
Hmm I guess… Natrually (because of the sentence that follows) or the German word for Nautilus and you are thinking of Captain Nemo 😛 I think I should start calling you Ms. Julie Black Belt! Now I shall google to see if I am close…
You got it!
WOOT WOOT!!! 🙂
The illustration samples you share look very entertaining and can offer a parent reading to their child great opportunity for funny sound effects too 🙂 Thanks for the review.
Thank you Ms. Brown! I think the illustrations add a lot to the whole story. 🙂
That sounds fab, Erik! I feel like I’m in a special club with you. Being a black belt is quite an achievement.
We should start a group – BBB Black Belts Blog! 😀
Now that’s a tongue twister and a fun idea
Seriously, you have that many belts? Impressive, young Erik! But, then we already knew you are an impressive human. The illustration pages look fun. Thanks for sharing.
I do study 3 martial arts. I really like them. I am hoping to get all 3 black belts! 🙂
Great graphic feel and super concept, Erik.
Thank you Miss Marple! 🙂
Nice review! This looks like a fun read, Superkid Erik or should I start calling you sensei? Any form of martial arts is a wonderful thing to study. My author’s sons both earned their junior black belt in karate. We know what dedication is involved. When do you find the time for 3, let alone 1? Great self defense techniques. Growling seems to work for me.
In karate I am Sempai because I am a senior student. In Tae kwon-do I am Boosabum (senior student who has a black belt) and in jujitsu I am … a minion. 😉 I wish I had a growl as good ad you Lobo!
cute!
Thanks! 🙂
I love the positive cover. And I LOVE the theme. No one gains anything unless they work very hard for it. I am a great believer in acquiring the beauty of self-discipline…great for all ages! Well done, Erik and Oliver and Charlene!
That sums it up really well Dr. Clune! The messages in both books are great ones for kids and adults! 🙂
Love that this book features a girl! Wonderful cover that will draw in a lot of young readers. Great review!
It is nice to see a martial arts series with a girl MC! Thanks Ms. Tilton.
I too love the idea of these books. Martial Arts is a great way to learn discipline, hard work and teamwork. The illustrations look fun. .My grandsons used to take judo lessons. Good for you to have accomplished all those belts but then I always knew you were a Superkid!!
That’s exactly right! Martial arts is more about self discipline than fighting! Thanks Ms. Foster! 🙂
I love the illustrations and the themes. FYI – I have a yellow belt in TaeKwon-Do I earned long time ago. Not impressive but your black belt is and the three belts is. How do you find the time? No wonder your parents cut back on review time. You must be wearing them out, God Bless Them.
Yellow belt = Awesome! We should have a martial arts blogging badge – you’d be a black belt! I take 5 classes a week, but some of them are back-to-back. I really enjoy it! 🙂
Thanks Erik! As I said, your parents must be exhausted. You are and sister are very lucky. I know you appreciate them, which is really nice, or maybe its cool, no, it is awesome.
🙂
It’s always nice to hear about books with positive messages for both boys and girls. And I think it’s cool that YOU think it’s cool. 🙂
🙂 Thanks Ms. Fritz! I think you’re cool too! 🙂
This was funny to see this book in your post! The Mom Person gave Julie Black Belt to her daughter, Julie, for Christmas! It is an awesome book! Fun to read your review!
Ha! There are a lot of Julie’s here! 🙂 I am glad you liked the book Rhythm!
I thought this book was great too! I added it to my post on matching up martial art styles with your kids physical abilties: http://www.pragmaticmom.com/2013/10/martial-arts-for-kids/
I saw! That’s one reason why I was excited to review this book (the other being that I take martial arts)!
She does look like a spunky girl. I tend to avoid Disney-themed illustrations though that seem to be computer generated imageries, but I know a lot of kids who also enjoy that. Plus the entire idea about a girl protagonist who does karate is very nice indeed.
Julie Black-Belt is a great series! 😀