The Crossbow of Destiny is our pick for Read Your World Book Day (formerly Multicultural Children’s Book Day!)

Read Your World Book Day is celebrating its 13th year on 1/30/25! Because Read Your World Book Day is one of our favorite events, we are excited to participate for the 7th year in a row. This year I will be reviewing The Crossbow of Destiny written by Brandon Hoang, Read on to enjoy the review as well as many terrific, FREE resources.

The Crossbow of Destiny Synopsis:

When Vietnamese American Freddie Lo finds herself in Vietnam for the first time since she was little, she’s not quite sure how to feel. The memories of her extended family are more like distant echoes she has a tough time speaking Vietnamese and she can’t help but feel like she just isn’t Vietnamese enough. Still, this is her chance to reconnect with her family, especially her Ong ngoai — or grandfather — who is receiving a big award.

That’s when Ong ngoai reveals his secret. He knows the location of an ancient legendary crossbow. It has the power to decimate armies — and he’s hidden it away from those who intend to use its magic for evil. But when Ong ngoai is kidnapped, it’s up to Freddie, her cousin Lien, and a mysterious boy named Duy to get to the crossbow before it ends up in the wrong hands.

In this Indiana Jones-style adventure, readers will travel through Vietnam — from its seaside villages, to the swamps of the Mekong Delta, to the majestic Marble Mountains of Da Nang — as Freddie learns what it takes to be a hero.

The Crossbow of Destiny Spoiler Free Review:

Brandon Hoang takes readers on the adventure of a lifetime through Vietnam in this fun middle grade read. This action packed fantasy is full of vivid descriptions of Vietnamese landscapes.  The sentimental bonds of family and the rich culture of Vietnam are at the center of this book, The Crossbow of Destiny is a beautiful story of overcoming self doubt, finding faith in yourself and harnessing the strength within to do what is right.

A special thank you to Brandon Hoang for sending me this great read to share with the Kid Congeniality community.

About Read Your World Book Day:

Read Your World 2025 (1/30/25) is in its 13th year! Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative; they are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural diverse books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

Read Your World’s mission is to raise awareness of the need to include kids’ books celebrating diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Explore RYW’s mission and history HERE.

Read Your World is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors:

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)

🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media

Platinum Sponsors 🏅: Publisher Spotlight and Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 60 Languages 

🏅 Gold Sponsors:  Third State Books 

Silver Sponsors🏅: Red Comet Press and Lerner Books 

🏅 Silver Corporate Sponsor:  Scholastic Books 

Bronze Sponsors🏅 :  Lee and Low 

🏅 Corporate Sponsor: Crayola Education and Scholastic

Read Your World is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors:

Authors: Stephanie M. Wildman, Martha Seif Simpson, Anna Jennings, Gwen Jackson, Afsaneh Moradian, author, author, author, author, Josh Funk, Nancy Tupper Ling, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Gea Meijering, Eugenia Chu, Dorktales Story Time, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Authors J.C. Kato and J.C.², Cynthia Levinson, Diana Huang, Rochelle Melander,  Lisa Chong, Lisa Stringfellow,  Brunella Costaglioga, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Rachel C. Katz, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Shifa Safadi, Lisa Rogers, Sylvia Liu, Eva Clarke

Read Your World is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts, Global CoHosts and our Partner Organizations! 

Check out RYW’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!

📌 FREE RESOURCES from Read Your World Day

• RYW2025 Poster
• Mental Health Support for Stressful Times Classroom Kit
• Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents
• Homeschool Diverse Kidlit Booklist & Activity Kit
• FREE Teacher Classroom Activism and Activists Kit
• FREE Teacher Classroom Empathy Kit
• FREE Teacher Classroom Kindness Kit
• FREE Teacher Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit
• FREE Teacher Classroom Poverty Kit
• Gallery of Our Free Posters
• FREE Diversity Book for Classrooms Program

📌 Register for the Read Your World Virtual Party

Join us on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 9 pm EST celebrating 13 years of  Read Your World Day Virtual Party! Register HERE.

This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.

We will be giving away a 10-Book Bundle during the virtual party plus Bonus Prizes!
*** US and Global participants are welcome.***

Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, and connect with like-minded authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. We look forward to seeing you all on January 30, 2025, at our virtual party!

This review contains Amazon affiliate links for your shopping convenience.