Original, clever, and well-written-- this book should be a staple in any library available to middle schoolers. Okorafor takes every trope that makes "wizard school" books enjoyable and relatable and uses them capably without ever falling into cliche. 
 The characters are distinct and teenager-y; the mentors are all stoic in one way or another. The world is vividly imagined (though possibly difficult to envision at times). Plus, how could you possibly not support the idea that those who are the most unique hold the most power? 
 (The amount of time that I took to read this book was not because I disliked it or anything, but rather, I had a very tall backlog of magazines to work through and school started).