Summer Reading Literature Club: Amari and the Night Brothers
Do you love diving into magical worlds, uncovering secrets, and discussing big ideas with fellow book lovers? Join us for a 4-day book camp where we’ll read and discuss Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
AJ Crocker
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(46)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
4+ hours per week. Reading homework each night will be 8 chapters, which should take between 1` and 3 hours of reading per night depending on reading pace. Students may also use audio books too support their reading.Certificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Intermediate Level
Each day, we’ll explore different aspects of Amari’s journey—her growth as a character, the mysteries of the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, the role of magic, and the deeper themes of power, belief, and identity. Through engaging discussions, fun activities, and creative challenges, students will dive deeper into the story while strengthening their love for reading! Camp Schedule 📢 Before class: Students complete a pre-reading activity in the classroom post and watch a video of Ms. Crocker introducing the day’s themes. Class Structure 📖 Before Each Session: Read 8 chapters (about 100 pages) 🗣️ Live Discussion: Share thoughts, predictions, and favorite moments 🎨 Creative Activity: Projects like designing supernatural gadgets, debating magical laws, or imagining Amari’s next adventure 📝 Reflection Questions: Encouraging deeper thinking about the story’s themes This class is great for students who: ✅ Enjoy fast-paced fantasy adventures like Percy Jackson or Nevermoor ✅ Love discussing books and sharing theories ✅ Like creative activities inspired by stories 📚 Join us on Amari’s journey! Sign up and unlock the supernatural world—if you dare!
Learning Goals
📖 Develop Reading Comprehension
Summarize key events and analyze how they shape the story
Identify character motivations, conflicts, and growth🗣️ Engage in Meaningful Discussions
Express ideas and opinions about the story using evidence
Respectfully listen to and build on others’ perspectives
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)4 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Day 1: Entering the Supernatural World
📖 Chapters: 1-8 (~100 pages)
🎯 Focus: Character introductions, world-building, and Amari’s first challenges
🗣️ Discussion Topics:
First impressions of Amari and her world
The importance of belief—why does no one believe Amari about her brother?
What makes a great fantasy world?
🎨 Creative Activity: Design an acceptance letter to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs—what special ability would you have?
📝 Reflection Question: How would you feel if you received an invitation like Amari’s? 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Day 2: Trials, Tribulations, and Teamwork
📖 Chapters: 9-17 (~100 pages)
🎯 Focus: The Bureau’s rules, friendships, and Amari’s first tests
🗣️ Discussion Topics:
The role of power and privilege at the Bureau—who has advantages?
Comparing Amari’s experience to real-life situations (friendship, fitting in, proving yourself)
🎨 Creative Activity: Choose a Bureau department to work in and design a supernatural gadget
📝 Reflection Question: What would be the best and worst parts of training at the Bureau? 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Day 3: Facing Fears & Discovering Strength
📖 Chapters: 18-26 (~100 pages)
🎯 Focus: Amari’s struggles, hidden histories, and growing confidence
🗣️ Discussion Topics:
What makes a good leader? How is Amari growing as a character?
Amari’s biggest fears—how does she overcome them?
🎨 Creative Activity: Debate! Should magicians be banned from the Bureau? Argue for or against.
📝 Reflection Question: How do our personal challenges help shape who we become? 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Day 4: The Final Test & The Truth Revealed
📖 Chapters: 27-33(~100 pages)
🎯 Focus: The climax, final showdown, and Amari’s transformation
🗣️ Discussion Topics:
The biggest surprises and twists—what did you predict correctly?
What does Amari’s journey teach us about courage and resilience?
🎨 Creative Activity: Write an epilogue—what happens after the book ends?
📝 Reflection Question: What was your biggest takeaway from Amari’s story? 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Ms. Crocker has experience working with a number of learning needs and is happy to make accommodations and adjustments to meet everyone's needs.
Parental Guidance
Amari and the Night Brothers is a fast-paced fantasy novel that explores themes of magic, power, discrimination, and self-discovery. Parents should be aware of the following:
🔮 Fantasy & Supernatural Elements – The story includes magic, supernatural creatures, and a secret world hidden from regular humans.
⚖️ Themes of Injustice & Discrimination – Amari faces bias and prejudice, both in her everyday life and within the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. These themes are explored in an age-appropriate way and provide opportunities for discussion.
⚔️ Mild Peril & Suspense – Amari encounters challenges, dangers, and enemies as she trains at the Bureau. The book includes mild fantasy violence but no graphic content.
💬 Encouraging Family Discussion – This book presents great opportunities to talk about standing up for yourself, believing in your abilities, and challenging unfair systems.
This class is designed to be a safe and engaging space where students can explore these topics thoughtfully while fostering a love of reading and critical thinking.
Pre-Requisites
Students will be most successful if they are reading at a 4th grade reading level or higher. If a student is struggling to read the chosen book at the class' pace, I recommend using audiobooks, read alouds, or shared reading to help!
Supply List
A copy of Amari and the Night Brothers - either from the library, on a kindle, or purchased. Students may also use an audiobook for this class.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Joined April, 2023
4.9
46reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from Colorado State University
I am an experienced upper elementary teacher with over a decade of experience supporting students and their needs in the classroom. I currently work as an elementary librarian. I hold an M.A. in International Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and an M.S. in Teaching & Learning from Colorado State. I am certified K-6 Elementary Education and 7-12 Social Studies.Reviews
Live Group Course
$60
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
4-8 learners per class
