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Reviewed by: Kathy Jaccarino, High School Librarian Title: Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy Author: Angie Thomas Publisher: Harper Collins
Year: 2023 Good for Grades: 6-9 Genre/Type of Book: Fantasy
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: No Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: I selected it because it was by Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give). But, unlike her other, grittier, realistic fiction, this is a fantasy story for a younger audience, this intrigued me. If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: Angie Thomas weaves the history of African folklore into a modern-day adventure.
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Review:
In this gripping fantasy adventure author Angie Thomas weaves a tale of 12-year-old Nic Blake's adventures as she learns about her heritage and magical gifts. On Nic’s 12th birthday she is hoping to learn more about her gifts from her dad, a single parent with secrets. However, through a series of events, Nic’s learns more than she could ever imagine. These events take Nic through a whirlwind of discoveries about her family, her powers, and a hidden, high-tech Black civilization. Alongside a newfound twin brother and best friend, PJ, she faces amateur wizards, supernatural enemies, and mythical creatures.
The story begins as Nic learns the truth behind her favorite book series, its author, and her destiny as a Manifestor, the most powerful tier of Remarkables with supernatural gifts. Her father's secrets catch up with him on Nic’s birthday. Nic learns that he had kidnapped her as baby (for her own safety) leaving behind a twin brother and a mother who loves and desperately misses her. Her father is captured and is being accused of not only kidnapping Nic, but also of stealing the Msaidizi, a magical tool. Nic is forced to navigate a fantastical world to prove her father’s innocence. The novel combines humor, charm, and literary devices that intertwine African and African American folklore, biblical stories, and U.S. history. I think one of the strongest aspects of the book are the allusions to African and African American folklore!
The ending suggests sequels and more adventures, leaving readers with the tease of more secrets being revealed. I liked the book very much. I think the author does a great job interweaving history and folklore, this aspect alone could make it a valuable addition to an ELA curriculum. It does read as if it is for a younger audience. We do own it in our HS library because I was tempted by an Angie Thomas fantasy book, but it is most appropriate for younger students, maybe up to 9th grade. Overall, an action-packed adventure that explores the themes of forgiveness and friendship.
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For more information about this book, see the Publishers Website
Borrow the ebook from the Monroe One SLS SORA Collection