Not that there aren’t pranks and envelope-pushing quips aplenty. Sure signs that the creative wells are running dry at last, the Captain’s ninth, overstuffed outing both recycles a villain (see Book 4) and offers trendy anti-bullying wish fulfillment. This timely, energetic, first-person narrative moves quickly with clear descriptions, a thrilling buildup, and strong messages about profiling. The author weaves magical whimsy with honest, realistically portrayed circumstances, allowing Amari’s literal #BlackGirlMagic to shine even when she doesn’t believe in herself. With the help of those she meets along the way, Amari makes shocking discoveries and finds the power to overcome. Amari’s single-minded intent on finding Quinton leads her on the path to becoming a Junior Agent. There, she discovers that she’s a magician, with powers that are illegal. Amari is invited to a magical training camp hosted by the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, which her mom believes is the same leadership program Quinton attended that helped him gain full-ride scholarships to Ivy League colleges.

Inside she finds items that open her eyes to a secret supernatural world, one that must remain hidden because people’s fear of things they don’t understand too often turns into hatred. Next, a mysterious man shows up with news that Quinton has sent her a Broaden Your Horizons kit. On the last day of school-fueled by emotions connected to her brother Quinton’s disappearance-Amari loses her cool, costing her the scholarship she needs. A 13-year-old girl learns she’s an all-powerful magician and faces trials as she seeks her missing brother.Īmari Peters is tired-tired of being belittled and dismissed at her rich private school, where she is bullied for being poor and Black.

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