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“When I backed away, something reached out of the dark and grabbed my wrist. Cold seared into my skin. I tried to free myself, but the thing only tugged harder. Shadows like writhing snakes crawled up my arm.“

This book will be great for students because it allows them to look into the true meaning of good versus evil. I think any student in 4th grade and up will enjoy this for the plot and all the elements that make it a fantasy book. Also, this book will be great for a small book club are even independent reading which will allow students to learn more about the importance of family and knowing one's heritage.

“Maya and the Rising Dark“ uses West African Mythology which is why the books in the series can be considered speculative fiction. There are also aspects of fantasy tied into the plot. When Maya witnesses the world drain of color, she becomes overwhelmed with what it can mean and if she is actually witnessing what is happening.

“The mysterious bright light has disappeared, and I forced myself to sit up. I had scrapes on my palms, and my butt was sore from the fall. My head was spinning, too. The werehyenas were pacing back and forth a few feet away. I thought for sure they would've eaten us by now. This gave new meaning to playing with your food.“

This story is great for middle school readers because this book displays bravery and self-identification I think those are two huge points that middle schoolers struggle with. Middle school can be a difficult change for many students. This story allows them to remember to use their imagination but also not loose sight of who they truly are because they were made for greatness.

This book is speculative fiction. This story isn't too scary or harmful for children to read. This book would be good for middle schoolers and opening their imaginations. This story represents a lot of bravery and self-identification. Maya has found out she has to face her worst nightmare in order to save her father and the real world.

“I couldn‘t hold back my smile. If I thought Papa‘s voice was magical when he told stories, it was mesmerizing when he sang.“

I would use this book with older elementary (4-5) students to discuss what fantasy fiction is, the importance of strength, courage, and valuing relationships with friends and family, to expose them to and help them dive into a dramatic, complex, and adventure-filled storyline, and to expose them to aspects of West African mythology.

“Maya and the Rising Dark“ is a fantasy fiction book in the realm of speculative fiction. The reason why this book is considered fantasy fiction is due to its use of West African mythology, its imaginary universe of the Dark and her color-bleeding neighborhood, magical characters like werehyenas and the Lord of Shadows and herself as a godling: half orisha/half human, and the magical veil that guards the real world from the Dark.

I finished this on audio yesterday while getting things ready for our first day with students. It was a really fun adventure story, and is getting added to the list of books I want to read with my 6th grade book club! #schoollibraries #teachersoflitsy #librariansoflitsy

Enjoying this middle grade fantasy adventure while working on the border of this blanket. I'm considering this for this school year's first book with my 6th Grade Lit Lunch. #audiocrochet

Constantly refreshing Twitter to see Cheetos man lose and working on this. I am going to sleep for like a week solid after all this chaos

𝙸‘𝚖 𝚜𝚘 𝚎𝚡𝚌𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙼𝚊𝚢𝚊 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚒𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝙱𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚣 🙌🏽
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If you enjoy West African fantasy, Percy Jackson or Aru Shah series, this book is for you! Maya and the Rising Dark releases TODAY 🙌🏽 be sure to grab your copy ☺️

This is a super fun middle grade adventure about Maya, a young girl growing up on the South Side of Chicago, who discovers that the Dark is rising & that her family plays a key role in defending against it. When a mysterious stranger starts haunting her dreams & then her father goes missing, Maya & her friends must step up to save him & protect their neighborhood. Wonderful addition to school & home libraries. Recommended. (Out this month.)

Starting this MG contemporary fantasy tonight. Original publication date was May but like many books this spring, the date was pushed back. It‘s now coming later in September.

I have been dying ot read this book. I was informed I won a copy but that was months ago and it has never shown up. Oh well, guess I'll have to purchase a copy when it comes out.

Out September 22
#CoverLove #MGedition

Okay Ladies, Here is my possibility list:

Maya is my number one choice. It's not out until September but I won a copy in a Twitter give away. I don't have it yet but should soon. It's about a girl from the south side of Chicago who goes on a magical quest to save her father.

Race the Sun is from RR presents and is based on Navajo mythology.

Dragon Pearl is also from RR Presents and is a Koren Mythology space adventure.

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Can not wait to read this one.

Middle Grade

Out september 22

#CoverLove
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#BlackAuthors
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