Despite this book having come out a couple of years ago the audiobook was available in NetGalley and since I was looking for more content from BIPOC authors for Februarys Black History Month it seemed like a perfect addition to my reading.. and it was.

This is a collection of fantasy based short stories from BIPOC authors for middle grade readers. I really liked the production of the audiobook as it was complete with some light sound effects and narrators who did a great job with their respective stories. I also appreciated that after the story there was a short biography of the author which is something missing in other anthologies I’ve read.

Like all collections there are going to be hits and misses but overall it is a wonderful collection that I think young readers will love. My biggest criticism was that in some of them, particularly the first story, some of the language was well above the average middle grade reader insofar as vocabulary. But don’t let that dissuade you for getting this beautiful book for your young reader to enjoy.

I am thankful to have gotten the audio ALC for free from Bandele Books through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system for Middle Grade and children’s books

⭐️ Significant problems and would never recommend to the audience.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea but may have some appeal.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ an ok book which I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend but it has some value for young readers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! I would recommend for the age or reading level appropriate for the book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Would recommend highly, especially to school programs as a wide spread reading opportunity.

This book contains eleven tales by various authors. The tales contain mythical creatures in lands of magic. The stories were well written with imagery. The authors dig deep into their imaginations. Some tales were inspired by folklore, mythology and history. My favorite tale was the one with warm, delicious food coming from the basement but upon investigation the basement is empty without a kitchen or a cook.
The tales are short and diverse. They were written for middle school age children. These tales will encourage readers to use their imagination. The tales are just long enough to entice and introduce readers to fantasy fiction.
I suspect the stories are from a longer article for none of them felt complete.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This audiobook was pure magic. The narration pulled me in, making the story feel alive and almost cinematic. It was enchanting and hard to stop listening. A perfect blend of wonder and meaning prefect for audiences of all ages.