Jax Freeman and the Phantom Shriek

Kwame Mbalia, acclaimed author of the Tristan Strong trilogy, introduces a thrilling new middle grade fantasy series. Twelve-year-old Jax Freeman arrives in Chicago alone, carrying the weight of a scandal. He soon discovers a hidden world of "summoners" who wield ancestral magic, a power he accidentally unleashes. As Jax navigates a new school and friends, he becomes embroiled in a war between summoning families and a quest to clear his own name and that of his great-grandfather, a 1920s porter. This action-packed story blends contemporary urban settings with rich historical elements, African American cultural heritage, and a compelling mystery, perfect for readers aged 10-14 who enjoy magic, history, and adventure.