K-Pop Academy: The Stage of Shadows
by Mina Finch
Interest age: 7 to 11
Reading age: 8+
Published by Arcade, 2026
About this book
Twelve-year-old Hana Kim is delighted when she wins a scholarship to South Korea's most prestigious performing arts school, K-Pop Academy. She cannot wait to take the first steps into her new life as a pop star. However, when she arrives, Hana learns that she has actually been recruited for her martial arts skills. Principal Lee explains that the Academy has been infiltrated by Eoduksini, shadow demons from the underworld, who feed on doubt, envy and fear, and she needs Hana's help to destroy them.
Hana asks some of her new friends to train alongside her as soldiers, as they are strong enough to fight in secret, while sensitive enough to care for the vulnerable. To successfully defeat the Eoduksini and save the school, Hana and her warrior crew must find unity, working in perfect harmony to fight the fears inside them, while helping others to overcome theirs.
Inspired by the animated fantasy adventure K-Pop Demon Hunters, this gripping tale is the first in an exciting new series, which seamlessly combines celebrity K-pop culture with elite combat skills and a thrilling fantasy element.
More books like this
-
Beast Quest: The Dark Cauldron
by Adam Blade
5 to 14 years
-
Dragon Pearl
by Yoon Ha Lee
9 to 14 years
-
What it was like in… Ancient Benin
by David Long, illustrated by Stefano Tambellini
7 to 11 years
-
The Day My Brother Got Famous
by Author-illustrator Jen Carney
7 to 11 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Books we loved in March 2026
A selection of the children's books we reviewed and loved in March 2026.