Craig Kofi Farmer

Winner of the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe Award *Deluxe paperback with blue stained edges* Discover a stunning middle grade fantasy about a boy hurled into the Ghanaian underworld to help his grandmother save humanity, perfect for fans of Tristan Strong and Amari and the Night Brothers. Twelve-year-old Kwame Powell isn't ready to deal with losing his grandmother, even as he and his family head to Ghana for her celebration of life. He's definitely not ready when he's sucked into a magical whirlpool that leads straight to Asamando, the Ghanaian underworld. There, he comes face to face with his grandmother, who is very much alive, and somehow still...a kid? Together with his best friend, Autumn, and a talkative aboatia named Woo, Kwame must battle angry nature gods, and stop the underworld from destroying the land of the living. But there's an even bigger problem: Only living souls can leave Asamando. In order to save the mortal world and return home, Kwame will need to find the courage to do the bravest thing of all -- learn how to say goodbye. *** Praise for Kwame Crashes the Underworld: A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the YearA Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year ★ "A grand tale, funny and terrifying in turns, steeped in Ghanaian spirituality and folklore, and wrapped around themes of identity, obligation, true friendship, and devastating loss." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ "This swashbuckling, supernatural adventure into the land of Ghanian mythology will have all readers (and especially fans of Rick Riordan Presents titles) craving more. Highly recommended." -- School Library Journal, starred review "Brimming with laughter, joy, and beautiful messages about grief, hope, lost loved ones, identity, and the ancestors, Kwame Crashes the Underworld rattles the spirit. Kwame Powell is a much-welcomed hero to the canon of children's books." -- Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times-bestselling author of The Marvellers and The Memory Thieves"Craig Kofi Farmer brings to life the myths of Ghana with heart, humor, and cinematic flair. I wish this book had existed when I was a child. I dare readers not to let Kwame Powell into their hearts." -- Roseanne A. Brown, New York Times-bestselling author of Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting

A boy discovers magic -- along with a hidden darkness -- in his town in this propulsive and heartfelt middle grade novel perfect for fans of PET and THE LOST LIBRARY. Twelve-year-old Marcus Pennrider feels far from magical. He's trying his best to balance school, a part-time job, and looking after his little sister. On top of that, his aunt has just moved in with them to be their new caretaker. But then Marcus discovers a secret magic flows through the streets of Grand Park -- magic that can make money out of thin air, or control the weather -- and everything seems to start changing for the better. Marcus even draws the attention of Mr. O, local corner store owner and beloved leader in the community, who takes Marcus under his wing and teaches him how to use magic. As Marcus delves into the strange world of Divination, he becomes entrenched in a rigorous magical training program, and discovers that Mr. O may not be who he seems. It'll be up to Marcus to decide who his true family is, and that perhaps the real magic of Grand Park lies much closer to home....

Twelve-year-old Kwame Powell isn't ready to deal with losing his grandmother, even as he and his family head to Ghana for her celebration of life ceremony. He's definitely not ready when he's sucked into a magical whirlpool that leads straight to Asamando, the Ghanaian underworld. There, he comes face to face with his grandmother, who is very much alive, and somehow still...a kid? Together with his best friend, Autumn, and a talkative aboatia named Woo, Kwame must battle angry nature gods, and stop the underworld from destroying the land of the living. But there's an even bigger problem: Only living souls can leave Asamando. In order to save the mortal world and return home, Kwame will need to find the courage to do the bravest thing of all -- learn how to say goodbye.