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Unabridged Digital Audiobook
Runtime: 3 hours, 12 minutes
Read by Rebecca Soler
In the Upside-Down Magic series by authors Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins, the fifth-graders in a class full of students with unusual magical powers work together to overcome their challenges and feel better about their differences. But in the audio edition of the fifth book in the series, Weather or Not, a division grows within the class.
The story catches up with Nory Horace and the rest of the Upside-Down Magic class as they team up for a project about an important member of the town of Dunwiddle’s history. But Nory is anything but thrilled to be paired with Willa, whose different magical abilities mean that she makes it rain—indoors—whenever she’s upset. Willa is ashamed of her wonky magic, and Nory is frustrated by the likelihood that their project will be destroyed by an indoor rain shower. But they have no choice but to work together.
The Upside-Down Magic series has never been an especially light and fluffy series. In fact, it tends to tackle some pretty heavy and heartbreaking topics. But this installment seems to take an even darker tone than usual.
Typically, each book divides its attention between Nory and one of her classmates—but while Nory still plays an important role in this story, Willa takes center stage. Like most of the kids in her class, Willa is frustrated by her magic—and her friends and family (especially her sister) certainly don’t help. She’s a sad little girl, and readers will feel the weight of everyone’s disappointment in Willa—even though she’s trying as hard as she can to learn to control her magic.
Everything comes to a head when she’s paired with Nory. Not only do the two disagree about the project and their magical abilities, but they’re also fighting for the attention of their friend and classmate, Elliot. And instead of being a loyal friend who’s eager to help those who, like her, struggle to control their magic, Nory is bossy and mean, which feels totally out of character. Of course, in the end, everything comes together—but it just takes a lot of bickering and hurt feelings to get there.
The Upside-Down Magic series definitely doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics. It’s not always happy-go-lucky and light on conflict. But Weather or Not seems even heavier than usual. And while young readers will still enjoy the kids’ magical adventures, the overall tone of the book may leave them feeling a little down.
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