5 stars
Another awesome adventure at Dunwiddle Magic School. While this is the third book in the series, there is enough backtracking and explanation of what happened in the previous books that it could be read alone. However, the first two books are just as engaging and fun so I’d still recommend reading them first to get the full experience.
This book continues with Nory’s story (figuring out friendship, family dynamics, and the extent of her own powers) as well as following Pepper. Much of this focuses on Pepper coping with her fiercing abilities and learning that there just may be a positive angle to her powers. I’ve really liked how each book so far has given a look at an additional character to get a better understanding of what they’re going through and how their view of their magic changes.
In this one, each class at Dunwiddle gets the option to perform in the Show Off, a talent show for students to showcase their magic. The UDM class plans to compete but must figure out whether they want to show the rest of the school their Upside-Down Magic or try to fit in with everyone else. Great messages about how important it is to have diverse experiences, abilities, and interests. I’ve really loved how this series treats UDM as something just as valid as the more traditional forms of magic, in a way that is still entertaining and fun to read. This message can easily be extended to more reality-based differences.
Such a great series. Can’t wait to read the fourth book.