Lia Park and the Missing Jewel – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Lia Park and the Missing Jewel

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2023

87%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Korean-American girl breaks the rules, accidentally unleashes an evil spirit, and must journey to the Dragon King's undersea realm to save her parents.

Lia Park and the Missing Jewel

book

2023

87%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Korean-American girl breaks the rules, accidentally unleashes an evil spirit, and must journey to the Dragon King's undersea realm to save her parents.

4.8

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4.8

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly what middle grade fantasy should be—a relatable kid makes a relatable mistake (sneaking out to a party), but instead of just getting grounded, she accidentally breaks an ancient spell and has to save her parents from an evil spirit. The Korean mythology angle is refreshing and well-executed, taking readers from suburban America to grandmother's house in Korea to the freaking undersea Dragon King's palace.

It's got the Aru Shah/Storm Runner vibe but with Korean folklore, which means kids get adventure, magic, and cultural enrichment without it feeling like homework. The 4.8 Amazon rating and Kirkus praise suggest it delivers on entertainment while keeping things age-appropriate.

Not groundbreaking literature, but a solid, engaging adventure that'll keep middle schoolers turning pages while sneaking in some mythology education and themes about courage and family. If your kid inhaled Rick Riordan's stuff, this belongs on the shelf.

Age Fit

Solidly middle grade (8-12), with the sweet spot around 9-11 for independent readers. The mythology and adventure will appeal to kids who've outgrown early chapter books but aren't quite ready for YA. Unlikely to hold teen interest unless they're mythology completists.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A story centered on family bonds, courage, and standing up for those who are weak. Lia's journey involves rescuing her parents and learning responsibility after breaking their trust. The Korean cultural elements and multi-generational relationships (grandmother's home) provide emotional depth. Models bravery and friendship through her partnership with Joon. No concerning themes; age-appropriate conflict around rule-breaking and its consequences.

Imaginative

Rich Korean mythology woven throughout—undersea Dragon King kingdom, diviner spirits, ancient protection spells, and magical jewels. The quest structure takes readers from contemporary life to grandmother's home in Korea to a fantastical undersea realm. Comparable to Storm Runner and Aru Shah series, both known for creative mythology-based world-building. Kirkus called it 'intriguing, fast-paced.' Blends modern middle-grade life with traditional folklore in fresh ways.

Safe

Middle grade fantasy with no content warnings. The 'evil diviner spirit' and kidnapping plot are genre-standard tension without graphic violence or trauma. Recommended for ages 8-12 across multiple sources. No concerning themes, gore, or inappropriate content. Books in this category (comparable to Rick Riordan's imprints) maintain adventure stakes while keeping content firmly middle-grade appropriate. Amazon rating of 4.8 suggests strong parent satisfaction.

Enriching

Introduces Korean mythology and culture authentically—readers experience the Dragon King legend, visit Korea, and explore cultural traditions. Themes of courage, responsibility, and protecting the vulnerable offer character development opportunities. The protagonist learns consequences of disobedience while also discovering her own strength. Bilingual/bicultural representation for Korean-American readers. Adventure format makes cultural learning engaging rather than didactic.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Korean mythology comes alive—Dragon Kings, diviner spirits, and magical jewels wrapped in a fast-paced adventure that Kirkus called 'intriguing'
Relatable protagonist who sneaks out to a party (very middle school) but faces real magical consequences, learning courage and responsibility along the way
Authentic cultural representation with settings in both the US and Korea, plus multi-generational family dynamics
Perfect for kids who loved Aru Shah or Storm Runner and want more mythology-based fantasy with diverse characters
Strong 4.8 Amazon rating suggests parents and kids are both satisfied—not too scary, not too babyish

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What to Watch For

Parents are kidnapped by an evil spirit—this drives the plot but might worry sensitive younger readers (though it's handled in typical middle-grade adventure style)
Some 'rusty magical skills' and action sequences, but nothing graphic or traumatic
Kids who struggle with longer chapter books might need support, though the fast pacing helps

Conversation Starters

"Lia broke her parents' rules to go to a party. Have you ever felt like rules were unfair? What happened?"
"What would you do if you had to travel to an undersea kingdom? What would you bring?"
"The story includes Korean legends about the Dragon King. What legends or stories does our family tell?"
"Lia has to 'stand up for those who are weak.' When have you seen someone do that, or had a chance to do it yourself?"

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