Upside-Down Magic

Sarah Mlynowski's *Upside-Down Magic* is a delightful romp through the unexpected chaos that ensues when magic goes delightfully, or perhaps terrifyingly, awry. This book introduces us to Nory, whose attempts at transforming result in a rather startling "dritten" – a creature that's both dragon and kitten simultaneously. She's joined by a cast of characters like Elliott, whose fiery conjurations freeze solid, Andres, perpetually adrift or bouncing off ceilings, and Bax, who prefers to keep his particularly peculiar magical mishap a secret. These four find themselves in the Upside-Down Magic class at Dunwiddle Magic School, a place where conventional lessons are thrown out the window in favor of unpredictable students and magic that has a mischievous habit of misbehaving at the most inconvenient times. *Upside-Down Magic* absolutely earns its spot on a "Best Books by Sarah Mlynowski" list due to its signature blend of humor, heart, and imaginative world-building. Mlynowski excels at creating relatable characters facing extraordinary circumstances, and Nory and her friends are no exception. Their struggles with wonky magic, while humorous, also serve as a metaphor for embracing individuality and finding strength in what makes you different. The fast-paced plot, the engaging dialogue, and the overall message of acceptance and friendship make this book a true standout in her already impressive bibliography, appealing to readers of all ages who enjoy a touch of magic with their laughs.