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Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy
Last updated Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Author: Angie Thomas
Date of Publication: 2023
ISBN: 0063225131
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2026
Synopsis:
It's not easy being a Remarkable in the Unremarkable world. Some things are cool - like getting a pet hellhound for your twelfth birthday. Others, not so much - like not being trusted to learn magic because you might use it to take revenge on an annoying neighbor.
All Nic Blake wants is to be a powerful Manifestor like her dad. But before she has a chance to convince him to teach her the gift, a series of shocking revelations and terrifying events launch Nic and two friends on a hunt for a powerful magic tool she's never heard of... to save her father from imprisonment for a crime she refuses to believe he committed.
| Note to readers: |
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This book weaves a fantasy world around U.S. Black folklore and history. It has themes of identify and roots, friendship and loyalty. This book also raises some very disturbing issues of slavery and racism, topics the teachers who chose this book continue to explore with their students.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Have you ever wanted to have magic powers? Which ones?
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If you could have a magical pet, what would it be?
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What do you think about the Remarkables honoring historical people like Harriot Tubman, but at the same time not wanting to spend any time with Unremarkables?
Vocabulary
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Remarkable: Something that is unusual or exceptional. Worthy of being noticed or mentioned. For example, KPop Demon Hunters is a remarkable movie.
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Hellhound: A mythical large watchdog of hell. It is featured in folklore around the world.
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Prophecy: A prediction of future events.
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Touché: (pronounced too-shay, it’s French and came from the sport of fencing) Means person made a good point in an argument, usually with something clever. It’s saying, "You got me!" or "Good point!"
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Conjure: To summon or make something appear using magic.
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Exile: Being barred from one's native home, often for political or punitive reasons.
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Innate: Qualities, talents, or behaviors that a person or animal is born with, rather than learned or acquired later in life, e.g., She had an innate gift for soccer.
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Fabricate: To make up a lie or story. To invent something false on purpose to deceive others.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Nic is happy to live next door to her best friend. Where does your best friend live?
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Nic is homeschooled by her dad Calvin. Do you know anyone who is homeschooled? Do you think it would be fun?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Adopt a Hellhound: Have students draw an ad to Adopt a Hellhound. Be creative with your hellhound and the reasons why people should adopt and any special needs of the Hellhound.
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Tomorrow is a very special day- Mother’s Day! Using craft materials, have kids create a Mother's Day card for their mother, grandmother, or someone special in their lives.
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Make a paper bouquet for someone you want to honor on Mother's Day.
See this Pinterest board for ideas on the above:
https://www.pinterest.com/tanyacarabio/draft_may-2026-fantasy-folklore-fairytales/
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Create a heart or butterfly bracelet & add "Thanks for helping me grow! Happy Mother's Day" or "I soar with you! Happy Mother's Day".
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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Draw a celebration of AAPI history and culture.
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| Special activities: |
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Do the provided word search
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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