Occasional mention of brands to set scenes, such as reference to YouTube. But use of brand names seems deliberately minimized: In a scene where a mother buys a special phone the daughter's been asking for, the narrator doesn't mention the name of the phone.
Positive Messages
a lot
Know your strengths, and use them. You are unique, and the world needs you. Keep the faith.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Main character Amari is a smart, brave, loyal African American girl, guided by a strong moral compass. She moves from feeling like an outsider to recognizing her unique gifts and value. Most adults, including a hardworking single mother, are portrayed as supportive, trustworthy. Young teens are portrayed as vulnerable and grow into self-acceptance, confidence.
Educational Value
none
Fantasy meant to entertain.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that B.B. Alston's Amari and the Night Brothers is about Amari, a 12-year-old African American girl who's recruited by a secret organization that maintains order in the supernatural world. The book is the first of a planned trilogy and has been optioned for a film adaptation by Universal Pictures. There are a couple of fights between people, with hitting and kicking, and weapons battles with supernatural creatures that result in death.
This book was incredible, it had a great story line and detail. There were some dark parts like when the girl drew Amari with x eyes and dead. Although that part is very quick and lasts only one sentince. Another intense time is when Amari goes to talk with Mourea and it a little scary but nothing I could not handle. Overall I love this book, So far I am at page 290 in just 3 days and it just sucks me in.
Are you ready to step into a new magical world for the supernatural? This book Amari and The Night Brothers by B.B. Alston is about a poor girl who just got kicked out of her boarding school and gets invited to a summer camp in the Supernatural World to find her brother. While she is looking for her brother, she faces challenges trying to make Junior Agent Training. I would recommend this book to a friend because the plot is quick and adventurous. Another reason is the characters are entertaining and inspiring.
One reason I encourage people to read this book is because the plot is action packed and fast paced by being in a completely different world. For instance, Amari learns secrets about herself that she did not know before. Every chapter makes you want to keep reading to learn more. Additionally, a lot of chapters end in a cliffhanger which keeps you interested. Amari always has a problem to be solved like when the first junior agent trial happened in a dreamworld.
Another reason I would urge you to read this book is because the characters are entertaining and inspiring. An example of the characters being entertaining is when Amari learned new tricks and used them in arguments with Lara. Amari stood up to her by using her supernatural ability to dump spaghetti and meatballs on her. Also, Amari doesn't give up even when it was really hard. Regardless of the hate Amari received, she still tried to get into junior agent training. Moreover, Amari is not afraid to be herself despite everyone saying her supernatural ability made her evil.
All in all, I would recommend this book to kids from third grade to eighth grade. I loved this book because the plot is adventurous, rapid, and the characters are engaging and inspiring. In conclusion, I would give this book 5 stars! So if you enjoy fantasy books with a new world, you would love this book. Now, you need to go run to the library to get this magical new book!
-Veronica, age 11
What's the Story?
When AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS begins, Amari is in the principal's office with her mother. Amari shoved another girl who teased her about her brother Quinton's disappearance. As punishment, the exclusive private school, where she's one of the few Black students, is withdrawing her scholarship. Amari's mother grounds her, including asking her to turn over the old laptop she inherited from Quinton. Before she does that, Amari finds a mysterious email message from Quinton. She follows a series of instructions, and she eventually learns that Quinton was part of a secret organization that manages the supernatural creatures who live in the world, invisible to ordinary humans. Amari is recruited as a trainee. She accepts in the hope that she'll learn what happened to her brother -- and maybe even find him alive.
This fun fantasy is masterfully crafted! Amari and the Night Brothers brings delicious tension to every chapter, and to almost every paragraph. The story world created by first-time author B.B. Dalton is complete on its own terms and offers obvious parallels to our real world, covering topics like privilege, grief, the search for identity, and the anxiety many teens experience about having to grow up at all. The first of a planned three-book series, this opener provides a satisfying resolution on its own and leaves enough threads to make readers want more of Amari and a few other characters.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of loyalty in Amari and the Night Brothers.
Have you ever kept a big secret? Was it hard? How did it feel holding it inside?
What special talent do you have? What talents do you admire in other people, like your parents, friends, or siblings?
Available on:
Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
Last updated:
September 16, 2022
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Amari and the Night Brothers: Supernatural Investigations, Book 1
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
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