Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic

Gr 3-6–Jupiter has wanted to go to The Seven Schools of Magic for as long as she can remember, casting pretend spells on her best cat friend, Lillith. However, the tests determine that she has no latent magic, and she fails the Magic Healing and Alchemy tests. The only school willing to take her is Earth Magic, which does not require any real magic. Taking care of plants and magical animals while being taught by the grumpy Professor Grim is not what Jupiter had in mind, and some of the other kids agree that what she does is not real magic. But when one of their own betrays the school and puts everyone in grave danger, will the skills Jupiter learned in training help everyone? The magic system in Jupiter Nettle is explained with easy-to-follow narration boxes, linear paneling, and detailed drawings of the day-to-day activities within the school. Well-developed characters of diverse races interact with each other in ways that are realistic and crucial to the plot line. The use of colors and tones follows the mood of the story, getting darker in the dangerous scenes. Expressive facial drawings and adorable magical creatures, including Lillith with her hilarious commentary, will make this book instantly beloved.