58 pages • 1 hour read
B. B. AlstonAmari and the Night Brothers
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
How does Amari’s self-perspective transform throughout the novel? What significant events, characters, or insights motivate her development? Use textual evidence to support your answer.
Compare and contrast the various settings in the novel—Jefferson Academy, the ‘Wood, and the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. How does the author describe each setting? How does the author use setting to communicate important ideas about characters or themes in the novel?
What is the role of magic in the narrative? How does the way magic is treated in Amari differ from how it is usually presented in other middle-grade fantasy novels? Why do you think the author made this choice?
Discuss Amari’s experiences with racism and classism in the human world and her experiences with anti-magician prejudice in the supernatural world. How do her experiences parallel each other? Connect your response to one of the novel’s themes.
Analyze Dylan and Amari’s relationship. How are they foils of one another? How does the author use their relationship to communicate important themes?
Amari’s family bonds are an important source of strength for her. How do they drive her throughout the novel? How might her journey have differed without them?
Respond to the quote, “[Power] corrupts the soul” (96). Do you agree or disagree with this statement? How does it relate to Amari and her journey?
Discuss the significance of Jayden’s character. How does the author use him to help Amari realize important insights? How are Jayden’s struggles similar to or different from Amari’s?
Amari experiences deep feelings of inadequacy and does not believe that she can ever be a hero like Quinton. What does it mean to be a hero in the novel? Do you think Amari is ultimately a hero? Explain your answer using evidence from the text.
Discuss the significance of Amari’s realization that she is “unstoppable.” How does this speak to the theme of her character arc? How does it signify the resolution of her internal conflicts?
