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Moko Magic #1
Carnival Chaos
From the best-selling author of the Jumbies series comes an Afro-Caribbean-inspired story about three cousins who discover they are mokos--protector spirits--during carnival season in Brooklyn
Weirdness and wonders abound in this colorful celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture by the author of the beloved Jumbies series.
Twelve-year-old Misty and her mother have just moved from Trinidad to Brooklyn, New York, in time for the annual carnival celebrations over Labor Day weekend. Misty has plenty to deal with getting used to living with her cousins Aiden and Brooke in her new surroundings. On top of that, her mom is too busy trying to find a job and her aunts and uncles are too preoccupied with carnival preparations to pay any attention to her.
Then really strange things begin to happen. A ball of feathers in the basement turns into a creature that squeaks and rolls around. When Misty and her cousins eat pieces of mango anchar, flames shoot out of their mouths. Most disturbing of all, Misty begins to see visions of the future--scary visions that soon come true.
Misty discovers that she and her cousins come from a long line of mokos, people who have special powers meant to help them protect their community. Misty can see impending danger, Aiden can heal, and Brooke has crazy physical strength. The trio is just learning about their skills when Misty senses something watching her. And then each of the carnival events is disrupted by a different disaster. Some kind of evil force is clearly trying to stop the festivities. But why? And will moko magic be enough to save the day?
Weirdness and wonders abound in this colorful celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture by the author of the beloved Jumbies series.
Twelve-year-old Misty and her mother have just moved from Trinidad to Brooklyn, New York, in time for the annual carnival celebrations over Labor Day weekend. Misty has plenty to deal with getting used to living with her cousins Aiden and Brooke in her new surroundings. On top of that, her mom is too busy trying to find a job and her aunts and uncles are too preoccupied with carnival preparations to pay any attention to her.
Then really strange things begin to happen. A ball of feathers in the basement turns into a creature that squeaks and rolls around. When Misty and her cousins eat pieces of mango anchar, flames shoot out of their mouths. Most disturbing of all, Misty begins to see visions of the future--scary visions that soon come true.
Misty discovers that she and her cousins come from a long line of mokos, people who have special powers meant to help them protect their community. Misty can see impending danger, Aiden can heal, and Brooke has crazy physical strength. The trio is just learning about their skills when Misty senses something watching her. And then each of the carnival events is disrupted by a different disaster. Some kind of evil force is clearly trying to stop the festivities. But why? And will moko magic be enough to save the day?
400 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2024
About the author
Tracey Baptiste
49 books511 followersFrom Thompson-Gale: "Something About the Author"
I have always loved books. My favorite, was an oversized complete Grimm's Fairy Tales with beautiful illustrations, which I lost when my family moved to the United States. I was fascinated by the stories of the tailor who went up against a giant, and clever Hans, who wasn't so clever as well as the more traditional princess stories. When I was about thirteen, after spending a summer in the library reading Paul Zindel and Judy Blume among other authors, I announced to my best friend that I was going to be a writer. I didn't decide what I wanted to write until I read "The Friends" by Rosa Guy. I had recently moved to Brooklyn, NY, and the book spoke to my situation precisely. It remains one of my favorite books. I started writing for children then, and never stopped. I had early interest from publishers from the moment I began submitting stories at the age of 21, but I didn't put in the work necessary to become published until my late twenties. "Angel's Grace" was largely written while I was on maternity leave with my first child. It was inspired by my mother (the redhead) and my husband. Because I have very young children, I work when they sleep, which, sadly, is very little.
I have always loved books. My favorite, was an oversized complete Grimm's Fairy Tales with beautiful illustrations, which I lost when my family moved to the United States. I was fascinated by the stories of the tailor who went up against a giant, and clever Hans, who wasn't so clever as well as the more traditional princess stories. When I was about thirteen, after spending a summer in the library reading Paul Zindel and Judy Blume among other authors, I announced to my best friend that I was going to be a writer. I didn't decide what I wanted to write until I read "The Friends" by Rosa Guy. I had recently moved to Brooklyn, NY, and the book spoke to my situation precisely. It remains one of my favorite books. I started writing for children then, and never stopped. I had early interest from publishers from the moment I began submitting stories at the age of 21, but I didn't put in the work necessary to become published until my late twenties. "Angel's Grace" was largely written while I was on maternity leave with my first child. It was inspired by my mother (the redhead) and my husband. Because I have very young children, I work when they sleep, which, sadly, is very little.
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August 24, 2024Someone liked my review of this today and I couldn't remember it. Then I see it was one I was so hyped for and subsequently forgot! I'm so happy for the reminder!
This sounds incredible. I need it all over again!
Original:
So, now I apparently have a 2023-releases shelf...
But it's Caribbean Folklore-inspired Middle Grade Fantasy from Tracey Baptiste. Yeah, I'm keeping the list.
This sounds incredible. I need it all over again!
Original:
So, now I apparently have a 2023-releases shelf...
But it's Caribbean Folklore-inspired Middle Grade Fantasy from Tracey Baptiste. Yeah, I'm keeping the list.
July 31, 2024
Magic, adventure, folklore and history! In a ball of fun!
If you are looking for your next magical read I highly recommend picking up Trinbagonian author, Tracey Baptiste newest release MOKO MAGIC: CARNIVAL CHAOS! This is an Afro-Caribbean-inspired story about three cousins who discover they are mokos–protector spirits–during carnival season in Brooklyn.
This is a middle grade book but it is also for people who are young at heart and love reading about magic, adventure with a bit of history. Misty, Aiden and Brooke takes us an amazing adventure that will keep you gripped to the pages of this book.
Trinidadian author Tracey Baptiste brings history, culture and adventure to life with this new release. She knows how to write for kids, or kids at heart. Yes, this is a middle grade book but I found myself getting pulled into the adventure and learning so much.
If you are looking for your next adventure, look no further thank Moko Magic: Carnival Chaos!
If you are looking for your next magical read I highly recommend picking up Trinbagonian author, Tracey Baptiste newest release MOKO MAGIC: CARNIVAL CHAOS! This is an Afro-Caribbean-inspired story about three cousins who discover they are mokos–protector spirits–during carnival season in Brooklyn.
This is a middle grade book but it is also for people who are young at heart and love reading about magic, adventure with a bit of history. Misty, Aiden and Brooke takes us an amazing adventure that will keep you gripped to the pages of this book.
Trinidadian author Tracey Baptiste brings history, culture and adventure to life with this new release. She knows how to write for kids, or kids at heart. Yes, this is a middle grade book but I found myself getting pulled into the adventure and learning so much.
If you are looking for your next adventure, look no further thank Moko Magic: Carnival Chaos!
August 26, 2024
This was a really fun middle school novel that was a mix of realistic fiction and cultural magic. It incorporates Afro-Caribbean lore, history, and mythology in the middle of Brooklyn, New York City. I liked the realism of three cousins who don't necessarily like each other discovering that they each have an aspect of their generation's magic and that they need to learn to trust themselves and each other as they frantically try to figure out who is hurting their neighbors and friends even as they get ready for their annual Carnival celebrations over Labor Day Weekend. I enjoyed getting to know each of the three cousins and loved learning about the many stories of the magical creatures that are part of their heritage. Part of this was learning how many stories were lost while others were changed as the slaves were taken first to the Carribean and later to America.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and think it would be great for the intended middle school ages, but it would be great for anyone who enjoys this genre of story.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and think it would be great for the intended middle school ages, but it would be great for anyone who enjoys this genre of story.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 23, 2024
I felt disappointed by this, and confused. The wonky seems important but I’m not sure if it’s a “good” guy or “bad”. The bad spirit perhaps became good but I’m not sure if that’s correct or not. Misty was indeed the most important of the 3 cousins because she could tell the story. I’m not clear on who “won” or “lost” and what was the object won or lost. In short, I felt like this just didn’t make sense to me. This clearly is the start of a series, with the next title given at the end. I won’t be reading it.
July 22, 2024
Misty and her mom just moved from Trinidad to New York in time for the annual celebration of carnival. Misty feels alone with her mom spending all her time job hunting, and the rest of her aunts and uncles are busy with work and getting ready for the carnival. She hardly sees her cousins as well. But when strange things happen, like a ball of fluff and feathers seems to come to life and run away where others can see it, makes her feel even more alone. Misty finds out she is one of the three Mokos, people with special powers to protect the community. But can they come into their powers before the community is torn apart and the celebration cancelled?
This was a great book on the Afro-Caribbean lore. There was action and a lot of suspense, I enjoy learning about new and different stories of different places and this one is very good. Misty and her cousins are well written and to see them grow in just a few days is awesome especially when it has to do with their future selves. I really liked this book and would recommend it for people of all ages
This review copy as provided by Netgalley
This was a great book on the Afro-Caribbean lore. There was action and a lot of suspense, I enjoy learning about new and different stories of different places and this one is very good. Misty and her cousins are well written and to see them grow in just a few days is awesome especially when it has to do with their future selves. I really liked this book and would recommend it for people of all ages
This review copy as provided by Netgalley
April 8, 2024
E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus
Misty has recently moved to Brooklyn from Trinidad. She and her mother, who is looking for a job, are living with her Aunt Trish, Uncle Stanley, and cousin Brooke, and her Uncle Andrew and cousin Aiden live in the "garden aparment" (basement). Her father is still in Trinidad. She's enjoying her new city, but wants more freedom to explore than her mother wants to allow her. She looking forward to all of the carnival activities, and her uncle Andrew is making elaborate costumes for his masquerade group (band). When Aiden and Misty are sent to the basement to retrieve some craft supplies, they are surprised by a "fluffrat" that seems to be made out of sequins and feathers but is alive. They find out that the family are healers called mokos, and all three cousins have come into their powers. Each generation has three people with these powers, which include healing, protection, and the ability to see things others don't. Aunty Kamala, who is an aziza, or a fairy, gives them enchanted food to test them, and all three breathe fire after eating it! The children's powers are slowly revealed; a fire at the Caribbean Bite restaurant that Brooke's parents run reveal her protection abilities, and Misty has visions that often cause her to pass out. When the "fluffrat", a mas they name Wonky, escapes and attacks their neighbor Mr. Abara, Aiden realizes he has the ability to heal, The carnival is in danger of being closed down by an evil councilwoman, Ms. Cook, who claims that too many crimes are committed when it is going on. Aunty Kamala manages to shut down a meeting and temporarily persuade Cook to stop her efforts, but the woman won't give up. The children get involved in various preparations; Aiden is writing a calypso song, and the children go to listen to Steel Biloko pan music. Bad weather seems to be targeting the event, but Misty is able to discern that it is caused by an evil spirit. As the bad weather increases and becomes more and more violent, the children become more and more worn down. Magic is being sucked out of the community, and other members are ending up in hospitals in zombie-like states. At one point, Misty thinks that a local librarian, Melanie, whom they met while researching West African folklore, might be the monster, and Mr. Abara surprises them by knowing a lot about this folklore and helping them out. Misty encounters the monster, called a khodumodumo, and realizes it has taken over Melanie in an effort to be understood. Will the newly minted "moko babies" be able to hear the story that the khodumodumo wants heard, and save their community from the chaos it will wreak if it is not?
Strengths: The Labor Day weekend in Brooklyn must be quite the celebration! There are so many plans going on with food, activities, music, and costumes that the cousins are able to get into a lot of trouble. Combine this with emergent, inherited magical powers, and this makes for quite a fun story. I loved the mix of uncles, aunts, cousins, and family friends and neighbors who are all around to help out and give the cousins information about their new powers. Aunty Kamala and her magical baked goods was quite interesting! I loved the note from Baptiste that one of Aiden's songs was based on one her own brother had done when he was young. The next book in the series is entitled Museum Mayhem, but I am not finding a publication date for it. Probably about this time of year in 2025.
Weaknesses: This had a lot of things going on, and a lot of information. At 400 pages, it almost could have been divided into two books. Since this was written in the third person, it wasn't necessary to label chapters with different characters' names; that is usually used when the chapters are from different character's perspectives, so it was a little confusing.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Baptiste's writing in The Jumbies series, the West African celebrations in Riguad's A Girl's Guide to Love and Magic or the tweens getting powers in Kerr's The Ahkenaton Adventure.
Misty has recently moved to Brooklyn from Trinidad. She and her mother, who is looking for a job, are living with her Aunt Trish, Uncle Stanley, and cousin Brooke, and her Uncle Andrew and cousin Aiden live in the "garden aparment" (basement). Her father is still in Trinidad. She's enjoying her new city, but wants more freedom to explore than her mother wants to allow her. She looking forward to all of the carnival activities, and her uncle Andrew is making elaborate costumes for his masquerade group (band). When Aiden and Misty are sent to the basement to retrieve some craft supplies, they are surprised by a "fluffrat" that seems to be made out of sequins and feathers but is alive. They find out that the family are healers called mokos, and all three cousins have come into their powers. Each generation has three people with these powers, which include healing, protection, and the ability to see things others don't. Aunty Kamala, who is an aziza, or a fairy, gives them enchanted food to test them, and all three breathe fire after eating it! The children's powers are slowly revealed; a fire at the Caribbean Bite restaurant that Brooke's parents run reveal her protection abilities, and Misty has visions that often cause her to pass out. When the "fluffrat", a mas they name Wonky, escapes and attacks their neighbor Mr. Abara, Aiden realizes he has the ability to heal, The carnival is in danger of being closed down by an evil councilwoman, Ms. Cook, who claims that too many crimes are committed when it is going on. Aunty Kamala manages to shut down a meeting and temporarily persuade Cook to stop her efforts, but the woman won't give up. The children get involved in various preparations; Aiden is writing a calypso song, and the children go to listen to Steel Biloko pan music. Bad weather seems to be targeting the event, but Misty is able to discern that it is caused by an evil spirit. As the bad weather increases and becomes more and more violent, the children become more and more worn down. Magic is being sucked out of the community, and other members are ending up in hospitals in zombie-like states. At one point, Misty thinks that a local librarian, Melanie, whom they met while researching West African folklore, might be the monster, and Mr. Abara surprises them by knowing a lot about this folklore and helping them out. Misty encounters the monster, called a khodumodumo, and realizes it has taken over Melanie in an effort to be understood. Will the newly minted "moko babies" be able to hear the story that the khodumodumo wants heard, and save their community from the chaos it will wreak if it is not?
Strengths: The Labor Day weekend in Brooklyn must be quite the celebration! There are so many plans going on with food, activities, music, and costumes that the cousins are able to get into a lot of trouble. Combine this with emergent, inherited magical powers, and this makes for quite a fun story. I loved the mix of uncles, aunts, cousins, and family friends and neighbors who are all around to help out and give the cousins information about their new powers. Aunty Kamala and her magical baked goods was quite interesting! I loved the note from Baptiste that one of Aiden's songs was based on one her own brother had done when he was young. The next book in the series is entitled Museum Mayhem, but I am not finding a publication date for it. Probably about this time of year in 2025.
Weaknesses: This had a lot of things going on, and a lot of information. At 400 pages, it almost could have been divided into two books. Since this was written in the third person, it wasn't necessary to label chapters with different characters' names; that is usually used when the chapters are from different character's perspectives, so it was a little confusing.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Baptiste's writing in The Jumbies series, the West African celebrations in Riguad's A Girl's Guide to Love and Magic or the tweens getting powers in Kerr's The Ahkenaton Adventure.
August 15, 2024
Really gorgeous fantasy focused on NYC, Caribbean diaspora, family, and reparative action after harm (sort of spoiler but not really).
Three cousins all discover that they're mokos (magicians) shortly before Brooklyn Carnival when they accidentally raise a possibly-alive, possibly-not energetic Jim Hensony bundle of fabric scraps and sparkles from the costume workshop where Carnival costumes are being constructed. Their respective parents/aunts and uncles are pretty casual about the magic: there are three mokos in every generation, and your magic comes to you when you need it. I love the way the magic is split in three in each generation: a seer, a healer and a protector. There's a refreshing contrast with the individualism of a lot of "discovering powers, coming of age" fantasies-- the three cousins are deeply embedded in a care network of adults who are all paying attention to them-- even the grouchy neighbor. Meanwhile, a politician is trying to shut down Carnival because it's dangerous, and a magic-stealing monster might be zombifying people at Carnival related events.
There's a lot of books about being a tween and realizing you have powers, but this one is fresh, not derivative, and while it's on the long side, its mix of light hijinks and serious, relevant arcs about history's importance, the vitality of joy, and how research can help repair pain from lost histories and lineages is really earnest and really well-delivered. I really like how Baptiste cares deeply for "monsters". A total winner (with a chaotic title). Looking forward to the next book about the Brooklyn Museum.
Three cousins all discover that they're mokos (magicians) shortly before Brooklyn Carnival when they accidentally raise a possibly-alive, possibly-not energetic Jim Hensony bundle of fabric scraps and sparkles from the costume workshop where Carnival costumes are being constructed. Their respective parents/aunts and uncles are pretty casual about the magic: there are three mokos in every generation, and your magic comes to you when you need it. I love the way the magic is split in three in each generation: a seer, a healer and a protector. There's a refreshing contrast with the individualism of a lot of "discovering powers, coming of age" fantasies-- the three cousins are deeply embedded in a care network of adults who are all paying attention to them-- even the grouchy neighbor. Meanwhile, a politician is trying to shut down Carnival because it's dangerous, and a magic-stealing monster might be zombifying people at Carnival related events.
There's a lot of books about being a tween and realizing you have powers, but this one is fresh, not derivative, and while it's on the long side, its mix of light hijinks and serious, relevant arcs about history's importance, the vitality of joy, and how research can help repair pain from lost histories and lineages is really earnest and really well-delivered. I really like how Baptiste cares deeply for "monsters". A total winner (with a chaotic title). Looking forward to the next book about the Brooklyn Museum.
September 15, 2024
Freedom Fire draws heavily on jumbie lore and Caribbean folktales, in a way that shows how such stories were retold, lost, and recreated throughout history, and how they were impacted by historical events. In this novel, one of those stories was brought to Brooklyn, NY, and recreated at a Caribbean carnival, celebrated at the start of Lent. Three cousins, Misty, Aiden, and Brooke, discover that they are moko - magic users whose powers come to them in a time of need. This time, a creature from a story has gathered enough bits of itself to come back to life, and to use people to carry itself while it looks for enough magic to recreate itself completely.
This novel starts with Misty, who has recently moved to Brooklyn from Trinidad with her mother, while her father stayed back waiting for his visa. The beginning of the novel includes many observations from Misty about the differences between the two places, which serves to explain many of the cultural references. The novel changes viewpoints between multiple characters; when the viewpoint changes to one of the three children, their names are given, but occasionally the viewpoint changes to either an omniscient observer or an unnamed, unknown character, which can be somewhat confusing to the reader. Still, the mythology of the Caribbean is interesting and well-presented, and immigration to a new country is a common occurrence that many readers will identify with, either personally, or on behalf of a relative or friend. Recommended for readers middle school through adult.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This novel starts with Misty, who has recently moved to Brooklyn from Trinidad with her mother, while her father stayed back waiting for his visa. The beginning of the novel includes many observations from Misty about the differences between the two places, which serves to explain many of the cultural references. The novel changes viewpoints between multiple characters; when the viewpoint changes to one of the three children, their names are given, but occasionally the viewpoint changes to either an omniscient observer or an unnamed, unknown character, which can be somewhat confusing to the reader. Still, the mythology of the Caribbean is interesting and well-presented, and immigration to a new country is a common occurrence that many readers will identify with, either personally, or on behalf of a relative or friend. Recommended for readers middle school through adult.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 8, 2025
I'm rounding up just a little bit because what it does well, it does really well. Tracey Baptiste is objectively amazing, so I think it's probably impossible for her to go too far wrong.
Trinidadian Misty is trying to find her feet in New York City with her mother during the build to Carnival celebrations in the community. As the excitement builds for the holiday activities, so does the danger, because a malevolent force disrupts the preparations and threatens to shut down the whole thing. It's up to Misty and her cousins, whose magical Niko powers are newly awakening, to save the festivities--and their community.
There's an energy to this that matches the energy of the celebration, which is cool, but also, a little dizzying in parts. It feels like there are always at least three or four people piping up in conversation and the voices weren't differentiated enough for me for it to always be easy to track who was saying what. A lot of crucial cultural contextual information gets passed along in some of these conversations and I'm not sure even after finishing it if I fully get how moko magic works. That said, it's a colorful, vibrant, world and it's fascinating to see all the threads of different countries and places interwoven together.
And what is done beautifully, and even somewhat movingly, is what the book says about the importance of story, heritage, and community. The things that get lost and the things that take a new form. If there is some middle here, it ends very strongly. I suspect there will be more and I have to say...I'm interested.
Trinidadian Misty is trying to find her feet in New York City with her mother during the build to Carnival celebrations in the community. As the excitement builds for the holiday activities, so does the danger, because a malevolent force disrupts the preparations and threatens to shut down the whole thing. It's up to Misty and her cousins, whose magical Niko powers are newly awakening, to save the festivities--and their community.
There's an energy to this that matches the energy of the celebration, which is cool, but also, a little dizzying in parts. It feels like there are always at least three or four people piping up in conversation and the voices weren't differentiated enough for me for it to always be easy to track who was saying what. A lot of crucial cultural contextual information gets passed along in some of these conversations and I'm not sure even after finishing it if I fully get how moko magic works. That said, it's a colorful, vibrant, world and it's fascinating to see all the threads of different countries and places interwoven together.
And what is done beautifully, and even somewhat movingly, is what the book says about the importance of story, heritage, and community. The things that get lost and the things that take a new form. If there is some middle here, it ends very strongly. I suspect there will be more and I have to say...I'm interested.
August 11, 2024
This Afro-Caribbean inspired story is about three cousins who discover they are mokos (protector spirits) during the carnival season in Brooklyn.
Misty and her mom have recently moved from Trinidad and are living with her extended family in Brooklyn. When she and her cousin Aidan are sent to the basement to gather craft supplies, they’re met with a “fluffrat” that’s made from sequins and feathers…but is alive! This sets the stage for an incredible middle grade novel full magic, folklore, history and adventure!
Favorite lines:
Page 103:
Yes, yes, stories had flavor. They want to be consumed, after all. And they could be delicious or bitter, sweet or savory, but always delightful. All people had stories. So many of them. Humans could not live without them. But some stories were more delectable than others.
Page 264:
It was always this way. When people got confused, they got scared. Then, in their fear, they would isolate themselves with others who were just like them. Anyone outside of “them” was immediately considered bad. People on the inside pooled their power and tried to take resources from those on the outside, thereby consolidating more control. If that was successful, they’d look for additional outsiders to destroy. It happened over and over again all throughout history. Wash, rinse, repeat.
Page 360:
“Watching culture live is a good way to study it,” he said.
Misty and her mom have recently moved from Trinidad and are living with her extended family in Brooklyn. When she and her cousin Aidan are sent to the basement to gather craft supplies, they’re met with a “fluffrat” that’s made from sequins and feathers…but is alive! This sets the stage for an incredible middle grade novel full magic, folklore, history and adventure!
Favorite lines:
Page 103:
Yes, yes, stories had flavor. They want to be consumed, after all. And they could be delicious or bitter, sweet or savory, but always delightful. All people had stories. So many of them. Humans could not live without them. But some stories were more delectable than others.
Page 264:
It was always this way. When people got confused, they got scared. Then, in their fear, they would isolate themselves with others who were just like them. Anyone outside of “them” was immediately considered bad. People on the inside pooled their power and tried to take resources from those on the outside, thereby consolidating more control. If that was successful, they’d look for additional outsiders to destroy. It happened over and over again all throughout history. Wash, rinse, repeat.
Page 360:
“Watching culture live is a good way to study it,” he said.
August 10, 2024
I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportujity to read it,
One of the best things about the Percy Jackson series is that it's popularity has sparked a large number of other authors who are writing similar fantasy books based around their own cultural mythologies. This is a prime example, and will hopefully be the first installment in a new series. Set around Carnival in Brooklyn, this is a delightful exploration of Afro-Carribean mythology. Misty has recently moved to NYC from Trinidad with her mother, just in time for Carnival. Not only is she adjusting to a new place and culture but to living with her cousins, Asher and Brooke. This gets even more complicated when the three cousins discover that they are Mokos, and have special powers meant to guard and protect the community. Misty sees visions of what will happen. Brooke can create force fields and protect. Asher can heal.
And, their powers are to be put to the test immediately, because someone, or something, is attacking carnival.
Kids who love Percy Jackson will love this book, and kids who have an Afro-Carribean heritage will find themselves represented in these pages. Kids who have experienced Carnival will find the setting familiar. Kids who haven't will want to.
This is a fun addition to school and class libraries and will be well loved. The content is appropriate for middle grades readers and is engaging. Well done!
One of the best things about the Percy Jackson series is that it's popularity has sparked a large number of other authors who are writing similar fantasy books based around their own cultural mythologies. This is a prime example, and will hopefully be the first installment in a new series. Set around Carnival in Brooklyn, this is a delightful exploration of Afro-Carribean mythology. Misty has recently moved to NYC from Trinidad with her mother, just in time for Carnival. Not only is she adjusting to a new place and culture but to living with her cousins, Asher and Brooke. This gets even more complicated when the three cousins discover that they are Mokos, and have special powers meant to guard and protect the community. Misty sees visions of what will happen. Brooke can create force fields and protect. Asher can heal.
And, their powers are to be put to the test immediately, because someone, or something, is attacking carnival.
Kids who love Percy Jackson will love this book, and kids who have an Afro-Carribean heritage will find themselves represented in these pages. Kids who have experienced Carnival will find the setting familiar. Kids who haven't will want to.
This is a fun addition to school and class libraries and will be well loved. The content is appropriate for middle grades readers and is engaging. Well done!
August 12, 2024
In MOKO MAGIC: CARNIVAL CHAOS, Misty has recently moved from Trinidad from New York with her mom. Living with her extended family, including two cousins, she’s trying to adjust to her new surroundings amidst the family’s preparations for the annual Carnival festivities. After she notices an odd creature in the basement made from feathers and sequins, she and her cousins learn they have inherited the family’s magic and are healers known as mokos. With Carnival approaching, their newly discovered powers will be put to the test as an unknown force threatens the event and the lives of those around it.
In this engaging fantasy story, the magic is strongly rooted in Afro-Caribbean folklore that serves as the backbone for the events. Family relationships are a highlight, from the caring adults who surround the cousins to the way the cousins grow together as they come into their powers. Rich descriptions of Caribbean culture, food, and music add color and depth to the story. Fast paced and action filled, this modern take on traditional tales will grab readers’ attention and remind them of the enduring power of stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of the book to read.
In this engaging fantasy story, the magic is strongly rooted in Afro-Caribbean folklore that serves as the backbone for the events. Family relationships are a highlight, from the caring adults who surround the cousins to the way the cousins grow together as they come into their powers. Rich descriptions of Caribbean culture, food, and music add color and depth to the story. Fast paced and action filled, this modern take on traditional tales will grab readers’ attention and remind them of the enduring power of stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of the book to read.
August 11, 2024
Moko Magic: Carnival Chaos by Tracey Baptiste holds a wild ride for cousins Misty, Brooke and Aiden.
As the cousins learn from their family that they possess magic the kids are excited and nervous but don’t even get a chance to settle into their new power before the annual Carnival festivities are threatened by an unknown ruffian set on ruining the fun and joy of special days.
Can this band of young cousins save Brooklyn, the Caribbean community and their fellow magical people from a seemingly unstoppable forth determined to steal everything they love?
Middle grade students aged 9-12 will love this fast paced tale of magic, family and community! Kids love a great series and if Carnival Chaos is any indication, Moko Magic will be a hot read for many kids. Carnival Chaos has built such a wonderful literary community with many whispers of more stories to come.
The descriptions of people, places and foods make the reader feel like they are in the spaces with the characters. (My goodness the food descriptions had me salivating and searching for Caribbean restaurants near me!)
As a teacher I love how Baptiste unfolds the setting and Caribbean cultures through the eyes of Aiden and Brooke who are born and raised Brooklynites and through Misty’s experience as a new immigrant from Trinidad. The African and Afro-Caribbean folklore is so well woven and told through the adults and children in this book. This book pairs well with many topics including world cultures, folklore, family and mythology.
I’m also interested in hearing this as an audiobook! The characters are such, well fun characters, and I am longing to hear how the talented narrators voice Baptiste’s colorful Caribbean community.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Disney Publishing Worldwide and Freedom Fire for the opportunity to read this ARC. 🦩
As the cousins learn from their family that they possess magic the kids are excited and nervous but don’t even get a chance to settle into their new power before the annual Carnival festivities are threatened by an unknown ruffian set on ruining the fun and joy of special days.
Can this band of young cousins save Brooklyn, the Caribbean community and their fellow magical people from a seemingly unstoppable forth determined to steal everything they love?
Middle grade students aged 9-12 will love this fast paced tale of magic, family and community! Kids love a great series and if Carnival Chaos is any indication, Moko Magic will be a hot read for many kids. Carnival Chaos has built such a wonderful literary community with many whispers of more stories to come.
The descriptions of people, places and foods make the reader feel like they are in the spaces with the characters. (My goodness the food descriptions had me salivating and searching for Caribbean restaurants near me!)
As a teacher I love how Baptiste unfolds the setting and Caribbean cultures through the eyes of Aiden and Brooke who are born and raised Brooklynites and through Misty’s experience as a new immigrant from Trinidad. The African and Afro-Caribbean folklore is so well woven and told through the adults and children in this book. This book pairs well with many topics including world cultures, folklore, family and mythology.
I’m also interested in hearing this as an audiobook! The characters are such, well fun characters, and I am longing to hear how the talented narrators voice Baptiste’s colorful Caribbean community.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Disney Publishing Worldwide and Freedom Fire for the opportunity to read this ARC. 🦩
January 9, 2025
3.8/5 🌟
It took me a second to catch the pacing since it is a children’s books. The theme of being forgotten and alone really hit for me towards the end and it blended in very well with the story about the community accepting themselves and being themselves regardless of others judgments and opinions. In the end everybody was able to come together and celebrate their uniquness of their culture.
For the parents I did read themes of gender (i.e. king and queen played by males [very end])and one other mention in the middle of something similar. but very subtle mentions nothing crazy. Do with this knowledge what you will.
It took me a second to catch the pacing since it is a children’s books. The theme of being forgotten and alone really hit for me towards the end and it blended in very well with the story about the community accepting themselves and being themselves regardless of others judgments and opinions. In the end everybody was able to come together and celebrate their uniquness of their culture.
For the parents I did read themes of gender (i.e. king and queen played by males [very end])and one other mention in the middle of something similar. but very subtle mentions nothing crazy. Do with this knowledge what you will.
December 8, 2024
I wasn't that into this one, but I also kind of didn't want to abandon it... and then about halfway through, it picked up, and I really enjoyed the ending.
Awesome addition to any classroom with kids with Caribbean ancestry. If I only wanted to add one book about Caribbean mythology to a classroom, however, I might instead choose _The Jumbies_ (also by Baptiste, which I also enjoyed) or _Josephine Against the Sea_, which I haven't read but several students loved in past years.
Awesome addition to any classroom with kids with Caribbean ancestry. If I only wanted to add one book about Caribbean mythology to a classroom, however, I might instead choose _The Jumbies_ (also by Baptiste, which I also enjoyed) or _Josephine Against the Sea_, which I haven't read but several students loved in past years.
February 24, 2025
I was lucky enough to meet Tracey Baptiste at Children’s Institute and the way she spoke about this book made me determined to pick it for my Middle Grade Book Group. I loved the rich setting of Brooklyn’s Caribbean community during Carnival. The magic and the mythology were so engaging. I’ll definitely read the sequel when it comes out!
September 24, 2024
I had a hard time getting into this one..I'm waiting for the audio to give it another try. I give it 4 stars because, as a youth services librarian, I definitely see the appeal and will recommend to kids! The only thing that might turn kids away is the length, but it'll definitely have a following!
September 12, 2024
Fun! I’m envious of the healing powers. Wait til you meet wonky and khody!
December 23, 2024
Loved this and I recommend for those that enjoy learning about and experiencing other cultures and their stories.
January 6, 2025
Good read and I appreciated learning about Caribbean mythology.
July 23, 2024
I'm always excited to discover own voices magic kids! And middle grade?! Absolutely amazing!
I loved all the kids in this book so much! Brave and magical, but still just ordinary kids. I mean, they remind me of the kids I teach. Which means kids will find themselves on these pages, too.
I think Misty's legendary convo with the khodumodumo is most memorable.
"How was I supposed to remake myself? How could I possibly become who I am supposed to be without a little help? I was left alone."
"Maybe you should have asked?"
"How could I ask for help? Who was I going to ask? With what breath?"
A must-read.
I loved all the kids in this book so much! Brave and magical, but still just ordinary kids. I mean, they remind me of the kids I teach. Which means kids will find themselves on these pages, too.
I think Misty's legendary convo with the khodumodumo is most memorable.
"How was I supposed to remake myself? How could I possibly become who I am supposed to be without a little help? I was left alone."
"Maybe you should have asked?"
"How could I ask for help? Who was I going to ask? With what breath?"
A must-read.
Read
June 13, 2024I need to read this as an audiobook or physical book. I can't do ebooks.
January 23, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. I’ve enjoyed all the various myths and have enjoyed reading about other myths and folk tales. I like how Misty stays true and makes the spirit realize it’s not alone even if it thinks it is cause it thinks people have forgotten.
Want to read
November 20, 2024.... so, uh, this cover is horrendous but i'm love the premise
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