Gods of Manhattan

Rory Hennessy is a twelve-year-old with a 'knack' for seeing things others don't. While in Manhattan, he discovers a parallel world called MannaHatta, populated by the spirits of historical figures and personified landmarks. He learns that his sight is a rare gift and that he is caught in a power struggle between these 'gods' who represent the city's past and present. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with the concept of death and legacy metaphorically, as historical figures live on through the collective memory of the city. The approach is secular and philosophical rather than religious. There is some moderate violence and peril, handled with a tone of high-stakes adventure. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with Rory feeling alienated by his unique perception and builds into a high-stakes quest that requires him to embrace his identity. The emotional journey moves from confusion to empowerment and ends with a sense of wonder and responsibility. IDEAL READER: A 10-year-old who loves 'Percy Jackson' but is looking for something more grounded in real-world urban history. It’s perfect for the child who enjoys visiting museums or looking at old maps and wants to believe there is a secret world hidden in plain sight. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might notice their child becoming bored with school history or feeling like an outsider in their peer group. The book validates the 'weird' kid who notices details others ignore. PARENT PREP: The book is safe to read cold, but parents may want to refresh their knowledge of NYC history (like Peter Stuyvesant or the Lenape people) to help with the historical references. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers will focus on the magical creatures and the action-packed quest. Older readers will appreciate the commentary on how cities change and how history is often rewritten or forgotten. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many fantasies that use Greek or Norse myths, this book creates a brand-new mythology out of American urban history and the 'soul' of a modern city.