Set in Brooklyn but with plenty of Caribbean references and stories. Three cousins discover they have magic and must work together to save their world. Loved all the folk tale references and characters.

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 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.

Moko Magic is a thrilling and fun exploration of community, family, and traditions. The cousins were phenomenal characters and their bond was heartwarming.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Tracey Baptiste, and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Misty and her mom are new to Brooklyn all the way from Trinidad. It's hard enough living with her cousins and getting use to a new way of life when strange things start happening as the big carnival is set to begin. Strange things like feathers turning into creatures and flames coming out of her mouth every time she eats mango archers. The craziest thing of all is it's happening to her cousins too! What is going on with them? Will they be able to save the carnival from evil?

A fun and great middle grade read! I love that it shows immigrant children with super powers and being a hero. I can't wait to have a copy for my classroom!

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.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC to read.

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. 🦩

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!

Cousins, Misty, Brooke, and Aiden find out that they are Momos during their planning time for Carnival in Brooklyn. They have to figure out who they are and work together to defeat a monster that can’t be seen. In the end, Misty realizes that sometimes stories are forgotten, but once they are remembered, they should be shared with others to keep the stories going.

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.

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.

Tracy Baptiste’s carnival tale carries all the wonder, joy, strangeness, and vibrancy of the Caribbean culture it springs from.
Twelve-year-old Misty and her mom have arrived in Brooklyn from Trinidad, just before the annual carnival celebrations on Labor Day. Misty misses her home and is finding it hard to adjust to living with her cousins, Brooke and Aiden, in her new surroundings.
Then, strange things begin to happen. A ball of fluff and feathers turns into a creature that can move of its own volition. A treat from one of her aunties enables the cousins to breathe fire. And most disturbing of all, Misty begins seeing unsettling visions of the future.
It turns out, Misty and her cousins come from a long line of mokos, people with special powers meant to protect their community. Misty has visions of impending danger, Aiden can heal, and Brooke can protect. They begin to learn more about their powers. But as they do, they also discover that some evil force is trying to absorb the mokos’ powers and stop the carnival. And this just won’t do. With grit and determination, the three cousins fight back as best they can, trying to stop this ancient evil before it destroys the carnival parade.
Steeped in rich Caribbean culture and grounded in the love of family, this is a delightful tale of kids coming into their own and claiming their powers. Readers are sure to enjoy the Caribbean and West African folklore with a modern twist.

Tracey Baptistels work belongs on classroom shelves and in readers’ hands. There is much to appreciate in this book — imagination, enjoyable characters, and page-turning storytelling.

So much fun and excitement. I enjoy the world mythologies and the differences in world view. Tracey Baptiste is an excellent writer and makes it interesting for all ages.

I am so thankful for a book that focuses on the Trini and Caribbean experience from the perspective of kids. I put this in the Rick Riordan type of category and could imaging students in my classes who would really connect with the characters. The dynamic between the cousins, the sound of the steel pan and the magic of Wonky kept me engaged and smiling while I read. Plus, I appreciated the underlying themes and messages.

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.