How to Win a Slime War

August 1, 2021
The new kid in town finds himself caught up in a slime-selling battle. Twelve-year-old Alex Manalo is passionate about two things: slime and business. So when he and his dad (his mother has died) move from Silicon Valley to Sacramento to take over his grandparents' struggling Filipino market, he is excited that they'll have their own business. Being the new kid isn't easy, and while Alex isn't sporty or tall like the popular kids at his old school, he soon discovers that his new middle school is big on slime. Alex makes all kinds of slime with different ingredients, textures, and smells, garnering the attention of his classmates. A new friend convinces him to sell his slime, but that spurs a slime war with the girl who holds the slime monopoly at school. It isn't going to be easy, especially when his dad thinks slime is a waste of time and that Alex should be playing soccer. With his hands in many different activities, Alex fights to win sticky battles with his family, new friends, and himself. Respicio has written an exciting, fast-paced story of friendship, family, and community. Throughout the book, Alex often struggles to make his opinions heard, but he eventually finds his voice and understands what it really means to be a winner. Alex and his family are Filipino; there is diversity in the supporting cast. The book includes different slime recipes. Oozing with fun. (Fiction. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from September 1, 2021

Gr 3-7-Alex's grandparents have retired, so he and his dad move to Sacramento to run the family's Filipino market. His dad thinks that Alex should participate in typical "boy" activities like soccer, but Alex's passion is making slime. However, a girl at school has the slime monopoly and declares a slime war against Alex on his first day. Alex just wants to make slime and make friends. Now he's in a battle he doesn't want to fight, playing a sport he doesn't like, trying to discern real friends from fake. But Alex finally finds his voice and makes good choices. This is a well-written story of family and friendship. Not only does Alex grow and change, but so do his father and new pals. Slime aficionados and newbies alike will enjoy the recipes for slime at the beginning of each chapter. Alex's Filipino heritage figures prominently in the text. VERDICT A delightful plot with relatable characters and AAPI representation, this is a necessary purchase. Highly recommended for all collections.-Julie Overpeck, Gardner Park Elem. Sch., Gastonia, NC

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 5, 2021
Grades 3-6 When Alex Manalo's father takes over the family's Filipino market, they move to Sacramento. Alex is nervous about being the new kid and is unhappy with all the changes his father is making to his grandparents' store. To make matters worse, his father signs him up to play on the neighborhood soccer team! Alex would much rather be working on his passion--making slime. On the first day of school, he is convinced by a new friend to sell one of his concoctions. Only one problem: Meadow MacPherson has a slime monopoly, and she will not share. When Alex challenges her, a slime war is declared. Whoever sells the most slime wins, but at what cost? While Respicio's book touches upon a few social issues like gentrification and poverty, the central message is about being your authentic self. Kids enthralled by slime will enjoy the recipes scattered throughout the book, which also lend themselves perfectly to extension activities in the classroom. This title is a solid recommendation to any budding entrepreneur or slime enthusiast.

COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.