Did your learner read the Artemis Fowl or Percy Jackson series and fall in love? Did they feel lost once that last page was read, like so many great writers have made us feel? If they are wondering what to read next, Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston is perfect for them. One novel of the series is currently published with the second book available in August 2022. 

The series is centered around a young Black female protagonist- which the fantasy genre is in dire need of. Her brother is missing and she has been trying to find him. During the course of her search, she stumbles upon one of his emails, addressed to her. A mysterious package is delivered to her, and an interview is arranged. She is suddenly thrust into a magical world with powers she never knew she had and creatures she never knew existed. What will she learn about her brothers disappearance, and herself, along the way?

When we meet, we will discuss plot and character development. We will talk about character traits, strengths, weaknesses, and we will build connections. Learners will be able to describe how they see themselves or even friends and family members in the characters, making very important text connections. Learners will also discuss what they liked or did not like about certain characters and how they could have been written differently. When we discuss the plot, we will talk about story elements and plot devices- the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. We will discuss each part specifically, again discussing strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. We will also discuss "what-ifs"- what if they story took place in a different setting? What if a certain character did or did not have powers? What if the story ended differently? What if the backstories were different? This will enable learners to see how each story element affects the plot. Discussion questions will be used in class as well. 

Learners will also have the opportunity to talk about any aspect of the book they would like that we may not have covered in our discussion.

We will meet once a week for four weeks. 

Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston
416 pages, Lexile level not currently available , $9 on Amazon

First class:
Students do not need to have anything read for this class, but it would be a great idea if they already began reading. We will be reading about 100 pages a week, so reading up to page 99 by this time would be great pacing. 
Introductions
Pre-reading exercises and discussion
-Meet the author
-Fantasy genre characteristics discussion
-Heroism
-Spycraft in reality versus fiction
Class will end with learners trying to crack a code and decipher a secret spy message

Second Class:
Students should read up to page 205.
-Amari's illusion discussion
-Heroism and overcoming self-doubt discussion and journal


Third Class:
Students should read up to page 311. 
Design your own Bureau of Supernatural Affairs badge
Character and plot study- graphic organizer will be provided

Fourth Class: 
Students should read up to page 416.
-Nomination discussion: Who would you nominate to join the Bureau and why? What are some real-life ways you can show your nominee how great they are?
-Movie Poster
Learners will create their own Amari and the Night Brothers movie poster art work
Supplies: unlined paper 8X11 or larger, pencil, pen, crayons, colored pencils, markers, paint- anything learners would like to color with, and anything else learners would like to use to decorate their poster. If you can't draw, do not worry. Neither can I. Stick figures are welcome!