Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Published by Balzer + Bray on January 19, 2021
ISBN: 0062975161
Pages: 416
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Amari Peters has always loved her older brother, Quinton, and when he mysteriously goes missing, she refuses to believe anything other than that he’s alive and still out there. Amari discovers a strange suitcase in her brother’s room, and it turns out he’s nominated her for a special summer camp he attended for years before his disappearance. What Amari discovers is that her brother was a part of the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, and now she’s been nominated to join their ranks as well. Upon arrival at The Bureau, Amari learns her brother was among the most talented agents The Bureau has ever seen. She also discovers she has very strong magical powers that some people aren’t very excited about. Amari’s fate at The Bureau is inextricably linked to her brother, and along with some new friends, she embarks on a challenging quest to find and rescue him.

This book is so much more than a girl searching for her brother. Amari and her family live in subsidized housing, and she’s been bullied at school in the past. This book covers topics like racial and socioeconomic inequality, friendship, the Black experience, bullying, and it does so with grace and ease. It is a fast paced, action packed, character driven story that will keep readers engaged and waiting with great anticipation for the sequel. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up, hand this to Harry Potter fans. Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME