Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria by George Jreije
Published by HarperCollins on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 0063094819
Pages: 304
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

“Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria” by George Jreije is a fun new twist on the Harry Potter/Percy Jackson model where the main character discovers that they have special powers and get to go to a special school to learn more about them. Shad has always felt like an outsider, focusing more on his baking in his grandmother’s Lebanese bakery in Maine and avoiding bullies rather than making friends.  When he discovers that he is descended from alchemists, Shad goes to the Alexandria Academy to learn as much as he can.

Facing challenges from within the academy and outside, Shad Hadid focuses on friendship, family, and finding oneself. The author has clearly put his love for Lebanese culture into the book and readers will either enjoy seeing themselves represented as a fantasy hero or will learn more about Lebanese and Arabic culture while enjoying a fun magical ride. The author also is a Maine author, so the descriptions of Maine are true to life. Written for middle graders, “Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria” is a must-buy for all libraries in Maine.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.