Just because it's magic doesn't mean it's easy. Nory is a Fluxer, and, as such, she should be able to transform her physical appearance with precision. Unfortunately, she has a penchant for hybrids and would give anything to be able to embody a black kitten rather than a skunk-elephant. When her "wonky magic" bars her admission to the prestigious Sage Academy, Nory finds herself with other magically challenged kids in Dunwiddle Magic School's class for upside-down magic. There, her upbeat teacher concentrates on the positive attributes of her student, but all Nory wants to do is pass for normal. Her refusal to see herself as having anything in common with her class isolates her further, and it takes a near disaster for Nory to recognize that maybe unique powers have a place in the world after all. Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins have combined their considerable writing powers and experience to create an uplifting series launch that will charm young fantasy readers.

Gr 4-6 Nory's father is the headmaster of an elite magic academy, but if Nory wants to enter fifth grade there in the fall, she'll have to get her "wonky" magic under control. She's a Fluxer, which means she can turn into an animalbut not an ordinary animal like a kitten. Unfortunately, Nory always turns herself into odd animal combos like a kitten and a beaver or a kitten and a dragon, and she has a hard time controlling herself in her animal form. When Nory fails Sage Academy's Big Test, she's sent to live with her aunt and attend a public school that has just started an Upside-Down Magic Class. Even though Aunt Margo is kind and her teacher, Ms. Starr, is supportive, Nory's magic mishaps alienate her classmates. When she is given the opportunity to train herself to keep her magic in "The Box of Normal," she must decide once and for all where she belongs. Readers will enjoy the details of Nory's magical world and empathize with her struggle. VERDICT The story is engaging enough to appeal to reluctant readers, and Nory's equally entertaining classmates make it likely that sequels will ensue. Count on plenty of publicity and the multiple (and well-known) authors to drive interest in this title. Laurie Slagenwhite Walters, Brighton District Library, Brighton, MI