Jaden Powers and the Inheritance Magic

Twelve-year-old Jaden Powers is reluctant to start seventh grade without his BFF Elijah, who will be attending a fancy new school for unknown reasons. Yet before the year begins, Jaden is told that Elijah has died, which he doesn't believe. After Jaden finds a note from Elijah explaining that he needs Jaden's help, strange things begin happening, such as Jaden suddenly being able to hear other people's thoughts and produce fire from his fingertips. Then Jaden is invited to attend the otherworldly Five Emergences School of Magic, the same place where Elijah had been a student, so he can practice his magic and train to become a sorcerer. Once there, Jaden is informed that Elijah had been stealing magic, and if he isn't found soon, he could die and both the magical realm of the Five Emergences and the mortal world could be destroyed. Memorable characters and vibrant worldbuilding brings this absorbing fantasy by Perry (the Cameron Battle series) to life. Jaden's unfettered resolve to help his best friend despite the odds is endearing, and themes of grief and healing are capably balanced alongside fast-paced, spellbinding adventure. Ages 8-11. Agent: Taj McCoy, Rees Literary. (Aug.)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 3-7--Twelve-year-old Jaden Powers is dreading the end of the summer vacation when his best friend Elijah will depart for boarding school, leaving him behind with his overprotective parents, lonely days in junior high, and a pesky little brother. Jaden is looking forward to spending Elijah's first weekend home from school hanging out, when an unexpected tragedy takes Elijah away from Jaden and everyone else who loved him. When Jaden cries over a mysterious notebook that he finds at Elijah's memorial service, it suddenly reveals a secret world of magic. Jaden soon learns that Elijah hasn't been going to a fancy private school, and that he is actually a very powerful magician attending a school of sorcery in a hidden realm called Wonder. Jaden's grief at the loss of Elijah seems to have awakened magic within him, too, and he travels to Wonder to become a student of sorcery and save his best friend along with the rest of the world. This middle grade fantasy contains tropes reminiscent of classic wizard school stories like Harry Potter. Nevertheless, in creating a hero of a seemingly typical African American preteen boy and portraying the values of friendship, perseverance, self-confidence, compassion, and imagination, this novel does cover new ground in what is familiar literary terrain. VERDICT While not an essential purchase for junior high library collections, this will appeal to those enchanted by tales of wizard school adventures.--Kelly Kingrey-Edwards

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

There are mythical rivalries, creative classrooms, a sensational supporting cast, and two remarkable Black boys at the heart of it all. 

"The suspenseful story summons a world all its own. There are mythical rivalries, creative classrooms, a sensational supporting cast, and two remarkable Black boys at the heart of it all. An immersive mystery celebrating the deep bonds of friendship and stepping into your own power." —Booklist

"Perry spins fine intrigue through compelling worldbuilding that's anchored by an amiable hero who unearths his inner strength thanks to compassion and determination . . . Utterly hypnotic." —Kirkus Reviews

"Memorable characters and vibrant worldbuilding brings this absorbing fantasy by Perry to life . . . [A] fast-paced, spellbinding adventure." —Publishers Weekly