WHY CAN I ONLY GIVE THIS MAGICAL MASTERPIECE 5 STARS??

Amari and the Night Brothers has everything kids are looking for in a middle grade fantasy.
Relatable, relevant main character? Check.
A meaningful quest? Check.
Original, incredible settings and a unique entry into a supernatural, magical world? Check and check.
Plot twists? Check.
Supporting characters you both root for and love to hate? Check!

Most importantly, to me as a teacher, Amari represents everything we need in fantasy. She’s Black, experiencing prejudice on a couple of different levels (no spoilers), but the racism she experiences makes her stronger. While racism is also not the main part of the book, it’s a great one to teach allegory - what is Alston saying about the world through this novel? A lot.

Beyond grateful to Harper Childrens and NetGalley for allowing me to read this wonder in advance. You all NEED Amari and the Night King in your libraries - classroom, personal, school - when it’s out in January. I will be reading it as the mentor text for my fantasy unit (if it’s out in time) because I know my kids will be whooping and hollering throughout the entire plot. Give us more, Mr. Alston! Series? PLEASE?

Amari is a girl whose brother has been missing for a few months, but she KNOWS he's out there somewhere. He had a mysterious job he never gave details about, and she's sure it had something to do with that. Turns out she might be right when she discovers he was part of a Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, and now Amari gets a chance to join that same program. She's smart and never gives up and with some new friends she's going to get her brother back.

I adored every second of reading this book, it is so special. Reminding me of Nevermoor with a little bit of the Percy Jackson series, but where a black girl finally gets to shine in the spotlight. This is going to fill a niche that has needed to be filled for so long, but don't think it's a token novel of any sort. It was engaging and smart and charming. I cannot recommend this enough.

Amari is the kind of heroine I want to read several series about. She is smart, kind, creative, loyal, and wants to do what is right even when it is hard. She deals with racism at school and discrimination at the Bureau, and comes out still wanting to help others be better.

This book is action-packed, mysterious, full of wonder and wonderful characters. The social situations are relatable, even when the supernatural may not be. I cannot wait for book two, and book one isn't even out yet.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, opinions are my own.

Great story and very well-written. I loved this story of a strong girl and will recommend to younger readers. The cover is beautiful!!

Absolutely excellent A+ YA fantasy series featuring a diverse cast that seriously engages in real world issues like racism, poverty, and the impact of bias. 13-year-old Amari Peters is introduced into the world of magic and myth that lives, hidden, alongside the "normal" world of mundane humanity as she seeks her missing brother, Quinton. Think Harry Potter mashed up with Nevermoor/Morrigan Crow and add characters and creatures from myth and fiction around the world. I'm already impatient for Book 2!