Last modified on Wed 17 Feb 2021 13.02 EST
The year may be off to a dismal start, but Januaryâs best books for children are filled with adventurous magic. For readers of nine-plus, BB Alstonâs
Amari and the Night Brothers(Egmont) is a Chosen One fantasy with a fabulous protagonist: a whip-smart black girl from the projects. Amari is convinced her brilliant brother Quinton isnât dead, but the police have given up investigating his disappearance. Stumbling across a mysterious briefcase and an invitation to try out for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, Amari discovers the everyday worldâs occult underbelly â and her own powerful magical gift. A splendidly imaginative debut, ideal for fans of the Percy Jackson or Nevermoor series.