Jax Freeman and the Phantom Shriek

Following “the brawl back in Raleigh,” Black 12-year-old Jax Freeman is sent to stay with his grandmother and uncle in Chicago. But when he arrives, bizarre things start to happen. First he overhears a conversation between a belt buckle and pair of glasses. Then he encounters a stranger who tells him he has a legacy to fulfill. Things take a dark turn when he’s attacked by a train conductor intent on wearing Jax’s skin. The supernatural occurrences continue as Jax starts at a new school, where he joins a class of summoners who can access magic through family heirlooms. Jax is convinced he’s in the wrong place, but everyone seems to know him and his family name. When he accidentally unleashes a spirit and learns about a magical war that’s been brewing for decades between his family and another, it’s up to Jax to use his newfound powers to stop malevolent forces from endangering others. Though the magical lore is occasionally muddled, Mbalia (the Tristan Strong series) nevertheless delivers jam-packed action sequences and fleshed-out depictions of family, shame, and bravery via Jax’s humorous voice in this absorbing romp. Ages 8–12. Agent: Patrice Caldwell, New Leaf Literary. (Oct.)