Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Kwame and his friends are excited to participate in the Nkonyaa Games - a series of magic competitions! As the games begin, a mysterious new teacher named Elder Z arrives. Soon after, a spell is cast on two students, trapping them in stone. And no one knows how to break it! The evil Boni calabash tells Kwame he must enter the Cursed Realm to save his classmates. But can Kwame trust the green calabash? And who cast the forbidden spell? Could it have been Elder Z?

With engaging black-and-white artwork on every page, kids won't be able to put down this fully illustrated, magical, action-packed adventure!

NATASHA NAYO is a freelance animator and illustrator from Ghana. She graduated at Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA in Animation and Illustration. She loves to practice character design, visual development, and 2D animations.