Sticks and Stones

"Sticks and Stones" is the second book in the "Upside-Down Magic" series, following Nory Horace, a nine-year-old girl whose animal shape-shifting magic is wonderfully unpredictable, or as some might say, "wonky." After flunking out of her father's prestigious magic academy, Nory finds herself in a remedial class at Dunwiddle Magic School, alongside other magical misfits like Bax, who can only transform into a rock. This chapter book is a hilarious and heartwarming exploration of self-acceptance, friendship, and the power of embracing one's unique abilities. It's perfect for early to late elementary readers (ages 7-10) who enjoy fantasy, humor, and stories about finding where you belong. Parents will appreciate its positive messages about resilience and celebrating differences.

Nory, Bax, and their friends are in a special class at Dunwiddle Magic School, a class for children whose magic is unpredictable--and while Nory is finding an outlet for her dritten-self (a combination of a kitten and dragon), in the kittenball team, Bax is worried because all he can do is turn into a rock, and nobody knows why.