Amari and the Night Brothers
#1 of 3 in Supernatural Investigations Series
on Goodreads (33,520)
What’s inside...
New York Times bestseller! Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black in this exhilarating debut middle grade fantasy, the first in a trilogy filled with #blackgirlmagic. Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, the Percy Jackson series, and Nevermoor. Amari Peters has never stopped believing her missing brother, Quinton, is alive. Not even when the police told her otherwise, or when she got in trouble for standing up to bullies who said he was gone for good. So when she finds a ticking briefcase in his closet, containing a nomination for a summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she’s certain the secretive organization holds the key to locating Quinton—if only she can wrap her head around the idea of magicians, fairies, aliens, and other supernatural creatures all being real. Now she must compete for a spot against kids who’ve known about magic their whole lives. No matter how hard she tries, Amari can’t seem to escape their intense doubt and scrutiny—especially once her supernaturally enhanced talent is deemed “illegal.” With an evil magician threatening the supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she’s an enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesn’t stick it out and pass the tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton.
Character compass
Amari Peters
Elsie
Lara Van Helsing
Dylan Van Helsing
Discussion points
What do you think Amari learned about herself throughout her journey?
How do Amari's friendships contribute to her adventure? Can you relate to her relationships?
What would you do if you were in Amari’s shoes and faced similar challenges?
How do the supernatural elements in the story affect Amari's understanding of her family and the world?
In what ways do bravery and perseverance play a role in Amari's story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Amari's world. Ask how they might feel or react to certain events in the story.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and courage, as shown by Amari, and relate these qualities to personal experiences or future goals.
Use examples from the book to talk about the value of friendship and loyalty, prompting your child to think about their relationships.
Explore the concept of self-discovery and growth. Have a conversation about times your child learned something new about themselves.
Highlight the fantastical aspects of the book and let your child express their thoughts or draw what they imagine.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Amari faces numerous challenges throughout her journey, including discrimination and disbelief in her abilities. Her persistence in overcoming these obstacles demonstrates the value of courage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle challenges at school or in social settings with determination and not be deterred by negative opinions from others.
Example Lesson: The importance of loyalty and friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Amari's loyalty to her missing brother and her friends in the supernatural world helps her navigate difficult situations. This highlights the strength that comes from supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids can understand the value of standing by their friends and family during tough times and the importance of building trusting relationships.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity and inclusivity
Explanation: Amari encounters a world filled with beings of different backgrounds and abilities, which teaches her to appreciate and embrace diversity and the strengths it brings.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open and accepting of differences in the people around them, promoting inclusivity in their own communities.
Example Lesson: The power of self-belief
Explanation: Despite the doubts cast by others and the challenges she faces, Amari's journey is also one of self-discovery and growth in self-confidence, showing the importance of believing in oneself.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to have confidence in their own abilities and to trust themselves in making decisions and facing new challenges.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and the consequences of choices
Explanation: As Amari makes various decisions throughout the book, she learns that each choice has consequences. This helps her understand the importance of thinking decisions through and taking responsibility for actions.
Real-World Application: Teaching children that their choices matter and encouraging them to think about the potential outcomes can help them make more thoughtful decisions in their daily lives.