A boy discovers magic - along with a hidden darkness - in his town in this propulsive and heartfelt middle grade novel perfect for fans of PET and THE LOST LIBRARY.
Twelve-year-old Marcus Pennrider feels far from magical. He's trying his best to balance school, a part-time job, and looking after his little sister. On top of that, his aunt has moved in with them to be their new caretaker.
But one day, Marcus discovers a secret magic flows through the streets of Grand Park - magic that can make money out of thin air, or control the weather - and everything seems to start changing for the better. Marcus even catches the attention of Mr. O, local corner store owner and beloved leader in the community, who takes Marcus under his wing and teaches him how to use magic.
As Marcus delves into the strange world of Divination, he becomes entrenched in a rigorous magical training program...and discovers that Mr. O may not be who he seems. It'll be up to Marcus to decide who his true family is, and that perhaps the real magic of Grand Park lies much closer to home.
About the Author :
Craig Kofi Farmer is the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Award-winning author of the middle grade novels Kwame Crashes the Underworld and A Method for Magic and Misfortune. Craig grew up in Prince George's County, went to Towson University for his Bachelor of Science degrees, and earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. He currently works in student affairs, helping college students achieve work-life balance and self-actualization. When he's not writing or working, he's exploring Baltimore City, analyzing superhero movies, watching psychological thrillers, and deciding exactly what he's going to eat that day.
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Review :
"Farmer's strong character development and worldbuilding bolster this fantasy story that centers on a majority Black cast and feels firmly anchored in realistic concerns." -- Kirkus Reviews
"In a heartfelt novel that examines themes of family and motivation, Farmer empathetically addresses abuse and loss--and the hardships one might face in their aftermath--across Marcus's nuanced and thoughtfully rendered first-person perspective." -- Publishers Weekly
"This thrilling, thoughtful story is far more than a magical mystery; it's also a careful contemplation of the forms that tyranny and abuse can take...It's an extraordinary exploration of the aftermath of abuse and the power in discovering one's own special brand of magic." -- Booklist
"An appealing male protagonist facing tough choices makes this a -compelling selection for most libraries." -- School Library Journal
Praise for Kwame Crashes the Underworld:
Winner of the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe Award for New Talent
★ "Debut author Farmer tells a grand tale, funny and terrifying in turns, steeped in Ghanaian spirituality and folklore, and wrapped around themes of identity, obligation, true friendship, and devastating loss." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "This swashbuckling, supernatural adventure into the land of Ghanian mythology will have all readers (and especially fans of Rick Riordan Presents titles) craving more. Highly recommended." -- School Library Journal, starred review
"Brimming with laughter, joy, and beautiful messages about grief, hope, lost loved ones, identity, and the ancestors, Kwame Crashes the Underworld rattles the spirit." -- Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times-bestselling author of The Marvellers and The Memory Thieves
"I wish this book had existed when I was a child. I dare readers not to let Kwame Powell into their hearts." -- Roseanne A. Brown, New York Times-bestselling author of Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting
"A rollicking and electrifying adventure of one boy's journey to accept himself, his family, and his cultural heritage. Readers will cry and laugh with and love Kwame Powell." -- Jamar J. Perry, author of Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms
"Farmer deftly weaves together an inclusive tale of friendship, family, and identity featuring characters and adventure readers will yearn to revisit." -- Publishers Weekly
