Secret agents, magicians, and mythical creatures are real. And if Amari wants to survive her first year, she’ll have to prove she’s not the enemy everyone thinks she is.
B.B. Alston’s “Amari and the Night Brothers” is a fantasy novel that blends supernatural adventure with themes of perseverance and justice. Thirteen-year-old Amari Peters, a Black girl from a low-income neighborhood, refuses to believe her brilliant older brother Quinton simply vanished, especially when the police dismiss his case. Her determination leads her to a secret summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, where she discovers a hidden world of magic, mythical creatures, and danger. As a trainee agent, Amari faces double discrimination: prejudice from wealthy peers who’ve grown up in this supernatural society and fear from officials who label her rare magical ability as “illegal.” With help from allies like her weredragon roommate Elsie, Amari races to uncover Quinton’s fate while proving her worth.
This book is a dynamic tool for exploring SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. Amari’s journey mirrors real-world systemic barriers, whether it’s racial profiling, class bias, or distrust of “otherness”, making abstract concepts like equity tangible for students. Her illegal magic parallels marginalized identities, inviting discussions about how societies criminalize differences. Educators can use her choices to spark debates on ethical courage: When is it right to challenge unfair rules? How do we advocate for others? For inquiry-based learning, students might research historical figures who, like Amari, defied stereotypes, or analyze how supernatural elements (e.g., hidden societies) reflect real-world exclusion. The book’s balance of high stakes and humor keeps readers engaged while underscoring resilience. Consider pairing chapters with creative writing prompts where students reimagine their own communities through a supernatural lens. By centering a heroine who questions authority and embraces her power, Alston’s story inspires students to tackle inequities with curiosity and grit.
