Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting mix of adventure, history, compelling boy hero.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
ZACHARY YING AND THE DRAGON EMPEROR tells the story of how Zack, who's 12, came to be almost possessed by the spirit of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. But the attempted possession went wrong, and instead of binding himself to Zack's body the emperor accidentally possessed Zack's augmented-reality portal-lens instead. And when a demon steals the soul of Zack's mother, Zack agrees to help the emperor save the world, and his mom. All they have to do is to steal a magical artifact from the bottom of the ocean, bargain with the Eight Immortals, and find Qin Shi Huang's tomb where the portal is hidden, for a start.
Is It Any Good?
This intriguing fantasy blends intense action with stories, myths, and legends from Chinese history and culture. Author Xiran Jay Zhao has said that they thought of Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor as "Chinese Percy Jackson meets Yu-Gi-Oh!" and fans of both will find a lot to enjoy here. And it has broader appeal as a thoughtful exploration of identity, cultural heritage, friendship, with a healthy sprinkling of good vs. evil.
The structure of alternating intense action with rest periods that explain and educate gets repetitive because it almost never varies, and the rest periods sometimes seem too long. But middle-grade readers will relate to Zack and his friends as they learn that the world is more than black and white, people are more than good or evil, and the value of true friendship. The cliffhanger ending will have fans eager for the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor. Was it scary, exciting, or both? What helps you feel better when you get scared?
Why is it important for books, movies, and other media to show diverse cultures and people? How do we feel when people like ourselves are represented? What do we learn when we read about others?
Are Zachary and his friends good role models? How do they demonstrate perseverance, communication, and teamwork?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Margaret K. McElderry
- Publication date : May 10, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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