A review by db_cooper
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Fun story for late elementary and middle school readers about a young girl's introduction to a supernatural world alongside our own.  Not overly derivative of Harry Potter, but enjoyable in a similar way.  I like that the author made clear that the heroine is Black and from a less-advantaged background, but did not harp on that point.  Worth picking up!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying

Minor: Racism

Much of the plot is driven by the heroine's search for a kidnapped older brother. There is speculation that he is dead. When he is found, he is in a magical coma, though he is revealed to be alive and able to communicate. There is also a subplot about another young man starting to get involved with gang activity, though handled very sensitively. Possible triggers for certain family situations.