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Summary
Summary
Black Panther. Ruler of Wakanda. Avenger.
This is his destiny. But right now, he's simply T'Challa-the young prince.Life is comfortable for twelve-year-old T'Challa in his home of Wakanda, an isolated, technologically advanced African nation. When he's not learning how to rule a kingdom from his father-the reigning Black Panther-or testing out the latest tech, he's off breaking rules with his best friend, M'Baku. But as conflict brews near Wakanda, T'Challa's father makes a startling announcement: he's sending T'Challa and M'Baku to school in America.This is no prestigious private academy-they've been enrolled at South Side Middle School in the heart of Chicago. Despite being given a high-tech suit and a Vibranium ring to use only in case of an emergency, T'Challa realizes he might not be as equipped to handle life in America as he thought. Especially when it comes to navigating new friendships while hiding his true identity as the prince of a powerful nation, and avoiding Gemini Jones, a menacing classmate who is rumored to be involved in dark magic.When strange things begin happening around school, T'Challa sets out to uncover the source. But what he discovers in the process is far more sinister than he could ever have imagined. In order to protect his friends and stop an ancient evil, T'Challa must take on the mantle of a hero, setting him on the path to becoming the Black Panther.Author Notes
Ronald L. Smith was born in Maine to a miitary family that moved frequently. He is a writer of children's books and won the American Library Association's Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (2)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 4 to 8-T'Challa is the prince of Wakanda. He grew up with his father, Black Panther. When things heat up at home, his father sends him to America for safety with his friend M'Baku. The boys attend a Chicago high school, where the class bully, Gemini Jones, becomes possessed by a dark, evil magic. To save the school, T'Challa must don the tech suit and vibranium ring he was given for emergencies. Can he keep his secret identity and save the day? Dion Graham's voices are unique and easy to distinguish. Graham does a great job with pacing and building of the characters. The masterful portrayal of the feelings of drama, angst, adrenaline, and worry will hook listeners from start to finish. The plot is engaging, well written, and draws the listener into the world of the Black Panther. VERDICT This audiobook is sure to delight fans of the Black Panther, S.H.I.E.L.D., Avengers, and other superheroes. A must-have purchase for any library collection.-Jessica Moody, Olympus Junior High, Holladay, UT © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
All 12-year-old T'Challa has ever known is Wakanda an isolated, futuristic African nation, made rich by its best-kept secret, a rare metal called Vibranium. Someday T'Challa will rule as king and protect his homeland as the Black Panther, a mantle earned along with the title of king. However, it's a shock to learn that war might come to Wakanda, and his father sends him and his best friend, M'Baku, away to Chicago to stay safe. Once there, T'Challa and M'Baku find that there is just as much danger at South Side Middle School as there is in Wakanda. Smith's world building is leisurely, preoccupied with solving the mystery of the Skulls, a growing voodoo cult at the school. However, Smith does a thorough job of weaving in comic book nods, African American history, and gadgets, skillfully pairing it all with a sense of creeping dread before the decisive finale. Action fans might not find much punching and kicking; however, they will be sucked into the novel's supernatural mystery.--Jones, Courtney Copyright 2017 Booklist
