The "Upside Down Magic" book series is a popular children's fantasy series written by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins. It follows the story of a young girl named Nory who lives in a world where magic is a normal part of everyday life. In this magical world, children are sorted into different magical abilities called "magnets." However, Nory doesn't fit into just one magnet. She has the ability to transform into different animals, which is considered an "upside-down" or unconventional magic ability. Due to her unique powers, Nory is placed in a special class called "Upside-Down Magic" with other misfit magic children.
While the UDM kids expect some trouble from the mean kids from Dunwiddle who always hassle them, they aren’t sure what to expect from the Sage kids. They are in for some surprises – maybe Nory most of all when she sees the impact Sage has on her magic.
Sometimes obstacles make it hard to keep up with everyone else, but sometimes being differently-abled can work to your advantage because there are things that you are capable of doing that no one else can. In this magical world, you are going to interact with Flares, who engage in fire magic, Fuzzies, or the animal magicians and Flickers who make objects and themselves invisible.
Due to her unique powers, Nory is placed in a special class called "Upside-Down Magic" with other misfit magic children. This class is aimed at helping them control and embrace their differences. Throughout the series, Nory and her classmates face various challenges, both magical and personal, as they navigate through school and friendships.
Deeper Messages in Upside Down Magic
Imagine a world of magic where every child comes into their powers at 10. At that point, they come into their abilities and are “supposed” to fall into the neatly organized categories of magic – fluxer, flicker, flare, fuzzy, and flyer. Now imagine that when your magic comes in, it doesn’t quite fit the “normal” mold. That’s the concept behind the great series by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins, Upside Down Magic.
My 8 year old daughter is in love with this series and I felt that I had to understand what drew her to it so much. Plus, I had listened to pieces of most of the books while with my daughter. The books center on Nory Horrace and her classmates who have magical abilities that don’t fit into the mold that everyone expects. Nory is a fluxer, someone who can change into animals, but rather than a single animal, she typically becomes a combination of things such as a kitten and dragon, a dritten! The problem is that Nory’s father happens to be the headmaster of an elite magical boarding school and they do not accept students who are not “normal.” Because of this, Nory gets sent to live with her aunt and enrolls in a program for kids with “upside down magic.”
Now that I have read and/or listened to most of these books, I have come to realize that there are a number of really important messages that weave their way through every book in the series. Two of my favorites are embracing differences in yourself and others and that it takes a village. Wow. Those are really amazing concepts to instill in kids without bashing them over the head with it. I especially like how they deal with the pressure that Nory gets from her father.
So far, each book focuses on a different kid and how their magic impacts their life, with Nory getting attention in every title. In addition to feeling a bit out of place and celebrating your differences, the three authors try to look at the other issues the class (and kids this age) might be facing.
- The students are often bullied for being different, but the point is also made that bullying can be done both intentionally and unintentionally.
- Stepping out of your comfort zone and into new situations can be scary, but it can also be totally worth it.
- Friendship, and how we treat our friends, is a common theme. You are not always going to agree with your friends and sometimes you are not always treated the way you should be, and vice versa.
- Overcoming obstacles is a way of life for these kids. Sometimes obstacles make it hard to keep up with everyone else, but sometimes being differently-abled can work to your advantage because there are things that you are capable of doing that no one else can.
The quality of books for early middle grade readers these days is phenomenal and this series is one of the reasons why. The characters are just silly enough to keep you from even realizing there is something deeper going on. Nory continues to change into all sort of different animals and the pictures you can create in your head are priceless. Who wouldn’t be shocked by a blue-bird/elephant? The 6th book is coming out in September and I know this will be one of my purchases when our book fair comes around!
Upside-Down Magic
Upside-Down Magic is the first book in the Upside-Down Magic series. The book stars Nory Horace, a nine-year-old girl with magical powers. Nory is brave, resourceful, and a shapeshifter. The young girl can transform into different animals. However, her shape-shifting talent is not as refined, so she fails to pass the Big Test. This means that she cannot join the elite Sage Academy where her sixteen-year-old brother and her sister Dalia go to school. Their father, Dr. Horace, is the principal at the Sage Academy. All is not lost as Nory is sent to live with Aunt Margo, where she can attend Dunwiddle Magic School.
Dunwiddle is a public school that is just starting the Upside-Down Magic class. This class will help children whose magic is different to make better use of their superpower. At her magic class, Nory meets other kids like her. Unfortunately, this is not the place she wants to be in. Nory hopes that she can fix her magic quickly and go back to her life. Life is no fun in a school where this young girl and her classmates are regarded as misfits. The fact that Aunt Margo is like a stranger to her doesn’t help much. However, Ms. Starr, the magic class teacher, makes all the difference in these kids’ lives.
It is in Ms. Starr’s class that Nory and those like her learn how to manage their magic and emotions. When others in school look down upon them, they must rise above it and remain true to themselves. There have been a few mishaps since the class started, but Nory and her friends are among the good guys. Ms. Starr also teaches the kids how to trust and forgive. She hopes that by the time kids are out of her care; they will also have learned that their unique abilities were not anything to be ashamed of.
The Upside-Down Magic series explores themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and overcoming adversity. It shows the importance of embracing one's differences and finding strength in them. The books also touch on the idea that there is no such thing as a "normal" or "perfect" person and that everyone deserves to be accepted for who they are. The series has captured the imaginations of many young readers, offering a relatable and empowering story for those who may feel like outsiders or have unique abilities themselves. It has received positive reviews for its compelling characters, engaging storytelling, and heartfelt messages. In addition to the books, the "Upside-Down Magic" series has been adapted into a made-for-television movie by Disney Channel, further expanding its reach and popularity. Overall, this series has become a beloved staple in the world of children's literature, inspiring young readers to embrace their own magic, no matter how unconventional it may be..
Reviews for "The Unique Blend of Realistic School Life and Magic in the Upside Down Magic Book Series"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I'm sorry, but I really didn't enjoy the Upside Down Magic book series. The concept of a school for kids with magical mishaps seemed interesting, but the execution fell short for me. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect with them. The plotline was predictable and didn't offer any surprises or twists. Overall, I found the series to be mediocre and not worth my time.
2. Ryan - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Upside Down Magic book series, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The story felt rushed, and the magical world wasn't well-developed. The conflicts were resolved too easily and conveniently, leaving no room for tension or excitement. The humor in the books also fell flat for me, and I didn't find myself laughing or even chuckling once. Overall, I found the series to be lacking in depth and substance.
3. Emma - 2.5 stars
The Upside Down Magic book series had an interesting premise, but it didn't deliver for me. The writing style felt young and aimed towards a much younger audience, which made it difficult for me, as an adult reader, to fully enjoy the books. The characters were quirky, but their development was lacking, and the relationships felt forced. The pacing felt off, with the story dragging in some parts and rushing through others. Overall, I think the series has potential, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
4. David - 2 stars
I was disappointed with the Upside Down Magic book series. The concept was intriguing, but the execution was underwhelming. The magic system wasn't well explained, and it felt inconsistent throughout the series. The plot lacked depth and complexity, making it difficult to stay engaged. The characters were forgettable and didn't leave a lasting impression. Overall, I found the series to be forgettable and wouldn't recommend it.