Publishers Weekly
07/26/2021
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.)
From the Publisher
Samira Ahmed’s Amira & Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds is a universe-hopping, time-traveling, mind-bending story that glows with enough energy to rival the moon. Brimming with science and magic alike, it’s also a bighearted and funny adventure, and readers will cheer Amira and Hamza every step of the way.”—Trenton Lee Stewart, bestselling author of The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Secret Keepers
"Ifrit and Jinn and Peris, oh my! This rollicking adventure weaves together ancient Islamic stories, modern day U.S. pop culture, sibling squabbles and death-defying feats. Amira and Hamza are my Chosen Ones!" —Sayantani DasGupta, New York Times-bestselling author of the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series
“Amira and Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds is a hilarious and heartwarming adventure starring everyone’s new favorite siblings. Samira weaves a tale that deftly connects three cultures—American, Indian, and pop culture.” —bestselling author Kwame Mbalia
"Even readers who don’t believe in magic will find themselves wishing on a star."—Kirkus
Amid myriad twists and turns, Amira and Hamza emerge as smart, funny, likable protagonists with emotional ranges that render them believable even while everything around them is fantastical. —Booklist
"Ahmed (Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know) centers her fast-paced middle grade debut on a deeply engaging heroine."—Publishers Weekly
"Like any magical journey, this one is full of heart, humor, action, doubt, and the belief that even the most unexpected individuals can save the world."—School Library Journal
"Fantasy-adventure fans will have a hard time putting down this fast-paced and engaging tale."—Horn Book
School Library Journal
★ 09/01/2021
Gr 3–7—A middle grade fantasy that includes Islamic legends, magic, science, and the power of belief in oneself. While at their mosque, waiting for the super blue blood moon, Amira and her younger brother Hamza both happen to touch a supposedly broken ancient artifact, the Box of the Moon, which sets an equally ancient prophecy in motion. Everyone on Earth suddenly falls asleep, and jinn appear, claiming that Amira and Hamza have been chosen to save the magical world of Qaf, Earth, and life as they know it. Amira loves science, so she has her doubts about fulfilling a mystical prophecy at 12, while Hamza is thrilled to become important, like one of his favorite superheroes. Like any magical journey, this one is full of heart, humor, action, doubt, and the belief that even the most unexpected individuals can save the world. Amira's questions will resonate with skeptical readers, whereas Hamza urges her to let go and believe anyway. Amira and Hamza's adventure is emotionally believable, even as the siblings ride magical creatures to their next destination. Although some of the action might be intimidating for younger readers, this would still make for a great read-aloud. VERDICT A fast-paced adventure with heart and a superb fairy-tale adaptation of Islamic legends. Sure to be a hit with fans of Yoon Ha Lee's Dragon Pearl and Sayantani DasGupta's The Serpent's Secret.—Hilary Tufo, Columbus Metropolitan Lib., Reynoldsburg, OH
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2021-07-08
What will it take for two plucky kids from Chicago to save the universe from certain disaster? Courage with a heaping side of love.
Twelve-year-old Amira is a scientist, rational and focused. Hamza, her younger brother, is a risk taker, thriving in his active imagination. The night of a rare astronomical event brings out more than the moon and the stars when they accidentally activate an ancient device recovered from the Caspian Sea, al-Biruni’s Box of the Moon, cracking off a piece of the moon, putting everyone else on Earth to sleep, and bringing an army of genderfluid jinn to meet them, the chosen ones. Led by Abdul Rahman, the vizier to the emperor of Qaf, and accompanied by Maqbool, Abdul Rahman’s aide-de-camp, the jinn escort Amira (who does not feel eager or ready to assume these duties) and Hamza (who can barely contain his delight) on their quest to protect Qaf by defeating wicked dev Ifrit and saving the universe. In her middle-grade debut, Ahmed rationalizes the irrational with a creative blend of science and magic, building a bridge from a familiar world to a new one. A blend of Indian culture, Islamic folklore, history, and pointed social commentary are all wrapped up in a fantasy world that is as compelling as it is informative.
Even readers who don’t believe in magic will find themselves wishing on a star. (map, author’s note, glossary) (Fantasy. 9-13)
