Step into the whimsical world of Upside-Down Magic, where wonky spells and quirky powers create a magical adventure for young readers! This delightful children’s fantasy series, penned by bestselling authors Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins, follows a group of misfit magicians at Dunwiddle Magic School. With humor, heart, and a celebration of individuality, it’s a spellbinding journey that proves being different is pure magic.
Centered on nine-year-old Nory Horace and her friends, Upside-Down Magic captures the challenges and triumphs of kids whose magical abilities don’t quite fit the norm. From shape-shifting into a dritten (that’s a dragon-kitten mashup!) to accidentally freezing things instead of setting them ablaze, these young heroes navigate a world that sometimes misunderstands them, learning to embrace their unique gifts along the way.
How Upside-Down Magic Began
The Upside-Down Magic series was born from the creative minds of three powerhouse authors: Sarah Mlynowski, known for her Whatever After series; Lauren Myracle, celebrated for The Winnie Years; and Emily Jenkins, author of the Toys trilogy. Published by Scholastic, the series launched in 2015, blending their storytelling talents to craft a fresh take on magical school adventures. Inspired by the universal theme of embracing differences, the authors created a world where unconventional magic mirrors real-life challenges, making it relatable for kids aged 8–12.
The Heart of Upside-Down Magic
The series spans eight books, each spotlighting the quirky students of Dunwiddle’s Upside-Down Magic (UDM) class. In the first book, Upside-Down Magic (2015), Nory flunks out of her father’s elite Sage Academy due to her unpredictable shape-shifting and joins the UDM class, where she befriends other magical misfits like Elliott, who freezes instead of flares, and Andres, who can’t stop floating. Sticks & Stones (2016) follows Nory and Bax as they tackle mysterious magical mishaps blamed on their class, emphasizing teamwork. Showing Off (2016) dives into a school talent show, where Nory and her friends confront fears of being judged, while Night Owl (2018) brings a thrilling school sleepover scavenger hunt, highlighting friendship and courage.
Set in the vibrant Dunwiddle Magic School, the series weaves a tapestry of five magical categories—Flares, Flyers, Fuzzies, Flickers, and Fluxers—with the UDM kids’ powers delightfully defying these norms. Themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and standing up to bullies shine through, wrapped in slapstick humor and heartfelt moments. The diverse cast, including biracial Nory, reflects a matter-of-fact approach to inclusivity, making the series a mirror for readers navigating their own identities.
Why Upside-Down Magic Resonates
Upside-Down Magic has cast a spell on young readers and parents alike, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional fantasy tropes. Its focus on neurodiversity and unique abilities resonates with kids who feel like outsiders, drawing parallels to real-world experiences like ADHD or sensory challenges. The series’ 2020 Disney Channel movie adaptation further amplified its reach, introducing Nory’s world to a broader audience. With glowing reviews praising its humor and life lessons, Upside-Down Magic continues to inspire kids to celebrate what makes them unique.
- Publication Years: 2015–2018
- Number of Books: 8
- Target Age: 8–12
- Notable Adaptation: Disney Channel Original Movie (2020)
Grab Upside-Down Magic and dive into a world where wonky magic sparks unforgettable adventures! Whether you’re a young reader or a parent seeking a fun, meaningful story, this series is a must-read for anyone who believes different is downright magical.