What This Book Is About
Thirteen-year-old Amari Peters is the only scholarship student at a prestigious private school where she endures daily bullying because of her race and her family's poverty. Her older brother Quinton—the golden boy of their low-income housing project who won Ivy League scholarship offers—has been missing for months, and everyone except Amari has given up hope.
Then Amari discovers a ticking briefcase hidden in Quinton's closet. Inside is a nomination for a summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs—a secret government agency where magicians, fairies, yetis, and weredragons are all real. Amari is certain the Bureau holds the key to finding her brother. But fitting in here is even harder than at school—the other trainees have known about magic their whole lives, and when Amari's supernatural talent is identified as "illegal magic," she becomes an outcast all over again. A New York Times bestseller described as "Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black," Amari and the Night Brothers is a joyful, fast-paced fantasy that tackles racism, class prejudice, and the power of believing in yourself, all wrapped in a plot that never stops moving.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
Amari's experience of being the outsider in elite institutions—first at her private school, then at the Bureau—resonates powerfully with UWC students who have navigated similar feelings of not belonging. The novel addresses systemic prejudice through a fantasy lens that makes these themes accessible without being heavy-handed, allowing students to discuss racism and class inequality through the safe distance of a magical world.
The book is also a celebration of Black girl excellence in a genre where such representation has historically been rare. For UWC's diverse student body, seeing a protagonist who looks different from the typical fantasy hero sends an important message about whose stories matter in literature.
Reading Level Guide
A stretch at A2 due to length (416 pages), but the fast pace helps. Try shorter B1 books first.
Perfect difficulty. The page-turning plot makes 416 pages fly by.
A fun, fast read at B2. Consider The Giver or Refugee for more literary depth.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free 30-minute English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.