Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang

Stan Yan

Book cover for Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang
Image for variant 9798855193664
Book cover for Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang
Image for variant 9798855193664

Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang

Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang

Stan Yan

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Description

In this "unique, amusing, and compulsively readable" (School Library Journal, starred review) debut graphic novel, a girl born on a day considered unlucky in Chinese superstition starts to wonder if she really is cursed when she's troubled by visions of doom set to occur on her thirteenth birthday.

Twelve-year-old Eugenia Wang has never celebrated her birthday on her actual birthday, April 4th, because of her mom's belief in the Chinese superstition that four is an unlucky number. And that's not the only thing Mom's strict about; she won't let Eugenia go to a summer comic art camp because she thinks art is a waste of time. This year, Eugenia is determined to defy her mom by applying for the camp, having her party on her actual birthday, and inviting her super cute crush while she's at it, too!

But when Eugenia gets hit in the head with a sneaker during PE, she starts getting unnerving visions of impending doom about her upcoming birthday. It might be the aftereffects of her head injury, or maybe she's just anxious about turning thirteen. As the visions get worse, even affecting her artwork, Eugenia suspects an unseen force may be sending her messages. If she's haunted after all, Eugenia will have to figure out why before it's too late. Even more horrifying, she may have to do the unthinkable: admit her mom was right.

About the Author

Stan Yan is a first generation American-born Chinese writer, illustrator, caricature artist, and instructor from Denver, Colorado, who has been drawing comics before he realized it. He helped cofound the Squid Works comic creator cooperative, was a board member of the Colorado Alliance of Illustrators, and is currently the co-regional advisor for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang is his debut graphic novel.

Critical Reviews

JLG Gold Standard Selection

"The panels, which vary in perspective, adding visual interest, support the tone of this dramatic, funny, and touching graphic novel. . . Readers will relate to Eugenia's struggles over meeting family expectations, following her passions, navigating relationships, and negotiating daily life as a tween. Slightly spooky and filled with humor and heart." --Kirkus Reviews

"Genuinely scary details are balanced with light humor (Eugenia's clumsy little dog is particularly amusing) and authentic family drama that is resolved slowly, through honest communication and effort." --BCCB

"Yan blends slapstick tween humor with a spark of surreal horror in his clever debut graphic novel. . . Digitally rendered cartoon panels utilizing unique perspectives [inject] fresh energy into each scene."
--Publishers Weekly

"Suspense, comedy-horror, and well-developed character growth come together in Yan's debut graphic novel . . . The exaggerated proportions of his character designs call to

mind children's animated shows and suit the offbeat humor of the story well." --Horn Book Magazine

★ "Yan's art and storytelling are both quirky and compelling; the facial expressions are full of nuance and dialogue is snappy. Many scenes are portrayed in unique perspectives; in fact, everything in this story is a bit off-kilter and weirdly funny. . . An excellent purchase where unique, amusing, and compulsively readable coming-of-age graphic fiction is in demand.--School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

Publishing Information

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books
Pub date: 2025-09-30
Length: 258 pages

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