Dickens & Rumi
Cover of UPSIDE-DOWN MAGIC

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UPSIDE-DOWN MAGIC

Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins

Four students with wonky magic attend the Dunwiddle Magic School. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? The story suits middle-grade readers, with accessible fantasy, school challenges, mild peril, and emotionally meaningful themes about belonging and self-acceptance. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Romance1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Uses age-appropriate language.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

No focus on romance.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Minor tension regarding fitting in and magical accidents.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Minor, low-stakes magical mishaps occur.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show bravery in being their authentic selves.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Inventive magical powers, imaginative world-building, and unconventional problem-solving strongly encourage creative thinking.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Represents various personality types and magical abilities.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental focus on social-emotional learning.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, friendship, encouragement, and making room for others are important throughout the story.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of acceptance and embracing differences.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters learn to support each other and advocate for themselves.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in UPSIDE-DOWN MAGIC would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in UPSIDE-DOWN MAGIC, and what caused that change?
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THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+Jungle BookRudyard Kipling · 1944Ages 10+House of Many WaysDiana Wynne Jones · 2008Ages 10+Goosebumps - Return of the MummyRobert Lawrence Stine · 1994Ages 9+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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