SUPER BOBA CAFÉ

Aria and Nainai must work together to help the ancient monster that’s living beneath San Francisco.

Ever since returning home from her summer with Nainai, 13-year-old Aria has been experiencing terrible nightmares. Each night, she wakes up screaming, dreaming of the monster who shakes the city unless it’s fed boba from Nainai’s shop. Aria also discovers that she now has water powers that she can’t fully control, which she finds scary but also “kinda fun.” Her parents don’t understand that the monster isn’t a symbolic representation of her stress but a real problem. She finally convinces them to let her return to San Francisco in hopes of curing the nightmares. Aria and Nainai venture into the tunnels beneath the city to confront Rano, the scaly, green, sharp-toothed monster—but they discover that it needs their help to return home to the sea. Aria and Nainai must make a lot of boba, figure out how to control Aria’s powers, and trust others who can help them help Rano. Fear, bravery, family, and friendship lie at the heart of this sequel. Chanani’s appealingly cute illustrations and effective linework, complemented by Hamada’s attractive color palette, heighten the humorous and heartfelt moments. Fascinating facts about San Francisco’s history are woven into the monster’s story. The previous book established that Aria is Taiwanese and Indian American. The ending tantalizingly sets the stage for the next series entry.

Another suspenseful, lively, bobalicious adventure.