Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Fri Jul 28 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

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)

School Library Journal Starred Review (Fri Jul 28 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

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

ALA Booklist (Fri Jul 28 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Acclaimed author Ahmed draws on mythical legends of Islamic origin, the Hamzanama, for this middle-grade fantasy novel. Specific references to that ancient story collection may be lost on contemporary readers, but this is nonetheless packed with all the ingredients of a whirlwind adventure: spunky, problem-­solving kids; gender-fluid shapeshifters made of smokeless fire; ancient astronomical mysteries; and a hefty dose of science to underscore the inexplicable. The plot features siblings Amira and Hamza, who unexpectedly find themselves enmeshed in an ancient prophecy that foretold their role in saving the world from a cosmic disaster. They must end a war in the land of Oaf or else the moon will split apart, and the earth will be at the mercy of evil jinn and ghuls. 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. This is the first in the series, and readers will be impatient for the stories to come.

Horn Book (Fri Jul 28 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Twelve-year-old Amira and her younger brother Hamza, Muslim Indian American siblings in Chicago, are the heroes of this suspenseful, action-packed adventure filled with jinn, ghuls, devs, and other supernatural creatures from Islamic folklore. When the children disturb an ancient artifact in a museum exhibit, two jinn appear, informing them that they are "chosen ones" needed for a serious mission. They must save Earth and Qaf (the jinn homeland) from Ifrit, a "terrible and cruel dev" intent on destroying both worlds. This is a refreshingly different take on the kids-must-save-the-world story in that Amira and Hamza are the most anxious, reluctant, and nerdy heroes ever. Constant clashes between the bickering siblings provide comic relief, in contrast with the seriousness of the task at hand. Dangerous encounters with monstrous foes challenge the two to believe in themselves and work together to fulfill their mission. Fantasy-adventure fans will have a hard time putting down this fast-paced and engaging tale. Author's note and glossary not seen. Julie Hakim Azzam

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

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)