Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms

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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms, by Jamar J. Perry, is a fantasy adventure with many references to West African mythology. There's fantasy violence, but injuries are not long-lasting and are healed through magic. Twelve-year-old Cameron often struggles with his emotions. He pushes his friends away when he's upset, sometimes he lashes out and yells, other times he says one thing and means something else. His emotional state is realistic on the one hand, given his being thrust into this save the world situation that he's ill-equipped for. On the other hand, he never seems to learn how to manage his emotions and communicate how he's feeling. This can offer an opportunity for discussion about big emotions and how to handle them.
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What's the Story?
In CAMERON BATTLE AND THE HIDDEN KINGDOMS, Cameron and his two best friends, Zion and Aliyah are transported to the mythical world of Chidani thanks to The Book of Chidani. Cameron's parents have read the book to him since he was a child, but he never expected those stories to be true. The stories span centuries and focus on Queen Ramala, who made a deal with the gods to protect the Igbo people from slavery traders. Because of the deal, the gods granted Ramala magical gifts, but her sister Amina stole them to destroy the barrier between Chidani and the rest of the world. Cameron learns that he's the Descendant, a hero destined to save Chidani and the world. He's not sure if he has what it takes to fulfill the role as the Descendant, but with his friends and new allies by his side, he'll try his best to get the gifts back and protect the people he loves.
Is It Any Good?
This inventive fantasy adventure about friendship and legacy inspired by West African mythology. It's perfect for fans of Tristan Strong. Central to the plot of Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms is The Book of Chidani. It's a dynamic plot device that tells the history of Chidani and connects Cameron to his family's legacy. The novel is a celebration of African culture, from the food the characters eat to the clothes they wear. The magical action scenes are epic, though at times violent, but the violence is never gratuitous and any injuries are healed through magic.
The plot gets a little confusing as far as the sequence of some events, but not so confusing that it'll deter readers' enjoyment. Cameron as a character is unlikable at times with his negative outlook and outbursts, but he's a realistically flawed character with difficult emotions to work through on top of not having the tools to deal with them. It's great to see a 12-year-old Black boy feeling his feelings instead of biting them down.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of passing down stories through generations in Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms. How are these stories recorded? Why is important to tell stories to the younger generations? What are some of the stories passed down in your family?
There are some moments when Cameron struggles with his emotions and lashes out. What were some times when you acted out or yelled because you were scared or upset? How would you handle it differently?
Cameron goes on an adventure to save Chidani with his two best friends Zion and Aliyah. Who would you want to take with you on an adventure?
Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms has many swordfights and action scenes. Though the characters get injured, they're easily healed with magic. What effect do you think the healing has on the intensity of the fight scenes?
Book Details
- Author: Jamar J. Perry
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
- Publication date: February 1, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 11
- Number of pages: 320
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: February 17, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love fantasy and adventure
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