Moko Magic: Museum Mayhem

by Tracey Baptiste

From the best-selling author of the Jumbies series comes another Afro-Caribbean–inspired story, about three cousins who are called on to use their moko (protector) magic when stolen art goes on the rampage.

Twelve-year-old Misty and her two cousins, Aidan and Brooke, are mokos—protector spirits—who recently combined their magic to save Brooklyn's carnival celebration. Now they're excited about Uncle Andrew's upcoming art exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum. He has chosen to create a piece centered around a Benin Bronze, one of several artworks that were looted from Nigeria in 1897, and the cousins are treated to a private tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to help him choose it.

When Misty views the bronzes for the first time, she is transported into a long-ago memory of an oba (king) who was stern and angry. And that's just the beginning of the trouble. Once the selected bronze is delivered from the Met, the Brooklyn Museum is overrun with dust bunnies that attack people. A mysterious force controlling the dust begins to pull innocent victims into artworks and trap them inside. The cousins are going to need a lot of help—BIG help—to defeat this fearsome foe.

Tracey Baptiste, the author of the popular Jumbies series, has once again used her special brand of magic to concoct a wildly imaginative adventure as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy

384 pages, Hardcover

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

From Thompson-Gale: "Something About the Author"
I have always loved books. My favorite, was an oversized complete Grimm's Fairy Tales with beautiful illustrations, which I lost when my family moved to the United States. I was fascinated by the stories of the tailor who went up against a giant, and clever Hans, who wasn't so clever as well as the more traditional princess stories. When I was about thirteen, after spending a summer in the library reading Paul Zindel and Judy Blume among other authors, I announced to my best friend that I was going to be a writer. I didn't decide what I wanted to write until I read "The Friends" by Rosa Guy. I had recently moved to Brooklyn, NY, and the book spoke to my situation precisely. It remains one of my favorite books. I started writing for children then, and never stopped. I had early interest from publishers from the moment I began submitting stories at the age of 21, but I didn't put in the work necessary to become published until my late twenties. "Angel's Grace" was largely written while I was on maternity leave with my first child. It was inspired by my mother (the redhead) and my husband. Because I have very young children, I work when they sleep, which, sadly, is very little.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

After first discovering their moko magic in Tracey Baptiste’s Moko Magic: Carnival Chaos, a trio of cousins continues to learn how to use their powers in the follow up Moko Magic: Museum Mayhem. Aidan’s father gets a once in a lifetime opportunity to incorporate one of the Benin Bronzes into an art exhibition. When Aidan, Misty and Brooke are touring a museum housing the artifacts, which originated in Nigeria but were taken from the country in the late, Misty gets a chilling vision of an angry ruler from the past. Once the item arrives in Misty’s uncle Andrew’s workspace in the Brooklyn Museum, dust bunnies begin to overrun the museum and people begin to disappear. The trio will need to use their powers to hold off the angry force behind the mysterious events.

The cousins each bring their own special magical skills to the table, and the relationship between the members of their extended family shines throughout the story. The museum provides the perfect background for the story’s events, blending culture and history with fantasy and magic. Brooke’s growing interest in art activism and art history also provides readers with a thoughtful introduction to the ethical issues around the theft and subsequent display of art pieces like the Benin Bronzes outside of their homeland. All these elements combine for a high stakes fantasy with historical connections, depth, and worthy heroes.

[The Keepers of the Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misty, Brooke, and Aidan each inherited a piece of Moko Magic from Africa. Misty gets visions. Brooke can manifest purple bubbles of protection. Aidan can heal. When Misty and Brooke’s Uncle Andrew gets the opportunity of a lifetime. He’s going to be featured in an upcoming exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum. He tells the two girls and his son, Aidan, that he wants to incorporate one of the Benin Bronzes into his work. Soon after, Misty has a vision that the bronzes and a mysterious familial connection. Once the bronze arrives in the Brooklyn Museum, dust bunnies come to life and attack people and a mysterious force pulls victims into artwork. Can the trio stop the dust bunnies? Can they free the people trapped in the artwork? What is the mystery behind the Benin Bronzes?

The plot is well written, engaging, and full of twists and turns. The characters are likable, authentic, and well developed. The world surrounding the Moko Magic is believable and draws the readers into the story. African Mythology meets Night at the Museum, readers who like mystery, mayhem, magic, and mythology will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.

Recommended Age Range: Grades 5 to 9

Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moko Magic: Museum Mayhem is a strong, imaginative middle-grade fantasy that succeeds in being both fun and meaningful. It uses magic not just for spectacle, but as a way to explore identity, history, and justice. Misty and her cousins are relatable heroes, and the stakes—both supernatural and moral—feel earned.

There are moments where the plot becomes busy, or where younger readers may struggle with the weight of some historical or emotional content, but overall those are modest drawbacks in a book that offers a lot of richness.

[Victoria Mashburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was alright as a standalone, and I loved getting a glimpse into African and Caribbean mythological figures and creatures, which is not something that is focused on in mainstream media.

However, as much as I was honored to read the book, something just prevented me from really enjoying it. I think part of it was the plot armor that made certain parts a little too convenient. You'll have to read and see for yourselves.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. Another great read by Tracey Baptiste. The kids find more than they bargained for at the art museum. Sometimes we can let our emotions get the better of us and learn that we need to control them, not the other way around. I’m excited to see if there’s another book in store!