Description

In this hilarious and heartfelt debut graphic novel, a girl born on a day considered unlucky in Chinese superstition starts to wonder if she really is cursed when she’s troubled by visions of doom set to occur on her thirteenth birthday.

Twelve-year-old Eugenia Wang has never celebrated her birthday on her actual birthday, April 4th, because of her mom’s belief in the Chinese superstition that four is an unlucky number. And that’s not the only thing Mom’s strict about; she won’t let Eugenia go to a summer comic art camp because she thinks art is a waste of time. This year, Eugenia is determined to defy her mom by applying for the camp, having her party on her actual birthday, and inviting her super cute crush while she’s at it, too!

But when Eugenia gets hit in the head with a sneaker during PE, she starts getting unnerving visions of impending doom about her upcoming birthday. It might be the aftereffects of her head injury, or maybe she’s just anxious about turning thirteen. As the visions get worse, even affecting her artwork, Eugenia suspects an unseen force may be sending her messages. If she’s haunted after all, Eugenia will have to figure out why before it’s too late. Even more horrifying, she may have to do the unthinkable: admit her mom was right.

Publisher Review

JLG Gold Standard Selection “The panels, which vary in perspective, adding visual interest, support the tone of this dramatic, funny, and touching graphic novel. . . Readers will relate to Eugenia’s struggles over meeting family expectations, following her passions, navigating relationships, and negotiating daily life as a tween. Slightly spooky and filled with humor and heart.” — Kirkus Reviews “Genuinely scary details are balanced with light humor (Eugenia’s clumsy little dog is particularly amusing) and authentic family drama that is resolved slowly, through honest communication and effort.” — BCCB “Yan blends slapstick tween humor with a spark of surreal horror in his clever debut graphic novel. . . Digitally rendered cartoon panels utilizing unique perspectives [inject] fresh energy into each scene.”
— Publishers Weekly “Suspense, comedy-horror, and well-developed character growth come together in Yan’s debut graphic novel . . . The exaggerated proportions of his character designs call to

mind children’s animated shows and suit the offbeat humor of the story well.” — Horn Book Magazine