"Upside Down Magic" is a popular book series written by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins under the pseudonym E. Lockhart. The series revolves around a group of kids who possess magical powers that are not quite normal. The main character, Nory, is a misfit who struggles to fit in at Sage Academy, a school for magical children. In this world, magical abilities are categorized into specific magical disciplines such as Flare, Fuzzies, Upside-Down, and more. Nory, however, has a unique ability to turn into different animals.
From l-r: Lauren Myracle; Sarah Mlynowski; Emily Jenkins
Sarah is probably the most like Nory herself in that Nory doesn t let anything get in her way when pursuing her ambitions, and she even gets her friends to help her with her projects. Ten-year-old Nory is mortified when she bungles her interview at the posh magical academy where her father is headmaster; attempting to morph into a kitten, she instead turns into a sequence of outrageous hybrid animals, including a dritten dragon-kitten.
Nory, however, has a unique ability to turn into different animals. This ability falls under the Upside-Down magic category, which is considered "misfit" magic as it doesn't fit into the traditional disciplines. Throughout the series, Nory and her friends navigate the challenges of being different and try to find their place in a world that values conformity.
Upside-Down Magic
The writers behind How to Be Bad (2008) aim for a younger audience in this entertaining story about magical powers gone humorously awry. Ten-year-old Nory is mortified when she bungles her interview at the posh magical academy where her father is headmaster; attempting to morph into a kitten, she instead turns into a sequence of outrageous hybrid animals, including a “dritten” (dragon-kitten). She is shipped off to live with her wonderfully kooky Aunt Margo (who works as a flying taxi, zipping passengers around on her back) and enrolls in an “Upside-Down Magic” program. Nory’s fear that her classmates will be “the worst of the wonky” is delightfully realized. Magical shenanigans abound as the story celebrates individuality, self-acceptance, and tolerance, encapsulated in Aunt Margo’s advice: “Just be who you are, not who you think you should be.” Featuring short chapters and lively, funny dialogue, this novel should please kids who don’t naturally find reading to be magical, as well as those who do. Ages 8–12. Agent: (for Mlynowski) Laura Dail, Laura Dail Literary Agency; (for Myracle) Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary; (for Jenkins) Elizabeth Kaplan, Elizabeth Kaplan Agency. (Sept.)
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Compact Disc - 978-0-545-88170-8
Compact Disc - 978-0-545-88171-5
Open Ebook - 978-0-545-80047-1
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Lauren: Sarah is full of malarkey. I have never had an entire conversation with poodles, as poodles are snooty and they always insist on having the last word. Which means they trot away from me mid-convo.
They face discrimination and are often underestimated due to their non-traditional abilities. However, they learn to embrace their gifts and use them to solve problems and help others. E. Lockhart, one of the authors of the series, is known for her captivating storytelling style. Through the Upside Down Magic series, she explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and self-discovery. The characters are relatable and undergo personal growth as they learn to value themselves and their unique abilities. The Upside Down Magic series has received positive reviews for its engaging plot, diverse cast of characters, and its ability to address important social issues in a magical and accessible way. It has also been adapted into a successful Disney Channel Original Movie, further increasing its popularity among young readers. In conclusion, Upside Down Magic is a captivating book series that explores the challenges faced by a group of misfit magic students. Written by E. Lockhart and her co-authors, it tells the story of Nory and her friends as they navigate the ups and downs of being different. This series is a great read for those who love magical adventures with a touch of inclusivity and empowerment..
Reviews for "Exploring Themes of Identity and Belonging in Upside Down Magic by E. Lockhart"
1. Jane - 2/5 - "I was really disappointed with Upside Down Magic by E. Lockhart. The storyline felt disjointed and hard to follow, and the characters were not well-developed. I also found the writing style to be underwhelming and lacked the magic and charm that I was hoping for. Overall, I just couldn't connect with the book and felt like it fell short of my expectations."
2. Mark - 1/5 - "Upside Down Magic was a complete letdown for me. The plot was predictable and lacked any originality or depth. The magical elements in the story were poorly explained and felt forced. The characters were one-dimensional and unrelatable, and I couldn't bring myself to care about their struggles. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and engaging read."
3. Sarah - 2/5 - "I had high hopes for Upside Down Magic, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The concept of a school for kids with unconventional magic abilities was interesting, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was uneven, with slow moments that dragged on and rushed developments that left me confused. The characters lacked depth, and their arcs felt underdeveloped. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to explore a fascinating world of magic."
4. David - 2/5 - "I struggled to enjoy Upside Down Magic by E. Lockhart. The writing style felt choppy and the dialogue was awkward. The plot lacked depth and the conflicts were resolved too quickly and conveniently. The supposed magical elements were underwhelming and poorly explored. I found it difficult to become invested in the story or the characters, and I had to push myself to finish the book."