The Invincible List of Lani Li

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?

Veeda Bybee is an author of fiction and nonfiction. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in communications (print journalism) and holds an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She has written several books for young readers, including Shining a Light: Celebrating 40 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Changed the World, and is the coauthor of the Team Awkward middle grade series. Veeda lives with her family in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she reads, writes, and bakes.

Veeda is represented by Ann Leslie Tuttle of the Dystel, Goderich & Bourret literary agency.