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a_friend_in_sweden's review against another edition
5.0
A story about friendships and trust in people and the good within them. I love the perspective of the protagonist: she is so much more than a black young girl. Wonderful to finally have a characters black children can identify with and see themselves aspire too. But also it entails characters and experiences any child can identify with. All child characters are familiar in a way and even the adults have so much symbolism. I can not wait for part two and hooefully many many more: I mean I want to follow Amari all the way to her training in to adulthood and hopefully more.
aliciasirois's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
flowerreadsalot's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great middle grade. Secret supernatural bureau? Magician outcasts? Social issues? Friendship? Betrayal? It’s all great. I highly recommend even if you don’t read middle grades! Can’t wait to read book 2!
magali_torres's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
this was so cute! These 12 year olds are very impressive, do your thing Amari!!
treehugger513's review against another edition
5.0
4.5- This book was WONDERFUL! It was like Harry Potter meets Men In Black. Fun and fast paced. It had important themes and wonderful characters. The world was rich and exciting. I LOVE this!
ladynigelia's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
I struggled with this- the reader paused at odd spots in phrases and the pacing was off for me. It's obviously commenting on racism, sexism, and classism. Which can be comforting to know you're not alone in the struggle but I'm not sure why it's gotten so much praise.
heidi_checkedout's review against another edition
5.0
Middle grade fantasy- 5 stars for the genre. I'm sure other reviews say the same thing... If you are itching for Harry Potter vibes, this is it. Great representation - Amari is one strong, brave Black girl and such a delight to follow. Great world building (elevators with personalities?!), unexpected twists. Highly recommend for middle graders!
literatehedgehog's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Magical (summer) school plus a mystery in a creative spin on the "normal world with secret magic" structure. Very fun, hoping kids like it in book club.
mothercrow's review against another edition
3.0
Reasons for a 3: upside- Amari’s mindset and voice was lovely. It was wonderful having her voice as the lead, the main plot and the premise was right up my alley. ( I loved the last couple pages of the book -to keep it spoiler free that’s all I will say)
Downside- the writing was just a little sped up and not rich enough for my liking. I think the book is definitely for younger readers, but I wanted to love it too.. and could have, had it been written for a slightly older crowd. So I was a bit frustrated with some parts of the book for feeling empty or too obvious. However .. I will say.. I’ll be recommending this for my 8 year old. And I bet she will love it. 3 for me though.
Downside- the writing was just a little sped up and not rich enough for my liking. I think the book is definitely for younger readers, but I wanted to love it too.. and could have, had it been written for a slightly older crowd. So I was a bit frustrated with some parts of the book for feeling empty or too obvious. However .. I will say.. I’ll be recommending this for my 8 year old. And I bet she will love it. 3 for me though.