Upside Down Magic is a popular book series for young readers written by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins. The series follows the adventures of a group of magical misfits attending a special school called Dunwiddle Magic School. These misfits, known as Upside Down Magic (UDM) kids, have unconventional magical abilities that don't fit into the traditional categories of magic such as being able to float like a balloon or turn into a Dritten (a cross between a dragon and a kitten). The main characters in the series are Nory, a young girl with the ability to transform into different animals but often ends up as a combination of them, and her best friend, Elliott, who is a Flare, capable of manipulating heat and fire but struggles to control his powers. Other UDM kids include Bax, a boy who can see the future but only when his eyes are closed, Pepper, a girl who can become invisible but cannot control it, and Andres, a boy who can make things disappear but can't make them reappear. The series explores themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and embracing individuality.
The series explores themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and embracing individuality. The UDM kids face challenges and discrimination due to their unconventional magical abilities, often being treated as outcasts by their peers and even some of their teachers. However, they learn to support and rely on each other, forming a tight-knit community that celebrates their unique talents.
Upside-Down Magic (Upside-Down Magic #1) (Paperback)
This is book number 1 in the Upside-Down Magic series.
- #2: Sticks & Stones (Upside-Down Magic #2) (Paperback): $5.99
- #3: Showing Off (Upside-Down Magic #3) (Paperback): $5.99
- #4: Dragon Overnight (Upside-Down Magic #4) (Paperback): $5.99
- #5: Weather or Not (Upside-Down Magic #5) (Paperback): $5.99
- #6: The Big Shrink (Upside-Down Magic #6) (Paperback): $6.99
- #7: Hide and Seek (Upside-Down Magic #7) (Paperback): $6.99
Description
Meet the Upside-Down Magic kids in the first topsy-turvy adventure of this New York Times bestselling series, now a Disney Channel Original Movie!
It's never easy when your magic goes wonky.For Nory, this means that instead of being able to turn into a dragon or a kitten, she turns into both of them at the same time -- a dritten.For Elliott, the simple act of conjuring fire from his fingertips turns into a fully frozen failure.For Andres, wonky magic means he's always floating in the air, bouncing off the walls, or sitting on the ceiling.For Bax, a bad moment of magic will turn him into a . . . actually, he'd rather not talk about that.Nory, Elliott, Andres, and Bax are just four of the students in Dunwiddle Magic School's Upside-Down Magic class. In their classroom, lessons are unconventional, students are unpredictable, and magic has a tendency to turn wonky at the worst possible moments. Because it's always amazing, the trouble a little wonky magic can cause . . .
About the Author
Lauren Myracle is the New York Times bestselling author of many books for young readers, including The Winnie Years (which begins with Ten ), the Flower Power series (which begins with Luv Ya Bunches ), and the Life of Ty series. She would like to be a Fuzzy so she could talk to unicorns and feed them berries. You can find Lauren online at laurenmyracle.com.
Sarah Mlynowski is the New York Times bestselling author of the Whatever After series, the Magic in Manhattan series, Best Wishes , Gimme a Call , and a bunch of other books for teens and tweens, including the Upside-Down Magic series, which she cowrites with Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins and which was adapted into a movie for the Disney Channel. Originally from Montreal, Sarah now lives in Los Angeles with her family. Visit Sarah online at sarahm.com and find her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at @sarahmlynowski.
Emily Jenkins is the author of many chapter books, including the Toys trilogy (which begins with Toys Go Out ) and the Invisible Inkling series. Her picture books include Lemonade in Winter , Toys Meet Snow , and The Fun Book of Scary Stuff . She would like to be a Flare and work as a pastry chef. Visit Emily at emilyjenkins.com.
- Juvenile Fiction / Fantasy & Magic
- Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
- Juvenile Fiction / Family
- Hardcover (September 29th, 2015): $14.99
- CD-Audio (September 29th, 2015): $24.99
- CD-Audio (September 29th, 2015): $39.99
It's never easy when your magic goes wonky.For Nory, this means that instead of being able to turn into a dragon or a kitten, she turns into both of them at the same time -- a dritten.For Elliott, the simple act of conjuring fire from his fingertips turns into a fully frozen failure.For Andres, wonky magic means he's always floating in the air, bouncing off the walls, or sitting on the ceiling.For Bax, a bad moment of magic will turn him into a . . . actually, he'd rather not talk about that.Nory, Elliott, Andres, and Bax are just four of the students in Dunwiddle Magic School's Upside-Down Magic class. In their classroom, lessons are unconventional, students are unpredictable, and magic has a tendency to turn wonky at the worst possible moments. Because it's always amazing, the trouble a little wonky magic can cause . . .
Throughout the books, the UDM kids navigate the ups and downs of school life, facing difficulties such as tests, bullies, and the pressure to fit in. Despite their struggles, they prove that being different can be a strength and that kindness and acceptance are important qualities. The Upside Down Magic series has been well-received by young readers for its relatable characters, humor, and messages of inclusion. It has also been adapted into a Disney Channel Original Movie, further expanding its popularity. The books teach valuable lessons about diversity, embracing one's uniqueness, and the power of friendship, all wrapped up in a magical and entertaining story..
Reviews for "The Upsidr Down Magic Books: Encouraging Creativity and Imagination in Kids"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I found the Upside Down Magic books to be extremely disappointing. The concept of kids with upside down magic powers was intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The characters were one-dimensional, and the plot was predictable. I also felt that the writing lacked depth and failed to fully explore the potential of the magical world. Overall, it was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Michael - 1 star - I absolutely despised the Upside Down Magic books. The idea of kids with unconventional magical abilities sounded promising, but the story was incredibly boring and uninspiring. The characters were unlikable and lacked any kind of growth or development. The plot dragged on without any real climax or resolution. I found myself struggling to finish each book, and I will definitely not be continuing with the series.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Upside Down Magic books, but I was thoroughly disappointed. The writing style felt juvenile and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with the characters or feel invested in the story. The pacing was also off, with the story jumping from one event to another without much explanation or coherence. The world-building was weak, and the magical elements felt cliché and unoriginal. Ultimately, I found this series to be a missed opportunity and would not recommend it.
4. John - 3 stars - The Upside Down Magic books were decent but nothing special. While the concept of kids with unique magical abilities was interesting, the execution fell short. The writing style was simplistic and the plot lacked excitement. The characters were somewhat relatable, but I didn't feel a strong connection to them. Overall, it was an average read, but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it to others.