THE BRAVEST WARRIOR IN NEFARIA

Bobert is used to being ignored by pretty much all who live in the strange kingdom of Nefaria, until an unexpected adventure thrusts him into the spotlight.

In fact, making friends feels impossible to mostly invisible 11-year-old Bobert Bougainvillea. So when he’s presented with the chance to protect popular classmate Candelabra and her friends from a dangerous dare by taking on the challenge himself, he jumps at the opportunity. As a consequence of using the cursed gumball machine that is rumored to capture anyone who uses it after dark, Bobert finds himself under the control of Matt, an evil but lazy wizard who is plotting to raise a child army to take control of Nefaria. Inventive oddities like singing mountain spiders and the Anti-Beanbag Society’s exploits add charm that keeps the storyline fresh, humorous, and fun as it engages with everyday tween dilemmas. Many readers will be able to relate to the relationship issues explored, both between kids and adults and within peer groups. On his journey to find acceptance and belonging, Bobert comes to understand that others are lonely too, and that “it could break the human spirit.” Gumball machines and beanbags notwithstanding, the Kingdom of Nefaria, which is ruled by a king and a clueless Council of Elders, has a rustic, preindustrial feeling. The racially ambiguous characters are varied in appearance, and one child has two moms.

Fanciful, humorous, and original.