The Young Prince (Black Panther: The Young Prince #1)

by Ronald Smith (Author)

The Young Prince (Black Panther: The Young Prince #1)

Black Panther. Ruler of Wakanda. Avenger. This is his destiny. But right now, he's simply T'Challa-the young prince.

Life is comfortable for twelve-year-old T'Challa in his home of Wakanda, an isolated, technologically advanced African nation. When he's not learning how to rule a kingdom from his father-the reigning Black Panther-or testing out the latest tech, he's off breaking rules with his best friend, M'Baku. But as conflict brews near Wakanda, T'Challa's father makes a startling announcement: he's sending T'Challa and M'Baku to school in America. This is no prestigious private academy-they've been enrolled at South Side Middle School in the heart of Chicago. Despite being given a high-tech suit and a Vibranium ring to use only in case of an emergency, T'Challa realizes he might not be as equipped to handle life in America as he thought. Especially when it comes to navigating new friendships while hiding his true identity as the prince of a powerful nation, and avoiding Gemini Jones, a menacing classmate who is rumored to be involved in dark magic.

When strange things begin happening around school, T'Challa sets out to uncover the source. But what he discovers in the process is far more sinister than he could ever have imagined. In order to protect his friends and stop an ancient evil, T'Challa must take on the mantle of a hero, setting him on the path to becoming the Black Panther.

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Kirkus

The tale’s most profound sections show T’Challa grappling with American racial history and the complications inherent in being perceived to be African-American. An entertaining thrill that leaves readers wanting more.

School Library Journal

Twelve-year-old T'Challa, Prince of the warrior nation Wakanda, is content to spend his days running races, playing games, and getting into mischief with his best friend M'Baku. But he is also quite aware of his destiny. Wakanda is a technologically advanced African land, once struck by a meteor that brought with it a material so strong it had no equal. The material, called Vibranium, is now a much-desired resource and there are many who would fight to possess its power. T'Challa's father, also known as the Black Panther, is King of Wakanda and the descendant of the great warrior Bashenga who protected the isolated nation from evil spirits when the meteor struck. Prompted by rumors of an invasion, his father summons T'Challa and tells him he will be sent away to Chicago along with his friend M'Baku. There, he will be safe until the uprising is settled. But the south side of Chicago is a far cry from Wakanda, and South Side Middle School has its own demons. Faced with making new friends while hiding his true identity, T'Challa must also deal with a bully, Gemini Jones, who has a few secrets of his own, one of which may challenge T'Challa to choose between his best friend and his destiny. Energetic, fast-paced, and adventurous, this volume will keep readers riveted. VERDICT Fans of the Marvel Universe will be thrilled to read about this superhero at the very beginning of his calling. A must-purchase for all collections.—Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

ALA/Booklist

Smith does a thorough job of weaving in comic book nods, African American history, and gadgets, skillfully pairing it all with a sense of creeping dread before the decisive finale. 

Review quotes

"A new king of adventure is crowned."—Eoin Colfer, best-selling author of the Artemis Fowl series

Ronald Smith
Ronald L. Smith is a former advertising writer and the author of Hoodoo, a southern gothic fantasy novel for young readers. He is the recipient of the 2016 Coretta Scott King/ John Steptoe New Talent Author Award. His second book, The Mesmerist, a supernatural Victorian fantasy, was released in February, 2017.
Classification
-
ISBN-13
9781368008495
Lexile Measure
580
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Marvel Press
Publication date
January 08, 2019
Series
Black Panther: the Young Prince
BISAC categories
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education
JUV034000 - Juvenile Fiction | Royalty (kings queens princes princesses knights etc.)
JUV030060 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States
JUV071000 - Juvenile Fiction | Superheroes
Library of Congress categories
-

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