The Invincible List of Lani Li By Veeda Bybee-Middle Grade Fiction Review

 Book Synopsis

A challenge from her little brother and a Chinese fable inspire Lani Li to hit every note of invincible bravery on her band trip to London.

Thirteen-year-old Lani Li has grown up with the tale of the Eight Invincible Brothers—Chinese heroes who use their superpowers to conquer challenges. Lani wishes she could be as brave as them, especially as she faces her own test of courage . . .

When Lani's elite performance band is chosen to perform in London, she should be thrilled. But with too many fears to count and her little brother, Gavin, unable to join her due to a serious heart condition, the trip feels more daunting than exciting. Before Lani leaves, Gavin gives her a challenge: tap into her own hidden strength by embodying the Eight Invincible Brothers—and each of their special powers.

In London, Lani creates her own “invincible list” based on the fable, and as she checks off each quality, she discovers that these “superpowers” might not be as farfetched as they seem. But when the final challenge demands that she face a daunting fear—running down the famous Cooper’s Hill in a wild cheese race—Lani wonders if she has what it takes to complete the list.

With her brother’s courage as her guide, can Lani conquer her fears and prove she’s invincible in her own way? Or will this last challenge be the one that defeats her?

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain Publishing
• Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 7, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639934332
• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

I love reading middle-grade fiction books. The Invincible List of Lani Li tells a heartwarming family story. Lani and Gavin are siblings in a tight family of eight kids. They grew up with The Tale of the Eight Invincible Brothers, an old Chinese Tale. Their family goes by The Invincible Lis.

I adored how Lani backed her brother and his big dreams. She headed to England with her school band. Gavin hoped to join her and their parents. His heart problems became worse, he needed a new valve, and had to stay home for the surgery. He dreamed of racing in the Cheese Run at Cooper's Hill. Now he begged his sister to race for him. Lani needs to dig deep within herself. Lani uses the story of The Tale of the Eight Invincible Brothers to give her the "superpowers" to make this possible. Will she be able to grant his wish?

This story encompasses many themes:

 -Showing bravery and overcoming fears

 -Personal Growth

 -Family unity 

 -Being determined and resilient

 -Cultural Awareness

The Invincible List of Lani Li is written for middle-grade readers ages 8-13. With its upbeat and inspirational ideas, kids will enjoy reading this novel.

****Meet Author Veeda Bybee****

Veeda Bybee is a former journalist and holds an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She is the author of Lily and the Great Quake, Li on Angel Island, and the upcoming Shining A Light: Celebrating 40 Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Who Changed the World. Veeda is also part of the Rural Voices anthology and Calling the Moon anthology. Veeda lives with her family in Nevada where she reads, writes and bakes.

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