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School for Unusual Magic #1
The Equinox Test
Three friends discover magic and mayhem around every corner of their school in this brand-new illustrated series from New Yorker cartoonist and NAACP Image Award nominee Liz Montague that's perfect for fans of Witchlings and The Wizards of Waverly Place.
Welcome to the Brooklyn School of Magic, where seeds of enchantment are planted and magic sprouts in every corner. And where each fall, fifth years must pass the Equinox Test if they want to move up to Middle Magic.
Rose is worried. She's never been the best student. And if she doesn't pass with flying colors, Principal Ivy says she may have to transfer to a boring, non-magical school. Amethyst knows she's got the skills to ace the test. But to really impress her mom, she's got her eye on the school's top prize. Lavender just wants to fit in. Even after a few years in the States, he still feels homesick. All. The. Time. Passing the test might just be his ticket back to the island.
But with best friend battles, a cheating scandal, and trouble brewing in the magical community, the Equinox Test may not even be the biggest challenge these Magic Bearers will face this year…
Welcome to the Brooklyn School of Magic, where seeds of enchantment are planted and magic sprouts in every corner. And where each fall, fifth years must pass the Equinox Test if they want to move up to Middle Magic.
Rose is worried. She's never been the best student. And if she doesn't pass with flying colors, Principal Ivy says she may have to transfer to a boring, non-magical school. Amethyst knows she's got the skills to ace the test. But to really impress her mom, she's got her eye on the school's top prize. Lavender just wants to fit in. Even after a few years in the States, he still feels homesick. All. The. Time. Passing the test might just be his ticket back to the island.
But with best friend battles, a cheating scandal, and trouble brewing in the magical community, the Equinox Test may not even be the biggest challenge these Magic Bearers will face this year…
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 18, 2024
This is a fun about 3 different students attending Brooklyn School of Magic. At the end of elementary school students are required to take the Equinox Test which is a special test that allows them to move up to middle magic. Rose and Lavender aren't sure if they'll pass but Amethyst knows she's got the skills to ace the test.
This is more of a light fantasy with magic serving as the catalyst for typical tween drama. The big drama here is a cheating scandal and the lessons the characters learn because of it. It's a relatable book for young readers with a unique backdrop.
This is more of a light fantasy with magic serving as the catalyst for typical tween drama. The big drama here is a cheating scandal and the lessons the characters learn because of it. It's a relatable book for young readers with a unique backdrop.
April 9, 2024
I love elementary readers as I have a child in 4th grade and this was a great read for anyone in the 3rd-6thgrade area give or take.
The first thing that spoke to me about this book were two immediate things. Number one is the cover where our MC is wrapped in a plant. I mean what? LOL. And the second thing is that on the first page there is a drawing of ants. The first thing I love is illustrations in a book either on the cover or in the book pages, or both😉
The MC in our book is named Rose. Rose attends The Brooklyn School of Magic. Rose doesn’t live there on campus, but is a student who goes into the school everyday to attend her classes. Rose isn’t doing very well with magic and spells overall. The school teachers and principal would like to send Rose to a normal school for non magic children. Rose just wants to pass The Equinox test which lets her pass into middle magic. And Amethyst her best friend just wants to help her friend pass the test😊But like all friendships there is a falling out.
This book overall reminds me of Harry Potter and I liked that about his series. Rose really wants to pass to middle magic and is willing to do anything to make that happen…which is a good and bad thing.
The author wrote a good story with good characters who resonate well with younger children and also the failing at something you are doing because of your parents and what happens.
The first thing that spoke to me about this book were two immediate things. Number one is the cover where our MC is wrapped in a plant. I mean what? LOL. And the second thing is that on the first page there is a drawing of ants. The first thing I love is illustrations in a book either on the cover or in the book pages, or both😉
The MC in our book is named Rose. Rose attends The Brooklyn School of Magic. Rose doesn’t live there on campus, but is a student who goes into the school everyday to attend her classes. Rose isn’t doing very well with magic and spells overall. The school teachers and principal would like to send Rose to a normal school for non magic children. Rose just wants to pass The Equinox test which lets her pass into middle magic. And Amethyst her best friend just wants to help her friend pass the test😊But like all friendships there is a falling out.
This book overall reminds me of Harry Potter and I liked that about his series. Rose really wants to pass to middle magic and is willing to do anything to make that happen…which is a good and bad thing.
The author wrote a good story with good characters who resonate well with younger children and also the failing at something you are doing because of your parents and what happens.
January 1, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Rose is glad to be in the Brooklyn School of Magic, but it looks like she might get kicked out, because she isn't doing well enough and is unlikely to move up to Middle Magic. Lav, who has come to New York City to study at the school, is glad of the opportunity, but misses his grandmother and home on Ile Violette. With the Equinox Test looming, Rose asks her friend Amethyst to help her study. Even this doesn't seem to help, and Rose is desperate enough to look for a way to cheat. This causes problems with her friendship with Amethyst, and she and Lav get caught up in an attempt to breach the Correspondence Room, where a Communication Portal was used to access information about the test. With the entire school on alert, will the two be able to continue their studies?
This is a good choice for readers who like magical academy books like Chapman's The XYZs of Being Wicked, Elle's Taste of Magic, or King's My Magical Life. It has a bit of a feel of Benton's Dear Dumb Diary books to it, perhaps because of the similar style of illustrations.
Rose is glad to be in the Brooklyn School of Magic, but it looks like she might get kicked out, because she isn't doing well enough and is unlikely to move up to Middle Magic. Lav, who has come to New York City to study at the school, is glad of the opportunity, but misses his grandmother and home on Ile Violette. With the Equinox Test looming, Rose asks her friend Amethyst to help her study. Even this doesn't seem to help, and Rose is desperate enough to look for a way to cheat. This causes problems with her friendship with Amethyst, and she and Lav get caught up in an attempt to breach the Correspondence Room, where a Communication Portal was used to access information about the test. With the entire school on alert, will the two be able to continue their studies?
This is a good choice for readers who like magical academy books like Chapman's The XYZs of Being Wicked, Elle's Taste of Magic, or King's My Magical Life. It has a bit of a feel of Benton's Dear Dumb Diary books to it, perhaps because of the similar style of illustrations.
May 20, 2024
I’m sure I’ll never outgrow my love for middle-grade books. And a school of magic lured me in quickly.
Rose is attending Brooklyn School of Magic, but it isn’t looking good for her. She isn’t doing well and may not move up to Middle Magic. Then we have Lavender, who is missing home and wants to fit in at school. What to do, what to do? Well, Rose asks her friend Amethyst to help her study. But, ugh, it doesn’t seem to be helping. Cheating, hmm, could it be an option? Maybe Lav and Rose can come up with a plan.
The topic is great for the age bracket, with three students needing to pass the Equinox Test to move up to middle magic. Is it worth cheating to move up?
The struggles feel real and relatable. The story feels like one that will easily pull kids in due to the characters and their struggles, plus a touch of magic.
It’s a yes for this author and story. The characters in this book will keep you turning the pages. And the illustrations make it even more fun.
My thanks to NetGalley for an eARC.
Rose is attending Brooklyn School of Magic, but it isn’t looking good for her. She isn’t doing well and may not move up to Middle Magic. Then we have Lavender, who is missing home and wants to fit in at school. What to do, what to do? Well, Rose asks her friend Amethyst to help her study. But, ugh, it doesn’t seem to be helping. Cheating, hmm, could it be an option? Maybe Lav and Rose can come up with a plan.
The topic is great for the age bracket, with three students needing to pass the Equinox Test to move up to middle magic. Is it worth cheating to move up?
The struggles feel real and relatable. The story feels like one that will easily pull kids in due to the characters and their struggles, plus a touch of magic.
It’s a yes for this author and story. The characters in this book will keep you turning the pages. And the illustrations make it even more fun.
My thanks to NetGalley for an eARC.
April 7, 2024
What a fun and magical ride this book is! In this book we walk the halls of the Brooklyn School of Magic with Rose and her group of friends as they prepare for their 5th year test. Rose is worried, she's never been a good student and not passing could mean her transfer to a boring and most importantly non-magical school. This is unpalatable for Rose and she must do what she has to to pass this test!
What unfolds is a series of events (some good, some not so good) that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. The author does an excellent job of creating a realistic yet magical tale that will keep your middle schooler engaged.
The illustrations are gorgeous and bring the story to light while engaging the imagination of the reader. I'd love to see this book become a series.
What unfolds is a series of events (some good, some not so good) that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. The author does an excellent job of creating a realistic yet magical tale that will keep your middle schooler engaged.
The illustrations are gorgeous and bring the story to light while engaging the imagination of the reader. I'd love to see this book become a series.
April 8, 2024
The Equinox Test
(The School for Unusual Magic) is a beautifully written middle grade novel. Like so many children, Rose is hoping to do her very best and feels strong anxiety over the upcoming test, her only chance to stay at her beloved school. Lav is feeling alone and aiming to find his place to fit in and Amethyst has high hopes to ace the test to win her mom’s attention. While the stakes are high for each of these students with magic, middle grade readers will easily be able to identify with their daily struggles and delight in their fantastical adventures. Interspersed throughout the chapters are wonderful little comics that create an even more fun read! The Equinox Test carries the poignant message that all kids feel the pressure of school and the world around them…even if they have magical powers!
(The School for Unusual Magic) is a beautifully written middle grade novel. Like so many children, Rose is hoping to do her very best and feels strong anxiety over the upcoming test, her only chance to stay at her beloved school. Lav is feeling alone and aiming to find his place to fit in and Amethyst has high hopes to ace the test to win her mom’s attention. While the stakes are high for each of these students with magic, middle grade readers will easily be able to identify with their daily struggles and delight in their fantastical adventures. Interspersed throughout the chapters are wonderful little comics that create an even more fun read! The Equinox Test carries the poignant message that all kids feel the pressure of school and the world around them…even if they have magical powers!
April 13, 2024
Thank you @jaimerockstarbooktours @scholastic @lizatlarge for having my kids and I on this booktour, and our tour stops here.
👦🏻 reviews: I was trying to find an easy and funny read because I simply needed to fulfill my booktalk soon. I picked this book not knowing what to expect and honestly I am grateful I found this on the pile. Despite all the “magic” terminology thrown into the storyline, the moral of the story is what matters. The layout of the book is interesting, with some graphics and plenty of words building into a story. The characters, Rose, Lavender and Amethyst, are funny and entertaining. They brought their own unique personalities and issues to the book, and their goals are actually what made the book great. Really enjoyed this and it is perfect for all kids who are going through their own issues and learn how to deal with them. Such a great book!
👦🏻 reviews: I was trying to find an easy and funny read because I simply needed to fulfill my booktalk soon. I picked this book not knowing what to expect and honestly I am grateful I found this on the pile. Despite all the “magic” terminology thrown into the storyline, the moral of the story is what matters. The layout of the book is interesting, with some graphics and plenty of words building into a story. The characters, Rose, Lavender and Amethyst, are funny and entertaining. They brought their own unique personalities and issues to the book, and their goals are actually what made the book great. Really enjoyed this and it is perfect for all kids who are going through their own issues and learn how to deal with them. Such a great book!
April 22, 2024
I read a lot of children’s books ranging from beginning readers all the way up to middle grade and above. I’d say this book would be a fun story for the later elementary and middle grade readers. I had so much fun myself. I may be an adult but I read this with my inner child and connected easily with the characters and enjoyed the dialogue and social interactions.
A bonus is the magic. Who doesn’t wish they could go to a school that teaches magic. It makes the messages and life lessons that Rose learns at the Brooklyn School Of Magic that much more fun. “Double, double toil and trouble….” And let’s not forget the illustrations. They are too cute. The cherry on top is the adorable cover art. She’s all wrapped up in a plant and the look on her face is priceless. I love it.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
A bonus is the magic. Who doesn’t wish they could go to a school that teaches magic. It makes the messages and life lessons that Rose learns at the Brooklyn School Of Magic that much more fun. “Double, double toil and trouble….” And let’s not forget the illustrations. They are too cute. The cherry on top is the adorable cover art. She’s all wrapped up in a plant and the look on her face is priceless. I love it.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
April 16, 2024
Anxiety Alert! Poor Rose is under so much pressure to do well on her test. Sorrowful Lav is lonely and just wants to fit in. Dejected Amethyst just wants to please her mother. The struggles are real and the author does a fantastic job of making the characters highly relatable. I just wanted to hug each of them and tell them it would be okay. The cute comics sprinkled throughout the book make it an even better read. Love the format! The events that transpire, both good and bad, keep the reader on their toes and waiting for the next magical experience. This is a great middle-school read. I’d definitely read more by this author.
July 10, 2024
Liz Montague is the best illustrator and author!
August 10, 2024
Read aloud with my 6 yr old. We both enjoyed it Immensely. It ends on a “to be continued..” so we can’t wait till the sequel comes out.
July 28, 2024
Started reading this book to see if my son (7) would like it. He has read the first several Harry Potter books and wants more but the next few are too mature for him. This book. Is adorable. I think my 7 year old will love it. I enjoyed reading it too. I thought the story was engaging.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews