Amira & Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds (Amira & Hamza #1)

A budding astronomer and self-proclaimed “nerd,” 12-year-old Amira, this novel’s Muslim, Indian American narrator, can’t wait to witness an upcoming lunar extravaganza. In Chicago, the Islamic Society of Ancient Astronomy is celebrating the coincidence of a supermoon, blood moon, and blue moon (a “celestial trifecta of awesomeness”) with an exhibition attended by Amira, her irksome younger brother Hamza, and their parents. When Hamza wanders off, he becomes entranced by the Box of the Moon—an ancient analogue computer made of unidentified alloys. A sibling tussle over the artifact restarts it, unleashing staggering consequences. As the adults drop into an enchanted sleep, a broken piece of the moon heads directly for Earth, and an army of jinn spirits the siblings away, Amira and Hamza discover that it falls to them to save the world from a great battle between the realms. Ahmed (Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know) centers her fast-paced middle grade debut on a deeply engaging heroine, foil to her more reckless and charming brother. The siblings’ relationship—characterized by equal amounts of affection and bickering—lends authenticity and humor to the folklore-inspired narrative. Ages 8–12. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary. (Sept.)