Black Panther: The Young Prince

Black Panther the Young Prince #1

by Ronald L. Smith

Black Panther. Ruler of Wakanda. Avenger.

This is his destiny. But right now, he's simply T'Challa-the young prince.

Life is comfortable for twelve-year-old T'Challa in his home of Wakanda, an isolated, technologically advanced African nation. When he's not learning how to rule a kingdom from his father-the reigning Black Panther-or testing out the latest tech, he's off breaking rules with his best friend, M'Baku. But as conflict brews near Wakanda, T'Challa's father makes a startling announcement: he's sending T'Challa and M'Baku to school in America.

This is no prestigious private academy-they've been enrolled at South Side Middle School in the heart of Chicago. Despite being given a high-tech suit and a Vibranium ring to use only in case of an emergency, T'Challa realizes he might not be as equipped to handle life in America as he thought. Especially when it comes to navigating new friendships while hiding his true identity as the prince of a powerful nation, and avoiding Gemini Jones, a menacing classmate who is rumored to be involved in dark magic.

When strange things begin happening around school, T'Challa sets out to uncover the source. But what he discovers in the process is far more sinister than he could ever have imagined. In order to protect his friends and stop an ancient evil, T'Challa must take on the mantle of a hero, setting him on the path to becoming the Black Panther.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Marvel, Adventure, Superheroes, Young Adult, Science Fiction

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2018

About the author

I grew up on Air Force bases and have lived in Japan, Maine, Alabama, Michigan, South Carolina, Delaware, Washington, DC, Illinois and a bunch of other places I don’t remember. After reading Ray Bradbury’s R is for Rocket and Eleanor Cameron’s Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet I fell in love with books.

I haven’t stopped reading since.

HOODOO is my debut middle-grade novel. My second novel, THE MESMERIST, is available February, 2017.

My work is represented by Adriann Ranta of Foundry Literary + Media.

My publisher is Clarion, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Reviews

[Laura (acquariusgb) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that, other than seeing the movie, I had no knowledge of Black Panther's background so, as I started the book, I soon went to google his history because some things were different from the movie.

A lot of Marvel character's recurring ( you will soon recognise Nick Fury : P ) but also new characters. For example I don't remember T'Challa having a half brother in the movie, so the character of Hunter was a surprise, and also didn't know that the Queen in the movie, Ramonda, is actually T'Challa's stepmother and she's not in the book.
Really not surprised about M'Baku storyline.

Overall the book was good. The story was really great and interesting, especially the old magic mystery, maybe some things could have been written in more details, but if they continue the series I would love to read a sequel.

[Leah (Jane Speare) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
I really wanted to love this. But I was sorely disappointed. Maybe I shouldn't have compared it against Jason Reynold's Miles Morales which is mind blowing. This was very average and predictable. 8 year olds will probably like it but there's no crossover interest for older readers. Boo.

[Renata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listen: if you'd handed me this book like 2 years ago I'd have been stoked to have a quality prose novel about a comics character! But it's 2018 and now I'm hella spoiled by like Jason Reynolds' Spider-Man book and Leigh Bardugo's Wonder Woman book, which were amazing! And this one was...fine.

I'm super glad it exists and I think especially tweens who are excited about the Black Panther movie will be into it! For me it was a little clunky, especially with the friendship/bullying dynamics. (This is definitely more of a middle grade novel than YA; which doesn't necessarily mean it's bad but I think in this case it is more simplistic than some of the recent YA superhero novels.)

I also kind of suspect that when Marvel commissioned this book they were like "oh but you can't do it in Wakanda though because we're saving that shit for the movie, so just IDK put it in Chicago I guess" and it's like....



It is great that they got a black author to write a book about a black superhero but I'm stuck wondering if Ronald Smith's Southern gothic horror background is the best fit for Black Panther?? IDK I mean it's interesting but also...like why not a sci-fi thriller? HMM

But also I do like unexpected directions for comics characters sometimes, I guess this one just didn't especially gel for me personally.

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

read this in honor of Chadwick.

[Arlene♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book it wasn't half bad. Barely making it as a 3-star book (I think I rated it higher on my insta story, but after quick reflection, I brought it down to just 3). It was a fast read, filled with youth. T'Challa and his friend M'Baku are sent to Chicago as exchange students from Kenya as a disguise while T'Challa's father fights off enemies bordering Wakanda. The story follows the two boys as they navigate their way around South Side Middle School and the city of Chicago. And in just like most schools in America they have to deal with bullies, cliques and the pressures of being "cool" in a new school. But while there a rift comes between the two friends and T'Challa must find a way of saving his friend and solving a bit of a mystery revolving around one of the other students at the school.

I thought this book flowed very well. There weren't any awkward moments in the writing and I liked the characters (Zeke and Shelia were funny and felt very true life), I felt the bully of this tale was flat in his dislike for T'Challa. It seemed as if he was only against T'Challa because he was new and he called him Africa, which I hated. One thing that I didn't understand, was why it was set in the modern age. Cell phones, tablets and such. I would have thought that this book would have been set in the 70's or 80's even, given that the new BP movie coming out this month in this timeframe. Maybe he was writing it for those kids who won't be seeing BP in theaters now.

.SPOILERS AHEAD I think the reason why I took it down a couple of stars was that they went all the way to Chicago to deal with voodoo and demonic spirits, I thought that was just out of place, I didn't even like the fact that they had Nick Fury in here. I liked the book, but I wished it had a different plot. END SPOILERS..

[Dana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good lawd this book was simply awful. Had great potential to be amazing but the author took the characters out of Wakanda, moved them to Chicago and made up his own story about voodoo and demons.

This was an awful and disrespectful origin story. Why would Marvel approve this??

This was such a letdown

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

YES. A middle grade novel about an African superhero, written by a Coretta Scott King Award-winning author? ALL THE YES, PLEASE. Ronald L. Smith brings T'Challa to life with this first novel, where we meet the not-quite-yet Black Panther and his best friend, M'Baku, in their homeland, Wakanda. Ulysses Klaue (Marvel fans, heads up for continuity!) has shown up in Wakanda, and T'Chaka, current King of Wakanda and Black Panther, knows that's never a good sign. He sends his son and M'Baku off to Chicago and safety while Wakanda braces for an invasion. T'Challa wants to keep his head down and blend in, but M'Baku couldn't want anything less. The opportunity presents itself in the form of local middle school tough guy Gemini Jones and his gang, the Skulls. Kids whisper that Gemini's a warlock, but that doesn't stop M'Baku from falling in with Gemini and turning a cold shoulder to T'Challa. If middle school squabbling were the only problem, right? But nope, things are about to go south in a big wayl; luckily for T'Challa, his father packed a Black Panther suit for his son... just in case of emergencies.

This novel is SO GOOD. It's unputdownable, whether you're a superhero/Marvel fan or not. Ronald L. Smith brings his talent for creating interesting characters and conflict, plus his gift for writing about magic, and gives life to one of Marvel's most exciting characters.

Yes, I'm a Black Panther fan. Yes, I'm thrilled about the movie coming out. And yes, this book is fantastic and deserves its spot on every middle grade/middle schooler's library shelf. Representation counts, and by giving an African superhero his own novel, written by an award-winning African American novelist, Disney has shown readers their commitment to diversity and #ownvoices. I'm thrilled with The Young Prince, and want to read more. Maybe next, we can get a story about the Dora Milaje? How about a Shuri mention? (She's Black Panther's sister, in the comics.) Indulge me!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Wakanda, life is nearly perfect for T'Challa not only because his father is the King, but also since the country is highly technologically advanced, has nearly perfect weather, and is home to lush, verdant forests. One day, T'Challa is destined to become the next Black Panther as his father is now. T'Challa and his best friend, M'Baku have a great life.

Yet, suddenly there is a ominous threat to the country from a suspicious source. Wakanda may soon be in the midst of a war. And, it all seems to stem from the county's holding of Vibranium, a material that can both absorb energy and dispel it. To keep T'Challa and M'Baku safe, the King sends the boys off to America to stay hidden. They arrive in a very foreign land, full of cold winters, concrete, and sidewalks packed with people. Chicago is their new home and they attend the South Side Middle School. The King gives T'Challa a Vibranium ring and a black panther suit made of the material to use 'only in an emergency'. Of course, an emergency arises.

In this new city, there are dangers everywhere. But, what is most distressing, is the fact that T'Challa and M'Baku have a falling out. M'Baku takes a sinister track, much to the dismay of T'Challa. Black Panther: The Young Prince is full of adventure, good vs. evil, and superhero powers. A surprisingly good adventure story for the younger set.

[K2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

GoodRead.....especially for young readers

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh, I just love Black Panther so much! Everything tied to Wakanda, vibranium, and Bast fills me with so much joy. And Prince T’Challa… come on - he simply can’t be beat. Even in this middle school story, he’s got so much courage, charm, and honor. I will say this book isn’t quite as good as the Shuri trilogy just yet, but maybe the sequels will give the princess a run for her money. The action here was pretty much reserved for the end, but it was worth the journey.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished book number two today and I am hyped I got to read Black Panther after all my 5th graders got their own signed copy-and yes I was jealous LOL..But got to meet the soft-spoken and tall author of this book who came and spoke on Marvel Comics reaching out to him on this novel about young T’challa. In his book he is not THE Black Panther and is only a prince hanging out with his best friend M’baka in a relationship highly reminiscent of Coming to America with Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. The two boys play fight and deal with unspoken animosity of M’baka living in T’challa’s shadow until one day T’chaka the ruling Black Panther of Wakanda and T’challa’s dad sends them both away to America, Chicago specifically to hide out from enemies. The two enroll in Southside High School and assume new identities staying at an African embassy and using new names. Things seem to be going well, T’challa meets two new friends in Sheila and Zeke and M’baka uncovers his hidden talent at basketball and after he makes the team the trouble starts with his new friends. In tall, mean and mysterious Gemini Jones the boys find their villain and start to wonder about him and his friends and the creepy Devils trap they are finding all over the school…Finding out what M’baka and Gemini are up to and keeping his identity hidden has T’challa exploring his powers, trusting his friends and ultimately learning lessons to make him a strong leader.
This book was interesting and read fast though it did seem to be written by an adult then altered for children making it not read as fluidly as I would like and then there was the glossed over climax scenes—overall this book was good and I am glad my scholars get to enjoy this one over the summer…Wakanda forever!

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

For tween and younger teen Marvel fans, this book is a fast-paced, exciting introduction to the character of Black Panther. It was the first time I'd read anything by Ronald Smith and I thoroughly enjoyed his style of weaving a tale together. I loved all the interactions between T'Challa, M'Baku (his childhood friend) and his two friends at South Side Middle School--Zeke, the comic book geek, and Sheila, the super smart science wiz plus the rivalry with Gemini Jones and his "Skulls." Mr. Smith did a wonderful job spinning some supernatural elements into the tale as well. It was also refreshing to see how T'Challa dealt with the culture shock of being uprooted from his Wakandan homeland and to have a non-American super hero for a change. This adventure definitely makes me what to go back and read the earlier Marvel versions of Black Panther.

[Sadie Hillier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a good origin story, and I genuinely couldn't put this one down. I read the whole thing in one sitting. I'm so thrilled that the DBG team brought on Ronald L. Smith for this one. I could not fathom a better novel for the young Black Panther. Marvel fans will love this, and so will anyone who enjoys a good action packed read.

[Dawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Wakanda Wow™ advanced technology we came to love in Black Panther meets ancient secret societies and dark magic in this exciting prequel set in Chicago’s South Side. Giving deep insight into the troubled relationship between T’Challa and M’Baku, this coming of age novel adds some poignancy to the cannon as well.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction for young readers. And it isn't tied to the current movie.

[Jessica Fellows · Rating 3 out of 5]

First comic book for me and probably my last. Sure it can be a fun story but just felt like I was reading a children’s story which ya it basically is which is fine. Just not for me.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 to 3 stars, a decent mid-grade novel about T'Challa before he's really the Black Panther. Due to military disturbances in Wakanda, T'Challa and his best friend M'Baku are sent to school in the US for safety. They end up in Chicago's South Side Middle School, dealing with bullies, the seductiveness of being cool, betrayal and a mysterious secret society. I listened to the audio book, narrated by Dion Graham, who does a very good job, although I had to get used to his emphatic style. Graham does an excellent job making each character's voice distinct, and does a good job with female voices (not all male narrators do). I really enjoyed the T'Challa's American friends, Zeke and Sheila, they had a lot of personality, and it was fun to watch the young T'Challa learn to be a leader. I was disappointed more of the adventure didn't take place in Wakanda, and the whole adventure requires a certain amount of suspension of disbelief. What responsible parent, let alone a king, would send their underage son to a foreign country without an adult chaperone? I would expect the heir to the throne to have at least one body guard, regardless of the fact that they're supposed to be incognito. And there's no way a child with access to the internet wouldn't know what hip hop is. I don't care how isolated Wakanda is supposed to be, they're still connected to the rest of the world and have a private browser that kicks Google's ass, so T'Challa's cultural naivete is hard to believe.
The supernatural villainy T'Challa and his friends ended up dealing with had just the right amount of creepiness for a middle grade audience. It would have made more sense to me for this adventure to take place in the 80's, instead of now, so it could link up with the time line of the movie, but it's fun anyhow.

[Sara Weather]

#257

[Stacie C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m giving this book 3.5 stars. I enjoyed it and so did the kid. He is more of the target audience for this but I really wanted to give this a shot. My kid thought it was interesting. We both liked taking a look at what T’Challa’s life as a child could have been like. I will say that I wish I had read this before seeing the movie. I would definitely recommend this to middle grade readers looking a for little adventure. This book also tackles the feeling of belonging, making friends in a new place and wanting to be accepted. Overall an easy and fun read.

[Jerome Azbell · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book feels like it was outlined before Marvel approached the author, then re-skinned with Black Panther lore to make it presentable to a comic book audience.
The writing itself is mostly fine, but the lack of research really shows--in everything from the major plot points (the moon is gibbous for an average of thirteen days each month, not one) to minor elements (a middle school basketball game would almost never go to 100 points, and a 100-99 score at this level of play is absurd).
I was excited to try this one and ended up badly disappointed.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second NOVEL OF 2018 and it was so GOOD!!! I’m ready for #BlackPanther in February!!! I highly recommend this novel for anyone who loves Black Panther/Marvel or for people who needs a little background in the Black Panther world before the movie!!! BRAVO RONALD!!!

[Margaret Sofio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geared to Middle School, but as an adult, I had fun reading it. Liked the Chicago setting, a city I've visited . Liked T'Challa fitting into school in America and shivered just enough when things got creepy and dangerous!

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice Novelization of Black Panther

This seems like a nice children's novelization of the Black Panther movie and comic. I was pleased with the novel at first but it started to hire me and disinterest me after a few chapters. That doesn't mean a boy of 10 might not love it.

[Tyler Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book was about T'Challa is a young prince and lives in a hidden city named Wakanda. he is going to be the next black panther. i think the theme is sci-fiction because of all the futuristic technology in Wakanda.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had my reservations bc I’m not a huge super hero fan. But the majority of this story takes place in a middle school in Chicago as T’Challa has to make new friends and settle into a completely new culture.
It was quick, fun, and a great read :)

[Anna Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid story in its own right. I️ am so pumped for this movie!

[Mason Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its pretty good book with a great story line and good characters

[Sebastian_C]

spoiler

[Chadd · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fun book. My main complaint is that Chicago doesn't affect the plot at all. You could have set this story anywhere.

[Zachariah Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a book club with my younger brother.

It was a good read - especially for the YA genre. Ronald L. Smith is a fantastic writer with very strong prose and he creates great imagery.

It's definitely a good book for any Marvel fan, and it works in some plot twists and references throughout.