An Un-Calibrated Centrifuge

I didn't have the highest hopes for this book, but I still feel disappointed. I love that the books are set in Kailua and that Calvin is a mixed kid. The writing was redundant at times though (malasada doughnuts, spicy hot kimchee, etc). And there were some weird references that reminded me a haole was writing this book. I have honestly never heard anyone other than a white person call white rice "sticky rice" (and the first time it happened I was very confused). Also I've never heard it called "cracked seed" only crack seed or see mui. Also, they're Aloha shirts, not Hawaiian shirts.

I did like that the characters are diverse. But why is Calvin nine? That really surprised me when I started reading the book, and as the story progresses it would have made a lot more sense to make him older - anywhere from a sixth to an eighth grader. I just feel like everything would make more sense if Calvin were slightly older and the story were rounded out more. As it stands, this book feels like a long introduction to the series. Nothing is resolved. Stella doesn't even come into the book until the last five chapters. Calvin still has to deal with Tito....

I'm going to read one more to see if the books get better, but all in all there are better written MG novels/series out there. (I'm always up for giving recommendations if anyone wants them.)

ETA: Why does Calvin have a surfboard on the cover? Nobody knows. He does zero surfing in the book.