Amari and the Despicable Wonders, the third book in middle grade author B.B. Alston's "Supernatural Investigations" published on August 27, 2024 from HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. It picks up right where the second book ended, Alston says.

"There will be loads fun and humor mixed in with the danger, all while barreling toward an exciting and action-packed conclusion. If you’re new to the series, it’s the perfect time to jump in: The story arc of the first two books comes to a close, with book 4 starting a fresh new arc (with a brand-new villain!) next year."

SLJ spoke with Alston about his and Amari's parallel growth, how fantasy mirrors tweens' lives, and why he thinks librarians are "the unsung heroes of our education system." This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

SLJ: Talk a bit about the evolution of Amari. How have you both grown since you first started writing her story through the publication of this third book?

Alston: Amari has certainly grown a great deal over the course of the series. While Amari and the Night Brothers is a story about myths and magic, it’s also about a young Black girl learning to believe in herself and accept the things that make her unique. She gains in confidence only to have it tested when things don’t quite go as planned in the second book. Now, in book three, she’ll have to dig deep to recover that same drive and self-belief to ultimately win the day against overwhelming odds.

In many ways, my writing journey mirrors Amari’s story a great deal. I’ve had to build my confidence as a writer as well, overcoming self-doubt while trying to live up to the expectations of the first book. Now that I’m on the other side, I’m happy to say that Amari and the Despicable Wonders is the best thing I’ve written, and I hope readers feel the same way!

SLJ: Middle grade is often noted as a time when rates of reading for fun falls off. Why is so important to have books available that will engage young readers of this age? In your opinion, what makes a book engaging and relatable for middle grade readers?

Alston: These days, the middle grade audience is inundated with so much choice for entertainment that reading just sort of falls to the bottom of the list. Every song or TV show or movie that’s ever been made is only a few clicks away. On top of that, social media is ever present, with quicks hits of dopamine that can shorten attention spans. But even so, I believe it’s also the time when lifelong readers are forged.

It really comes down to finding books that fully represent kids and make them feel seen. That validate their thoughts and concerns, their overall experience. Books have such a unique magic to be able to place you in someone else’s shoes, inside their head even, in a way that no other medium can really duplicate. In many ways, books can make kids feel less alone, but we’ve got to make sure we get the right books into the hands of the right kids.

SLJ: Fantasy is growing in popularity among readers of all ages. But what is it about middle grade fantasy, do you think, that makes it so popular?

Alston: Fantasy works so well with the middle grade audience because it perfectly mirrors what they are experiencing in their real lives. This age group is only just starting to strike out on their own, independent of their parents. They’re starting to form their own opinions and wanting to explore for themselves. But the world is vast and scary and they don’t know all the rules. Which is exactly what middle grade protagonists are doing, only fantasy adds a layer of fun to the unknown. It sparks their sense of wonder and allows them to be anything is possible. After all, who’s to say there aren’t fairies and werewolves hiding in your city? Or a secret underground agency waiting to offer you a nomination?

SLJ: What message do you have for librarians who are getting ready to enter a new school year amidst a background of book bans and an upcoming presidential election?

Alston: Librarians are truly the unsung heroes of our education system. They are literally the last line of defense between important books and the students who need them. I put out a tweet once that said, "When you erase the history/experience of one kid to 'protect' another, what you're also saying is that there is one type of kid worth protecting."

Kids need to be able to see themselves, to know that what they’re feeling and experiencing is normal and valid, and nothing about them is inherently weird, or bad, or wrong. I am incredibly grateful to the tireless efforts of librarians fighting for these kids’ lives.

Alston photo credit Joshua Aaron Photography