The Genie Game (The Genie Game #1)

Ifueko (The Maid and the Crocodile) blends corporate dystopia, climate satire, and cinematic flair to launch a daring, high-concept series that recalls Black Mirror. Self- proclaimed “Future Feared and Fabulous Film Director” Valentine Adesanya, 13, lives in drought-stricken Gloss Angeles, a city with holographic palm trees, technicolor wildfires, and jellyquakes. When she sets out to find her missing sister, Mango, following a bogus lead results in Valentine being forced to participate in the Genie Game, a glorified wish-granting competition developed by the Trio Trust, a group of megacorporations that run the country and determine who’s allowed to use magic. Upon discovering that Mango is being held captive at one of the company headquarters, Valentine races to claim the title of Top Genie, which will allow her access to the Trio Trust CEOs and, hopefully, her sister. Clever writing dazzles with whimsical details—mint green skies are accompanied by cotton candy clouds, lemonade-flavored air, and booger hail—without undercutting the stakes or narrative tension. This impressive volume is at once playfully imaginative and grimly familiar in its portrayal of capitalism’s influence and the power of corruption. Main characters are racially diverse. Ages 10–14. Agent: Kate McKean, Howard Morhaim Literary. (Apr.)