Rick Riordan Presents: Winston Chu vs. the Wingmeisters - by Stacey Lee

Book Synopsis

Now in paperback!

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents best-selling YA author Stacey Lee's final book in her debut middle grade duology: a whimsical, mile-a-minute adventure inspired by Chinese mythology.

Twelve-year-old Winston Chu has already rescued his sister, saved the moon's qi, and kicked Mr. Pang's sorry magpie-turned-human butt to the curb--but now he's about to face an even bigger problem: Mr. Pang's older magpie-turned-human brother, Mr. Gu.

Sure, Mr. Gu might be the current front-runner to be San Francisco's next mayor, but, as Winston knows all too well, appearances can be deceiving--and Mr. Gu, despite his cheerful laugh and brightly-colored shirts, is definitely hiding something.

Because all of a sudden, there's an eerily punctual fog that seems to follow him on his trips to an island in the bay. And grown-ups are turning up all the across the city with no memory of who they are, but with plenty of enthusiasm for their favorite mayoral candidate. And then there's the flocks of exotic birds that have begun amassing in every corner of the city. For Winston and his friends, there's no denying something. . . fowl. . . is afoot.

And the only one who might have the answers they need to save the city? Their old nemesis, Mr. Pang. . .

Winston's magical adventures come to a thrilling end in this whimsical, rollicking ride filled with invisible windbreakers, mischievous mustaches, and badminton rackets of destiny.

Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of the Disney+ hit series Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR WINSTON CHU VS. THE WHIMSIES

"It is a spectacular kind of joy to find a book that makes you wonder and dream and believe that magic is just around the corner waiting to happen―Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies does this and more. In her explosively clever middle grade debut, Stacey Lee has written a brilliant adventure full of humor, heart, and whimsically wicked objects."
--Stephanie Garber, New York Times #1 & internationally best-selling author of the Caraval series

"The best kind of adventure story―one with both hilarious magic and a heartfelt emotional core!"
--Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor

"So clever and fun it just demands to be read aloud with the whole family."
--Rick Riordan, New York Times #1 best-selling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

"From creepy Coco to delicious bubble tea, Stacey Lee weaves together elements from west, east, and in between to create a magical world all its own. I became a fan all over again."
--Abigail Hing Wen, New York Times best-selling author of the Loveboat, Taipei series

"We read to learn, right? Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies teaches you all sorts of useful skills, like how to get your sister's soul out of a doll, how to help celestial spirits find love, and what not to choose when a strange shopkeeper offers you one free gift. Lee's tale is full of family, friendship, hijinks, hilarity, and flying pizza slices that will slap you if you're not careful―all told by a master raconteur."
--Carlos Hernandez, award-winning author of Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

"Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies is a roller coaster ride of enchanting surprises and chaotic magic that leads the reader through the most epic journey! I didn't want it to end!!"
--Ellen Oh, award-winning author of Finding Junie Kim and the Spirit Hunters trilogy

"A fast-paced adventure."
--Booklist

"Lee deftly crafts an adventure that strings together seemingly random clues only to have them fall satisfyingly into place in the end. Themes of friendships, grief, and family love are explored throughout . . . There's plenty of magic, healing, and love to enjoy on this roller-coaster ride."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Contemplating grief's lingering nature, Lee plots a quickly paced, Chinese folklore-inspired story narrated by a sincere protagonist bolstered by loyal family and friends."
--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Stacey Lee is a New York Times and Indie best-selling author of historical and contemporary young adult fiction, including The Downstairs Girl, a Reese's Book Club Late Summer 2021 YA pick, and her most recent novel, Luck of the Titanic, which received five starred reviews. A native of southern California and a fourth-generation Chinese American, she is a cofounder of the We Need Diverse Books movement and writes stories for all kids (even the ones who look like adults). Stacey loves board games, has perfect pitch, and through some mutant gene, can smell musical notes through her nose. Follow her on Instagram @StaceyLeeAuthor