The pictures are soft, colorful, and appealing for young readers, and they often use panels to show the class in action. Sterling’s knowledge of teaching karate shines through as the sensei helps Maya when she struggles to master an exercise. This encouraging tale highlights good sportsmanship and the value of practicing the things we love.
—Booklist
Highly recommended for public and school libraries as an introduction to karate. This book also fosters kindness and encourages kids not to give up.
—School Library Journal
The delicate cartoons are dynamic and lively…empowering.
—Kirkus Reviews
A Saturday karate class comes to life in this picture book by Sterling, a sensei and medaled global competitor in the Japanese martial art form.
—Publishers Weekly
