Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Girl loses powers, finds resilience in inspiring third book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When AMARI AND THE DESPICABLE WONDERS begins, Amari and her older brother, trained magicians, are holed up in a hotel. The secret magical society they belong to is in chaos, with news even filtering into the ordinary world. Amari lost her magic in a battle with a rival, and he's threatening to destroy all the magicians. Amari, her brother, and their friends scramble to find the ancient knowledge they can use to save them all.
Is It Any Good?
This is a fun continuation to the popular series, though it's a bit less fresh than the earlier books. In Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alton, readers are reacquainted with a main character, family, and circle of friends worth rooting for because they stick together to overcome their struggles. Even the villains seem more pitiable than evil. The action from previous books is summarized well. This book could stand alone, but readers may wish to start at the beginning. Fans will be pleased to know that two additional books int he series are in the works.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of sacrifice in Amari and the Despicable Wonders. Why does sacrifice take courage?
What role do you think trust plays in teamwork? What are some ways you can build trust with people when you need to work with them?
In Amari and the Despicable Wonders, how do communication skills keep people safe or rescue them from danger?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Balzer + Bray
- Publication date : August 27, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 389
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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