Magic Mural

by JC Youngstrom

266 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2026

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super cute book! The characters and world building were fun and creative. It's definitely the kind of adventure I would've enjoyed reading in middle school. I liked the relationships and interactions between the characters and the warped versions found inside the Color Keep/mural. The ending was very sweet and heartwarming. It felt so satisfying and uplifting, without being cheesy. Sometimes you read books that are good, but the ending is either too saccharine or too dark, and the final dissonance changes your opinion of the book negatively. This is not that kind of book. It was a cute, fun read. Also a good opportunity to talk to your kids about how using caricatures or stereotypes to mock someone whose choices you don't like isn't okay and removes the chance to get to know the person as a person - and that people are often so much kinder than we think especially teachers.

I did receive an ARC copy in exchange for for an honest review of this book.

[Jacki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fun and explored the common feelings of helplessness and frustration kids have with parents problems and frustrating teachers. I loved the relationship between the main characters, and all the adventures and inside jokes, but also the problem solving they must do as they navigate a new world inside the mural. I loved that the main problem the main character needed to solve was confronting his own fears and accepting reality. It's a timely message for kids who want to disappear into the internet or be angry and not resolve their feelings about their life. I could tell the author knew all about the conflicting feelings of parents getting divorced and of falling behind in school. It was fun to imagine a world where you could draw anything into reality. We had fun imagining what our dream world would be like, and would it actually be the best? Great middle grade read with depth and imagination.

[Natelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy isn't happy with his life. His parents aren't together anymore. He is falling behind in school. He can't work up the courage to talk to the girl he likes. Luckily, he has begun a mural of his ideal kingdom to take him away from all of that. Then he gets trapped in the kingdom he painted and must face his biggest nightmare to get out.

Though this book is written more toward teenagers, I found it quite entertaining. I even appreciated the life lesson laced through the overall storyline. And I see that she is working on a book about cake, so I might have another fun, clean read soon.

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun, cute read with a great message.