Upside Down Magic: Learning from Differences and Embracing Individuality Upside Down Magic is a popular book series written by Sarah Mlynowski, Emily Jenkins, and Lauren Myracle, which has since been adapted into a movie by Disney Channel. The story revolves around a group of kids who possess unusual magical abilities that don't fit neatly into the traditional magical curriculum. These "Upside Down" magic kids are then sent to a special school called Sage Academy to learn how to control their unique powers. The term "Upside Down Magic" refers to the idea that the characters' abilities are seen as subpar, imperfect, or even dangerous by those in the magical society. The main protagonist, Nory Boxwood Horace, is a Fluxer, someone whose magic can transform into animals. However, Nory's magic often goes awry, resulting in mixed-up, hybrid creatures that don't meet the magical world's standards.
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 . . https://www.sarahm.com/upside-down-magic
They can either have the ability to light fires a Flare , the ability to make friends with animals a Fluffy , the ability to transform into animals a Fluxer , the ability to fly a Flyer , or the ability to make oneself and other things invisible a Flicker. Upside-Down Magic by Emily Jenkins, Lauren Myracle, Sarah Mlynowski Series Upside-Down Magic 1 Published by Scholastic on September 29th 2015 Genres Fantasy, Middle-Grade Source Scholastic Buy on Amazon Goodreads.
However, Nory's magic often goes awry, resulting in mixed-up, hybrid creatures that don't meet the magical world's standards. As a result, Nory struggles to fit in and faces constant criticism from her peers. Throughout the series, Nory and her friends at Sage Academy learn not only to embrace their differences but also to celebrate them.
Review: Upside-Down Magic by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins
I received this book for free from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Upside-Down Magic by Emily Jenkins, Lauren Myracle, Sarah Mlynowski
Series: Upside-Down Magic #1
Published by Scholastic on September 29th 2015
Genres: Fantasy, Middle-Grade
Source: Scholastic
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
From New York Times bestselling authors Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins comes the hilarious and heartfelt story of a group of magical misfits.
Nory Horace is nine years old. She's resourceful, she's brave, she likes peanut butter cookies. Also, she's able to transform into many different animals. Unfortunately, Nory's shape-shifting talent is a bit wonky. And when she flunks out of her own father's magic academy, Nory's forced to enter public school, where she meets a group of kids whose magic is, well, different.
This new, offbeat series from hit authors Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins chronicles the misadventures of Nory and her oddball friends, who prove that upside-down magic definitely beats right side up.
This book was all sorts of cute, but it didn’t blow me away. I have to be honest, most of the reason I picked it up was because the cover is so adorable. I’m not even a cat person, but seriously, look at it!! Okay, so basically Nory is able to do magic, as are mostly everyone in this book. Her father is even the headmaster or something at the most elite magic school there is. Nory needs to get in. Except, her magic isn’t right. She has it for sure, but it doesn’t really work the way she wants it to. This causes her to fail the test and get put in a different school in the Upside-Down Magic class for those who can’t do their magic right. There are some entertaining parts, and some really touching parts in this book. It’s a great book to teach kids about acceptance and being yourself, but with a touch of fun and magic.
Nory kind of annoyed me, thinking that she is better than everyone and doesn’t belong in a class with others who can’t do their magic correctly. I did understand though since she has a lot of pressure to be great. She initially makes friends in the class, but then things go really wrong and everyone turns their back on her. She needs to learn how to get her friends back, and more importantly for her, how to fix her magic. She’s one determined girl, and really does have a good heart.
This book was all sorts of fun. All the kids in the class are so entertaining with how their magic goes wrong. At first they are all upset that they can’t do things right, but eventually start to learn that there is nothing wrong with their magic. It’s different, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.They really do form a great friendship with each other and learn a lot along the way. I thought there was a great message in this book and it was so cute to read about all the magic shenanigans. Nory’s combo animals sound so funny and ridiculous. I gave this book to my neighbor who is 9 and she absolutely loved it and has read it twice already.
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A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
Each character possesses a unique magical ability that sets them apart from others. They discover that it's their differences that make them special and that they can use their unconventional magic to their advantage. The story of each character's growth and self-acceptance teaches young readers about the importance of individuality and self-confidence. The underlying message of Upside Down Magic is that everyone has their unique talents and strengths, and these differences should be appreciated and respected. The authors encourage readers to challenge societal norms and expectations, proving that there is no one right way to be magical or successful. By showcasing diverse characters and magical abilities, the series promotes inclusivity, empathy, and understanding. The Upside Down Magic series also encourages readers to look beyond appearances and understand that what may initially seem like a limitation or flaw can be a source of strength. Nory and her friends face many obstacles and prejudices due to their unconventional powers. However, they learn to value and harness their magic, showing readers that our perceived weaknesses can become our greatest assets. Overall, Upside Down Magic by Sarah Mlynowski, Emily Jenkins, and Lauren Myracle is a captivating and empowering series that celebrates individuality, diversity, and the beauty of being different. Nory and her friends inspire readers to embrace their uniqueness, defy expectations, and believe in their own abilities. Through their magical journey, readers learn important life lessons about acceptance, self-confidence, and the power of unity..
Reviews for "The Enchanting World of Upside Down Magic: An Analysis of Lauren Myracle's Magical Elements"
1. Samantha - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Upside Down Magic Learn My Magic". The plot was all over the place and lacked depth. The characters were underdeveloped and I couldn't connect with any of them. The magic system was confusing and inconsistent. Overall, I felt like the story had so much potential, but it fell flat. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a well-crafted and engaging magical story.
2. Ryan - 1/5 - I found "Upside Down Magic Learn My Magic" to be incredibly boring and predictable. The pacing was slow, and it felt like nothing ever happened. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to engage with the characters. The magic elements were not explained well, leaving me confused throughout the book. I struggled to finish it and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and captivating read.
3. Emily - 3/5 - "Upside Down Magic Learn My Magic" had an interesting concept, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The writing style was average, and the pacing felt off. The characters were somewhat likable, but I couldn't fully invest in their journey. There were moments of excitement and humor, but they were few and far between. It's an okay book for a casual read, but if you're looking for something more immersive and magical, this might not be the best choice.
4. Jacob - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Upside Down Magic Learn My Magic", but it didn't deliver. The plot lacked originality and felt like a recycled version of other magical school stories. The characters were cliché and lacked depth, making it hard to root for them. I found myself losing interest in the story halfway through. Overall, it was a mediocre read that didn't offer anything new or exciting in the genre. I wouldn't recommend it to avid readers of fantasy or magic-themed books.