This is a fun, OwnVoices novel that celebrates culture, magic, family, and friendship. Even though the main premise is saving magic from the hands of necromancers, it touches on a number of topics relevant to today's youth: stepparents/siblings, the loss of a family member, bullying, and the general awkwardness of trying to fit in and make friends at school.

What I think makes this book extra special is that the main protagonist, Shad, is originally from Lebanon (living in Maine). This introduces a whole new setting for promoting cultural awareness. A great, modern representation of an often under-represented culture.

Great pacing. Fun and diverse characters. Lots of action and magic.

A special thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

"An imagination like yours can get you into trouble."

Shad Hadid is a 12 year old many of my students will identify with. Being raised by a grandparent because of unfortunate events with his parents, Shad takes care of Teta as much as she takes care of him. Lots of alone time allows him to discover his strengths as well as his weaknesses. He doesn't have the easiest time making friends and he realizes he's not the strongest student. Despite all this, he's chosen to attend the Alexandria Academy.

Alongside Shad at the academy is his former friend/current bully. Will they finally put aside their differences or is her spot at the bully table permanent? Shad has much to discover, for instance what is his family connection to the academy, how to make and maintain friendships, and why doesn't anyone at this school know what alchemy is?

Jreije does a phenomenal job using humor and action to keep the reader invested in what happens to Shad. I look forward to learning more about Sarah, Rey and the rest of Shad's friends.

This was a fun middle grades read. The action moved a little too quickly at times for me but for MG is probably just right. I learned lots of Arabic words and enjoyed learning about the desserts Shad wanted to create. I especially enjoyed seeing his relationship with his bully change over time. This book is great for adventurous kids who love magic!

SHAD HADID AND THE ALCHEMISTS OF ALEXANDRIA is the perfect blend of magic (rather, alchemy [science + magic = WOW!]), humor, and heart! The book is deliciously funny—there are tons of mouth-watering food descriptions—and I’m hopeful that a recipe book will soon follow!

Entering Shad’s world and learning about the Alchemists and Necromancers was an adventure like no other. Shad makes for a sweet, brave, and funny middle grade hero, who I believe readers will truly engage with and cheer him all the way on his incredible journey. I identified with his strong familial bonds—bonds and love that run deep, and the beautiful friendships that blossom all around him. I laughed hard; I cried a bit. It was truly a fun ride. If you’re looking for adventure and magic that will tug on your heartstrings and tempt your tastebuds, you’ll enjoy this read!

Shah is a 12-year-old boy living with his grandmother, Teta. He loves to bake and spend as much time as he can at the Lebanese bakery in his neighborhood. After a run-in with the baker Kaheem who turns out to be an alchemist, Shah learns that he is a descendant of a long line of alchemists. Shah begins to attend the Alexandria Academy along with Sarah an old school buddy/bully., There he learns of a sinister plot that will threaten many at the school. You will have to read this amazing story to find out what happens next. I want to thank Harper Collins and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this story. My opinions are my own.

I was mesmerized by this fantastic tale! The mystery, friendships, and alchemy blew me away. I adore Shad as a character (I love his expressions) and can't wait for my students to read this book. I appreciate how George Jreije wove in historical fantasy, Lebanese cultural references, humor, and found family. I can see rereading this book again to savor and appreciate all of the layers. Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria is definitely a must read and a must recommend for Middle Grade readers.

Shad Hadid is a twelve-year-old Lebanese-American boy who lives with his grandma, is quick on his feet, loves to bake Lebanese dishes (especially desserts), and somehow makes hiding from school bullies seem like a game—until he’s attacked by a sinister shadow called a necromancer. Jreije’s debut novel then quickly launches into the fantastical world of alchemy, complete with an ancient school and a timeless war between alchemists and necromancers. Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria is a non-stop thrill with plot twists up until the end. And while Hadid’s new friends each bring their own well-crafted story arcs, Hadid steals every scene with his fearless charm, innocent charisma, and unwavering loyalty. Jreije’s culture-rich novel is a very fast read, but with so much heart, it’s not an easily forgettable one.

I really enjoyed Shad’s story. The author has a great character voice because Shad and the other characters felt so real, and the villains were interesting. I loved learning about the world of alchemy and children will love it too.

This book was an absolute fun time from the beginning to the end. Everything from Arabic representation to jokes to the stakes were well written and I couldn’t put the book down!

I was excited to receive an e-ARC of this book and enjoyed it thoroughly. Shad's personality jumps off the page as he learns about his family's history as powerful alchemists, deals with bullies, and figures out why no one at his new school understands or remembers his alchemy feats. The characters were engaging, the setting was vivid, and the alchemy was presented as a cool hybrid between magic and STEM. The ending was wrapped up well while leaving room for a series.
I recommend reading it with a side of baklava.

I really appreciate, that the author is trying to get this book into the hands of SWANA readers! The rep here was incredible, loved the setting and all the pastries. The humor and language was well-done too. I'm so glad Arab kids will have this to read. And it's just as appealing to everyone. Magic, mayhem, bad guys, descriptions of delicious desserts... what's not to love?

If you like books about magic schools, you'll love Shad Hadid and The Alchemists of Alexandria. The sprinkling of Lebanese culture throughout added an extra element that brought the story to life. Shad is an outcast kid who loves to bake and often says, "Holy Cannoli!" whenever he's surprised or impressed. When he's introduced to alchemy, he likens it to baking and becomes a quick student of the art, even though none of his new friends believe alchemy is real. There's good reason why no one seems to recognize this ancient art and it's up to Shad to get to the bottom of it if he wants to save his friends and school. This is a story about perseverance and staying true to one's self. Shad is a wonderful champion of that message and his story is delightful and imaginative.

I have never read a book that made me so hungry. The food descriptions in SHAD are so rich and vivid, and I want every single recipe. I also loved how the baking and cooking played into the alchemy magic system, which is one of my absolute favorite styles of magic system. The space where science and magic meet is such a fun one to play around with in books, and SHAD does it wonderfully.

This book has a perfect lighthearted adventure tone, while also tackling some serious topics, like grief and loss. It's laugh out loud funny, with an adorable main character that will quickly steal your heart. Definitely check it out!

George Jreije has created an exciting book that will delight young readers with its humor and adventure. The Arab representation in middle grade fantasy is needed and well done. Fans of magic school books will love this new addition. Highly recommended.

I finished SHAD HADID AND THE ALCHEMISTS OF ALEXANDRIA by George Jreije and holy cannoli is it good! The unique, loveable characters! The epic food fight! Allllll the food (omg I wanted so many delicious things)! And, of course, the perfectly placed fart jokes! 😂 Loved it!!
Shad is a good kid who loves his grandma and wants to make the world a better place through baking sweets. When the school bully chases him into a dangerous situation, a stranger comes to his aid and teaches him that things aren't always what they seem. Shad has to rise up against bullies and the nasty forces trying to take over his school while trying to figure out why no one remembers anything he tells them.
George, the author, did an excellent line creating a compassionate, funny, family-oriented male MC. I love that he wants to bake and that we have the opportunity to learn little bits of his culture (especially all of the foods!). Can't wait to read the next one.

Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria by George Jreije is an exciting and fast-paced book for kids of all ages who love magic, baking, and suspense!

Shad Hadid and his Teta are the remaining members of their family in Portland, Maine, having immigrated from Lebanon. While Shad goes to school and takes care of his Teta, he dreams about being a baker. But unbeknownst to him, his family has a history of being alchemists, which he discovers while running from bullies from his school. After training during the summer, he received an invitation to attend a school for alchemy. But when he arrives, it isn’t quite what he expects, and he struggles to fit in, as well as figure out what’s going on!

I really loved this book for the rich cultural touches of Lebanon, from the expressions Shad uses to the descriptions of the food he and Teta eat. It’s exciting to see a world depicted so lovingly, yet in such a way that even readers unfamiliar with Lebanese culture can understand even the parts they may not know when they begin reading the book. The characters are also delightful, especially Hayati, who was easily my personal favorite. The book hits many of the wonderful high notes of a middle grade book, with a tween figuring out his place in the world and becoming part of a group of friends along the way.

If you’ve been looking for a new story featuring a magical academy, look no further than Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria! This book will be published October 4, 2022!

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for review consideration.

This debut will leave you breathless (and hungry) as Jreije puts young Shad Hadid in the toughest of situations early; struggling in school and bullied by schoolmate Sarah while clinging to the remaining threads of his life in Portland, Maine with his aging grandmother after his father's death and his mother's apparent decision to favor her new husband and step children in Lebanon over her son.

However, when a chance encounter reveals a world of alchemy-- a blend of magic, science and... creative baking-- beneath the the reality he knows, Shad and his nemesis Sarah are transported to a legendary school of Alchemy where Shad has a mission to protect ancient secrets. The thing is... no one else at the school can seem to remember alchemy exists. So even as Shad makes unlikely friends and uncovers secrets, he is in more danger every day and finds it harder to know who to trust.

Like the shifting sands of the desert, this story is in constant motion, reshaping as the reader and Shad both unearth new details as the danger gets closer. The author's own culture and experiences are infused in every element of the book and his narrative recipe is as imaginative as any of Shad's alchemical creations.

I was absolutely enchanted by this world. The food metaphors are particularly wonderful and delicious and it is probably best to have snacks on hand when reading. Challenging themes are handled with humor. I was particularly touched by Shad’s relationship with his roommate and how they learned to trust each other. There is also a ginger cat, and I always love a book with a ginger cat.

Holy cannoli, this book is a delight! I mean, it stars a protagonist who says things like "holy cannoli" when faced with evil necromancers and shape-shifting shadow monsters. How can you not love a character like that?

Shad Hadid is a twelve-year-old boy with a penchant for baking (and eating!) Arabic pastries. Shortly after his grandmother's death, he discovers that his late father was actually a powerful alchemist— and Shad might be one as well. Soon he finds himself swept off to a distant alchemist's academy, where he expects to learn everything there is to know about his ancestors' skills. But he arrives to find necromancers lurking around every corner— and no alchemists to be found. Something about Alexandria isn't quite right. It's up to Shad to fix it.

As I said before, Shad is a brilliant main character; charismatic, compassionate, and funny. I loved watching him learn about his family history, forging strong friendships along the way. This book will be an amazing find for kids who are into secret magical schools, desserts, or both.

***I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

This book was a great middle grade read! If you’re the type of reader who enjoys magic, mystery, friendships, and feel like you don’t quite fit in, this is the book for you!

Shad is a 12-year-old Lebanese loner who has already lost so much from the beginning of the novel. His sense of humor, bravery, and integrity make him a likable and relatable character - the type of character that will stick with you long after you finish reading the last page.

I also enjoyed dipping my toes into Lebanese culture while reading this story and hope to read more books as exciting as this one starring Lebanese characters! Maybe one can be a Part II for Shad Hadid? I can think of a couple of important missions for him to accomplish away from the Academy. 😉