Description
Middle school is harder than twelve-year-old Vinh thought.
His grades are slipping, and if he hopes to compete in his school's cooking competition, he needs to improve his marks. When Vinh's grandmother gifts him a magical family heirloom, a jade pen that turns thoughts into proper sentences, she warns him that overuse will activate a curse. Though Vinh promises to be careful, he can’t resist using the pen to help him write essays and reports. His assignments are so good, he's even getting extra attention from his teachers. Soon Vinh finds himself obsessing over the pen, neglecting his friends and acting moody at home. Can he break the curse before it costs him his chances in the cooking competition?
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Author Bio
Hai G.M. Doan was born in Vietnam but grew up in Edmonton and has called the city home ever since. Hai holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alberta. He also dabbled in writing for the university campus newspaper. In his free time, he dreams up fantasy stories where science gives way to magic and anything is possible.
Prizes
- Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard SelectionCommended 2026
Review Quotes
“The magical pen serves as a unique symbol for the growing pressures associated with AI as well as addictive tendencies of technology. Vietnamese culture is highlighted through Vinh’s culinary interests and relationship with his grandmother. Real-world themes come together in a high-interest yet broadly accessible read that will especially appeal to future chefs.”
— School Library Journal (SLJ)Biographical note
Hai G.M. Doan was born in Vietnam but grew up in Edmonton and has called the city home ever since. Hai holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alberta. He also dabbled in writing for the university campus newspaper. In his free time, he dreams up fantasy stories where science gives way to magic and anything is possible.
