Mwikali and the Forbidden Mask (The Intasimi Warriors #1)

Twelve-year-old Mwikali has just moved to Kenya with her mom and her auntie (nanny). She is hoping to finally blend in at her new school, and not feel like the freak she did before. It seems that everything Mwikali draws in her sketchbook comes true, and she feels cursed when she sees things no one else does. Mwikali makes new friends at her school, Soni, Odder, and Xirsi, and they convince Mwikali that she isn't abnormal; she is in fact a very rare seer, and the four of them are from the ancient bloodline of Kenyan warriors. With the help of "tutor" Mr. Lemayin, Mwikali and her fellow seer friends learn to channel their powers. When Mwikali time travels back to the time of her ancestors, she learns of imminent dangers to their current world. One of her drawings is the "Forbidden Mask," which was supposedly destroyed long ago—but it has returned, and with it thousands of monsters have been able to cross over. Will Mwikali be able to defeat the village elder, who is intent on spreading dark magic through the mask? Nairobi is portrayed vividly, allowing readers to learn about foods, transport, and traditional games, all while following the fast-paced adventure. VERDICT Readers of fantasy will race to the heart-pounding conclusion, and will want to pick up the second book to follow Mwikali and friends into their next dangerous journey.—Michele Shaw