Amari and the Night Brothers Review and Amari and the Night Brothers Discussion Questions written by the Hobbiton 5/24/2021 This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Read Amari and the Night Brothers: Supernatural Investigations Book Series
Book: Amari and the Night Brothers (Supernatural Investigations, 1)
Author: B.B. Alston
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Paranormal
Length: 416 pages
Age suggested: 9+
Release Date: January 19, 2021
Themes: Magic, loyalty, friendship, class and race inequality
Warnings: Some violent images
Quick Summary of Amari and the Night Brothers
Amari Peters’ brother Quinton has disappeared. To add to her loss, she is bullied for being poor and Black at her rich private school. All of this changes when a mysterious man shows up a package – sent by her missing brother. Following its instructions, she discovers that he worked in a secret supernatural world. Getting help from some unexpected sources, she embarks on a quest to find her brother.
Amari and the Night Brothers Review: (Contains Spoilers)
*SPOILERS*
Amari determines that she will find her brother. Unfortunately, she also finds out that she is a magician – the one type of magical being that is illegal. Magicians are illegal because the last and most famous ones were the Night Brothers, who attempted to conquer the world. She also discovers that the supernational world, much like the normal world, has prejudices based on who you are.
Mixing elements of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Men in Black, Alston creates a world that is his own. It is similar in ways to both other series but deals realistically with the issues facing Black girls in our society. It also broadens this to show how pervasive unconscious bias and privilege are, even in a magical world.
Why Read Amari and the Night Brothers
The book has a fantastic balance between contemporary America and the truly imaginative supernatural world. It’s underlying messages about acceptance overcoming prejudice, stereotypes, and judgement of those who are different are messages that middle school kids (and adults) need to hear. Amari is a character you will love, and cheer for as she overcomes prejudice and stereotypes. The supporting characters were well done and fun, clearly adding to the story. The story will keep you guessing who is for Amari and who is working against her.
This is also the first book in a planned series. So, if you or your family like it, there’s even more to come! There is a movie in production. Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman of Mandeville Films (Beauty and the Beast, Wonder) will produce the adaptation alongside Black-ish star Marsai Martin and Josh Martin via the duo’s Genius Productions. Don Cheadle will also produce. Highly recommended – a great way to learn about some really important messages.
Amari Discussion Questions
- Have you ever kept a big secret? Was it hard? How did it feel holding it inside?
- Which character in this story was your favorite and why?
- What special talent do you have? What talents do you admire in other people, like your parents, friends, or siblings?
- Which of the magical creatures was the most interesting? Why?
- If you were going to join the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, which department would you want to be in? What would be your second choice? How do these choices use your talents and abilities?
- Where do you see prejudice in the magical world? Where do you see acceptance?
Thanks for reading our Amari and the Night Brothers Review. Before you go, check out these other posts
–Ghostopolis: The story of a young boy is thrust into the afterlife
–Lightfall: An adventurous new fantasy novel about the impact of family, friendship and brave quests!
–Yorick and Bones: A retelling of a classic Shakespearian for our younger, modern audience
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