All 12-year-old T'Challa has ever known is Wakanda an isolated, futuristic African nation, made rich by its best-kept secret, a rare metal called Vibranium. Someday T'Challa will rule as king and protect his homeland as the Black Panther, a mantle earned along with the title of king. However, it's a shock to learn that war might come to Wakanda, and his father sends him and his best friend, M'Baku, away to Chicago to stay safe. Once there, T'Challa and M'Baku find that there is just as much danger at South Side Middle School as there is in Wakanda. Smith's world building is leisurely, preoccupied with solving the mystery of the Skulls, a growing voodoo cult at the school. However, Smith does a thorough job of weaving in comic book nods, African American history, and gadgets, skillfully pairing it all with a sense of creeping dread before the decisive finale. Action fans might not find much punching and kicking; however, they will be sucked into the novel's supernatural mystery.--Jones, Courtney Copyright 2017 Booklist

Gr 4 to 8-T'Challa is the prince of Wakanda. He grew up with his father, Black Panther. When things heat up at home, his father sends him to America for safety with his friend M'Baku. The boys attend a Chicago high school, where the class bully, Gemini Jones, becomes possessed by a dark, evil magic. To save the school, T'Challa must don the tech suit and vibranium ring he was given for emergencies. Can he keep his secret identity and save the day? Dion Graham's voices are unique and easy to distinguish. Graham does a great job with pacing and building of the characters. The masterful portrayal of the feelings of drama, angst, adrenaline, and worry will hook listeners from start to finish. The plot is engaging, well written, and draws the listener into the world of the Black Panther. VERDICT This audiobook is sure to delight fans of the Black Panther, S.H.I.E.L.D., Avengers, and other superheroes. A must-have purchase for any library collection.-Jessica Moody, Olympus Junior High, Holladay, UT © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.