Alvin Ho: Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, and Other Tourist Attractions

by Lenore Look, Leuyen Pham (Illustrator)

Overview

Alvin and his family visit China in the hilarious chapter book series that tackles anxiety in a fun, kid-friendly way. Perfect for both beginning and reluctant readers, and fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid!

Alvin, an Asian American second grader who’s afraid of everything, is taking his fears to a whole new level—or should we say, continent. On a trip to introduce brand-new baby Ho to relatives in China, Alvin’s anxiety is at fever pitch. First there’s the harrowing 16-hour plane ride; then there’s a whole slew of cultural differences to contend with: eating lunch food for breakfast, kung fu lessons, and acupuncture treatment (yikes!). Not to mention the crowds that make it easy for a small boy to get lost.

A humorous and touching series about facing your fears and embracing new experiences—with a truly unforgettable character—from author Lenore Look and New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Honor winning illustrator LeUyen Pham.

“Alvin’s a winner.” —New York Post

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780553520552
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	09/08/2015
Series:	Alvin Ho Series , #6
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	125,241
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

Lenore Look is the author of the popular Alvin Ho series, as well as the Ruby Lu series. She has also written several acclaimed picture books, including Henry’s First-Moon Birthday, Uncle Peter’s Amazing Chinese Wedding, and Brush of the Gods. Lenore lives in Hoboken, New Jersey.

LeUyen Pham is the award-winning and critically acclaimed illustrator of more than one hundred books for children. Her picture books include Bear Came Alongby Richard T. Morris, named a Caldecott Honor Book, as well as Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio and the Vampirina Ballerina series by Anne Marie Pace. She is also the illustrator of Princess in Black, the New York Times-bestselling middle grade series by Shannon and Dean Hale, and the co-creator, along with Shannon Hale, of the New York Times-bestselling graphic memoirs Real Friends and Best Friends. Her most recent author-illustrator book, Outside, Inside, is a recollection of our year in lockdown.

Editorial Reviews

Series Praise

“A witty glossary and Pham’s simple yet expressive line drawings perfectly complement this appealing story about the refreshingly original, endearing Alvin.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Look's . . . intuitive grasp of children's emotions is rivaled only by her flair for comic exaggeration."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

 Alvin just keeps getting better and better.”
—Bulletin, starred review

“Shares with Diary of a Wimpy Kid the humor that stems from trying to manipulate the world.”
—Newsday

From the Publisher

06/01/2014
Gr 2–4—Alvin Ho is back—this time on vacation with his family in China. Alvin isn't so sure about this trip. From the 16-hour plane ride to a fear of being squashed in a massive crowd of people, the boy must struggle with and overcome various anxieties. Told from the nervous protagonist's point of view, the story will have readers laughing at some of the bizarre circumstances Alvin gets himself into. Look spins a thread of Chinese culture throughout this lighthearted story, and readers are taken through famous historical sights. By the end, readers will walks away with a bit of knowledge of China and its culture. A delightful and engaging addition to this refreshingly multicultural chapter book series.—Diana Wireman, Russell-McDowell Intermediate School, Flatwoods, KY

School Library Journal

2014-04-30
Alvin Ho is at it again. Allergic to everything and all things girly, this 7-1/2-year-old worrywart hops a continent to visit relatives in Beijing. Is China ready for Alvin?The hilarious family vacation kicks off with an airport-security bang. Only Alvin can manage to set off alarms both on and off the plane, with his family of six in tow, including his baby sister (amusingly referred to in fish terms). Once in Beijing, Alvin meets his aunt Aiyi, uncle Jonathan (who looks "plain," not "Chinese at all"), and cousins Katie and Bean Sprout. The family zips off to such sights as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City, where dragons, "Peeking" duck and an encounter with a pit toilet go hand in hand. Amid his navigation of culture shock, Alvin becomes consumed with guilt over his dad's lost passport and his rejection of an orphan's wish for a friend. The way Look channels this adorable fraidy-cat continues to delight in this sixth Alvin book. Her lightning-quick dialogue sets the ideal tone and pace for reluctant travelers. Rendered in ink, Pham's illustrations convey the family's emotions, from anxiety to bliss, with simple, lively expressions. And around all the mayhem, there lies a story full of heart as big as China, where friendships (even with a girl) reach far beyond great walls.Pack your bags and prepare to fly. (glossary) (Fiction. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews