The Mystery of the Masked Medalist (Kudo Kids #1)

An amusing international adventure with some dicey internet practices. 

Gr 3-6--Siblings Andy and Mika Kudo are thrilled to travel to Tokyo for the Olympics with their journalist parents. Their excitement over sightseeing and watching Olympic events is heightened by OlympiFan, an augmented reality game that they will play during their visit. The game encourages teamwork and fair play, with clues hidden all around Tokyo that players can find either by physically visiting sites, or by using the virtual reality mode from home. But not all of the players are interested in playing fair. One player's account is hacked and clues are stolen, and Mika gets some strange and slightly creepy private messages. Who is trying to cheat at the game? Is the same person sending Mika messages? And who is the Masked Medalist who created the game in the first place? This topical mystery has a solid plot and good pacing, and will appeal to those fascinated by Tokyo and the Olympics. Young readers will wish that they could both play OlympiFan and taste the delicious foods that the Kudo kids sample in Tokyo. This book incorporates modern technology believably, and though the kids have some freedom to explore their surroundings, they also have a realistic degree of parental supervision. VERDICT As interest in the Tokyo Olympics runs high, this title will do well, especially with mystery lovers.--Misti Tidman, Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, OH

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

This swiftly paced caper by the Shibutanis, siblings who have won multiple Olympic and world medals for ice dancing, launches a mystery series starring Mika and Andy Kudo, Japanese American siblings from Los Angeles. Visiting Tokyo to attend the Summer Olympics with their travel-writer father and editor mother, who's covering the event for a sports website, the kids delve into a hot new augmented reality game, OlympiFan. Their mission involves locating three virtual medals--bronze, silver, and gold--hidden throughout Tokyo, which contain hints to help them identity the former Olympic medalist who created the game and thus win the competition. Tangential plot threads augment the intrigue as the authors explore the possibility that someone may be sabotaging the game, and introduce competing young gamers and past medalists attending the Olympics. The siblings' own moral conundrums add dimension: to enter a photography contest, Mika defies her parents' dictate and surreptitiously opens an Instagram account, and she, Andy, and their game rivals deliberate what constitutes cheating. Final illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. (May)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"What a fun ride throughout this book! It not only got me excited about the Olympics, but the OlympiFan game was full of twists and intrigue. A contemporary story that will connect with young readers everywhere." —Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic Gold Medalist, Children's Book Author

"The Mystery of the Masked Medalist would make any kid passionate about the Olympics. Maia and Alex create a modern adventure that takes you throughout Japan." —Lindsey Vonn, Olympic Gold Medalist Alpine Ski Racer

It's truly remarkable that sister and brother Maia and Alex Shibutani, who just happen to be very well known for their excellence in skating, have taken that same champion level approach to creating Kudo Kids. Everyone loves a great mystery, and Kudo Kids delivers a fun and exciting adventure aimed for young readers, that everyone can enjoy. I have a strong feeling this could be the beginning of something BIG! —Scott Hamilton, Olympic Gold Medalist

"Maia and Alex Shibutani have written a delightful game of a book full of surprises and heart. I loved experiencing Tokyo through the eyes of the Kudo kids, and I can't wait to see where they travel next." —Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series

A gold medal debut for the ShibSibs! This fun, fast-paced mystery with two fierce new detectives—the Kudo Kids—will keep young readers turning the pages until the twisty end! —Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Great Shelby Holmes series

An exhilarating page-turning romp through Tokyo for fans of puzzle games and mysteries! This book made me hungry for Japanese food and for more in this series. —Debbi Michiko Florence, author of the Jasmine Toguchi series and Keep It Together, Keiko Carter

The Mystery of the Masked Medalist is a fun, exciting adventure all across Tokyo. The Kudo Kids are lovable and daring, proving to be highly relatable heroes that kids will root for. —Lyla Lee, author of Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business and I'll Be the One

"With Kudo Kids, Maia and Alex Shibutani have created an exciting world that explores mystery, the travails of competition, and the loving support of family. The story toggles between traditional storytelling and digital adventure for the young reader, resulting in a thriller that reads like a video game. Kudo Kids is not only a fun way to get your favorite child interested in books, but an entertaining read for all generations. —Bobby Hundreds, author of This Is Not a T-shirt