Henry Lien
Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword
Welcome to Pearl Famous Academy of Skate and Sword, where the blades are sharp and the competition is fierce.
Peasprout Chen dreams of becoming a legend of wu liu, the deadly and beautiful art of martial arts figure skating.
As the first students from the rural country of Shin to attend Pearl Famous Academy of Skate and Sword, Peasprout and her little brother Cricket have some pretty big skates to fill. They soon find themselves in a heated competition for top ranking.
Tensions rise when the dazzling pearl buildings of the Academy are vandalized and outsider Peasprout is blamed for the attacks by her rivals... and even some friends.
Now, she must uncover the true vandal to ensure peace between Shin and Pearl–all while becoming a champion.
Audio Rights
AvailableThe audio rights are handled by Henry Holt & Co Inc.
Roxane Edouard manages the translation rights for Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword
Film Rights
AvailableContact Tina Dubois for more information


For a rewarding and well-constructed plot in an uncommon setting—plus some effective genderqueer subversion at the end—this story can’t be beat.
The Horn Book
An utter delight from start to finish... I love this book!
Lien’s exciting debut is a story of acceptance and bravery, friendship and hope. Peasprout dreams of becoming the best in wu liu, a mix of martial arts and figure skating...A riveting and complex read about new beginnings, family, and choices.
Peasprout Chen is my new favorite heroine of young people's literature.
New York Times-bestselling author
Thrilling, beautiful, fierce, and like nothing I've ever read before.
Author of Unidentified Suburban Object
It’s Hermione Granger meets ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ meets the Ice Capades meets ‘Mean Girls.’ For all its disparate ingredients, though, Peaspout Chen: Future Legend of Skate and Sword speaks in a single, strong voice, thanks to its spirited heroine.
The New York Times
Massively entertaining...Peasprout Chen is a future legend, indeed.
The fictional wu liu that flourishes there―acrobatic fighting conducted on springy ice skates―stands a good chance of elbowing aside quidditch as the next big novel-inspired sport... luring fans of martial arts, well-built worlds, and romance back for ensuing adventure.
By turns funny and serious, Peasprout Chen tackles tough subjects: immigration, family, and hard choices. This unique heroine will skate into the hearts of middle-grade listeners.
Vividly described wu liu sequences capture the exuberance and energy of the imagined sport...An ambitious debut.