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Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic
When you've dreamed of getting into the Seven Schools of Magic your whole life, what do you do when it turns out to be the worst thing ever? This heartwarming graphic novel adventure is perfect for fans of Harry Potter, The Okay Witch, and City of Dragons!
For all of her twelve years, Jupiter Nettle has wanted to attend one of the Seven Schools of Magic. When she finally gets the call to take the entrance exam, she shocks everyone with her magic skills . . . but not in the way she'd hoped. Failing spectacularly in one test after another, Jupiter goes home dejected and confused. What will she do now?
That night, Jupiter gets an unexpected visitor and, amazingly, another chance at the Seven Schools! But learning magic isn't what she expected it to be . . . the School of Earth Magic is looked down upon by others, it doesn't involve cool spells, and her teacher, Professor Grim, certainly lives up to his name. Jupiter works hard, but the doubts in her mind shake her confidence until she's ready to give up. Then an age-old enemy returns to exact revenge on the Seven Schools, leaving Jupiter to finally find the courage and magic that's been within her all along.
This inclusive, beautifully illustrated graphic novel from the author of Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom is packed with action, heart, and plenty of magic.
For all of her twelve years, Jupiter Nettle has wanted to attend one of the Seven Schools of Magic. When she finally gets the call to take the entrance exam, she shocks everyone with her magic skills . . . but not in the way she'd hoped. Failing spectacularly in one test after another, Jupiter goes home dejected and confused. What will she do now?
That night, Jupiter gets an unexpected visitor and, amazingly, another chance at the Seven Schools! But learning magic isn't what she expected it to be . . . the School of Earth Magic is looked down upon by others, it doesn't involve cool spells, and her teacher, Professor Grim, certainly lives up to his name. Jupiter works hard, but the doubts in her mind shake her confidence until she's ready to give up. Then an age-old enemy returns to exact revenge on the Seven Schools, leaving Jupiter to finally find the courage and magic that's been within her all along.
This inclusive, beautifully illustrated graphic novel from the author of Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom is packed with action, heart, and plenty of magic.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published June 11, 2024
About the author
Sangu Mandanna
20 books3,702 followersSangu Mandanna was four years old when an elephant chased her down a forest road and she decided to write her first story about it. Seventeen years and many, many manuscripts later, she signed her first book deal. Sangu now lives in Norwich, a city in the east of England, with her husband and kids.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 14, 2024
I want this to be a cozy game so badly!!!
January 6, 2024
You need this delightfully charming graphic novel in your life. It's cozy, magical, and perfect for when you want to be swept away into a story. I read it in a single sitting and cherished every second I got to spend with Jupiter and the rest of the crew!
June 23, 2024
Jupiter wants to get into the Seven Schools of Magic. She has wanted that for as long as she can remember. But when she takes the entrance test they dismiss her before she has even completed all the experiments. The only school that offers her a seat is the School of Earth Magic, and no one has accepted a seat there in at least five years. But she takes it to just get in.
The other kids look down on her. But she does her best, which is all she can do after all. And she is good with animals and plants. She even helps to hatch a dragon egg.
And in doing so, she helps save the school when things go badly.
I loved this story. I’m always for the underdog, of course, and Jupiter is so sad about how she is treated that she gives up, at some point. I’m sure we have been there, when things feel hopeless. Jupiter is a sweet character though, and does know her stuff, in the end.
I think this is a good story for kids to read, where bullies don’t always win, and sometimes knowing mundane things, like growing plants and taking care of animals is enough.
The other kids look down on her. But she does her best, which is all she can do after all. And she is good with animals and plants. She even helps to hatch a dragon egg.
And in doing so, she helps save the school when things go badly.
I loved this story. I’m always for the underdog, of course, and Jupiter is so sad about how she is treated that she gives up, at some point. I’m sure we have been there, when things feel hopeless. Jupiter is a sweet character though, and does know her stuff, in the end.
I think this is a good story for kids to read, where bullies don’t always win, and sometimes knowing mundane things, like growing plants and taking care of animals is enough.
February 21, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this colorful graphic novel, Jupiter desperately wants to attend the Seven Schools of Magic, preferably as a spellcasting student, but can't manage to get in. She despairs until an opportunity is presented to her to attend the school of Earth magic by Professor Grim. He hasn't had any students for years, because no one regards his area as "real magic". Jupiter packs up and heads to school with her talking cat Lilith, but soon experiences negativity about her field from other students. It doesn't help that Prof. Grim doesn't give her much direction, the work is hard and dirty, and she is derided by Davey and other students, who claim that she is only there supporting the magic that others do by picking up unicorn poop and growing plants for spells. She does make a friend in Pipette after helping her get items for her potions, and helps raise a small dragon, Sizzle. When the teasing escalates, Jupiter gives up and goes home, and neither Lilith not her parents are able to convince her to return. When she gets a communication that the White Wizard has returned and plans to take over the school and cause harm, she goes back to school on a dragon. The ghost population of the school tells her what is going on, and that her nemesis Davey was the one who removed the wards from the school, letting evil in. The students and professors have all been captured and are being held in the forest by the White Wizard's army of animated puppets. Luckily, Pipette missed breakfast, and is willing to help her friend. Will Jupiter's Earth magic be strong enough to save the day?
Strengths: The world needs people to pick up unicorn poop. This is my main take away, and may well become my mantra. Just because a job isn't glamorous doesn't mean it has no value. Jupiter is an engaging character who will appeal to children who feel that they are not a good fit for their own world. She is good at what she does; she works with an abused unicorn, Dagger, so that he becomes a productive and helpful member of the school, she raises Sizzle well, and she is a tireless worker who provides real value to her school. We have tantalizing glimpses of the other magic in the Seven Schools, and further adventures could cover those more fully. I imagine that everyone will want to work with Jupiter now! Lilith was a fun, snarky familiar; I would imagine most of my students would love to have their cats talk to them, as well as be able to raise their own dragon, like in Durst's Spark. This will be a very popular graphic novel with fantasy fans in elementary and middle schools.
Weaknesses: Young readers will not have read as many fantasy books as I have, so won't mind yet another story where a misfit student realizes the value of her own magic after being bullied by her peers and saves the world from devastation, but I'd like to see something different for a change. Ooh. The misfit student could turn evil and take over the school and bend everyone to her will. That would be new. (I'm a little vindictive, I guess!)
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like magical academy stories like Sanders' Keynan Masters and the Peerless Magic Crew, Elle's Park Row Magic Academy, or Okogwu's Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun. There are not as many graphic novels set in these schools so fans of Fernández's ¡¡Manu!! and Escabasse's Witches of Brooklyn will be especially pleased to see this one.
In this colorful graphic novel, Jupiter desperately wants to attend the Seven Schools of Magic, preferably as a spellcasting student, but can't manage to get in. She despairs until an opportunity is presented to her to attend the school of Earth magic by Professor Grim. He hasn't had any students for years, because no one regards his area as "real magic". Jupiter packs up and heads to school with her talking cat Lilith, but soon experiences negativity about her field from other students. It doesn't help that Prof. Grim doesn't give her much direction, the work is hard and dirty, and she is derided by Davey and other students, who claim that she is only there supporting the magic that others do by picking up unicorn poop and growing plants for spells. She does make a friend in Pipette after helping her get items for her potions, and helps raise a small dragon, Sizzle. When the teasing escalates, Jupiter gives up and goes home, and neither Lilith not her parents are able to convince her to return. When she gets a communication that the White Wizard has returned and plans to take over the school and cause harm, she goes back to school on a dragon. The ghost population of the school tells her what is going on, and that her nemesis Davey was the one who removed the wards from the school, letting evil in. The students and professors have all been captured and are being held in the forest by the White Wizard's army of animated puppets. Luckily, Pipette missed breakfast, and is willing to help her friend. Will Jupiter's Earth magic be strong enough to save the day?
Strengths: The world needs people to pick up unicorn poop. This is my main take away, and may well become my mantra. Just because a job isn't glamorous doesn't mean it has no value. Jupiter is an engaging character who will appeal to children who feel that they are not a good fit for their own world. She is good at what she does; she works with an abused unicorn, Dagger, so that he becomes a productive and helpful member of the school, she raises Sizzle well, and she is a tireless worker who provides real value to her school. We have tantalizing glimpses of the other magic in the Seven Schools, and further adventures could cover those more fully. I imagine that everyone will want to work with Jupiter now! Lilith was a fun, snarky familiar; I would imagine most of my students would love to have their cats talk to them, as well as be able to raise their own dragon, like in Durst's Spark. This will be a very popular graphic novel with fantasy fans in elementary and middle schools.
Weaknesses: Young readers will not have read as many fantasy books as I have, so won't mind yet another story where a misfit student realizes the value of her own magic after being bullied by her peers and saves the world from devastation, but I'd like to see something different for a change. Ooh. The misfit student could turn evil and take over the school and bend everyone to her will. That would be new. (I'm a little vindictive, I guess!)
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like magical academy stories like Sanders' Keynan Masters and the Peerless Magic Crew, Elle's Park Row Magic Academy, or Okogwu's Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun. There are not as many graphic novels set in these schools so fans of Fernández's ¡¡Manu!! and Escabasse's Witches of Brooklyn will be especially pleased to see this one.
July 5, 2024
In JUPITER NETTLE AND THE SEVEN SCHOOLS OF MAGIC, Jupiter has dreamed of being selected to attend the Seven Schools of Magic, but repeatedly fails the necessary exams for the different types of magic. When she’s offered admission to the School of Earth Magic, initially she declines the offer, believing that earth magic isn’t real magic like the magic taught in the other schools. Her desire to be at the school wins out and she reconsiders, becoming the first Earth mage at the school in many years. When she arrives, Jupiter gets to work with plants and animals under the supervision of the gruff Professor Grim. While she has success growing plants and even helps to hatch a dragon, bullying by another student convinces her that she doesn’t belong at the school. She returns home, but when the school is threatened by an evil mage, she may be the only one who can save it.
Jupiter is an engaging main character and readers will relate to her struggles with feeling like she fits in. Her relationship with her snarky cat companion, Lilith, is a highlight of the book. The traditional battle of good vs. evil found in most magical stories plays out here and the story wraps up super quickly, perhaps more so than I would have liked to have seen. The book did end in a way that makes me think there could be more adventures ahead at the Seven Schools of Magic—and I hope that’s the case. I think this will be a big hit with readers who enjoy fantasy stories and those who enjoy stories with a school setting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an eARC of the book with me.
Jupiter is an engaging main character and readers will relate to her struggles with feeling like she fits in. Her relationship with her snarky cat companion, Lilith, is a highlight of the book. The traditional battle of good vs. evil found in most magical stories plays out here and the story wraps up super quickly, perhaps more so than I would have liked to have seen. The book did end in a way that makes me think there could be more adventures ahead at the Seven Schools of Magic—and I hope that’s the case. I think this will be a big hit with readers who enjoy fantasy stories and those who enjoy stories with a school setting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an eARC of the book with me.
May 7, 2024
Jupiter Nettle has dreamed her whole life of using magic and joining the wizarding world. Unfortunately, it seems that she just doesn't have a connection to any of the Seven Schools of Magic. Until they learn of her amazing ability with plants and animals, and wouldn't you know, she's an Earth Mage. There hasn't been an Earth mage at the school for many years, and all the other schools think they're better than the earth school, and so Jupiter feels alone and isolated as no one interacts with her, except for her talking cat Lilith. There is a lot of build-up to the big battle, and I wish there was more to the story rather than rushing the ending. I'm not sure if Mandanna is planning on making this a series, but I hope they do. I can see the similarities between Harry Potter and this book, but I like Jupiter as a character more than I liked Harry. The art is fun and full of color, and pulls the reader along with the story. This is a fun little story and a good graphic novel for students looking for magical materials.
Copy provided by publisher and NetGalley.
Copy provided by publisher and NetGalley.
May 3, 2024
This middle grade graphic novel is adorable! I great alternative to HP.
Jupiter has always wanted to attend the Seven Schools of Magic. Unfortunately, when she tests to join the school, her magic ability is very low. However, she did pass the Earth Magic test, and the Earth Mage accepts her as his apprentice. His only apprentice. While the other schools have lots of students, she's the only Earth magic student. Other students look down on Earth magic because it doesn't require magical ability. What it does require is a lot of sweat to work with the magical creatures and garden. When a bully gets under Jupiter's skin, she leaves the school. However, it turns out the school needs her now more than ever.
I loved Jupiter as well as her cat companion. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series! (At least, I'm hoping it will be a series!)
Jupiter has always wanted to attend the Seven Schools of Magic. Unfortunately, when she tests to join the school, her magic ability is very low. However, she did pass the Earth Magic test, and the Earth Mage accepts her as his apprentice. His only apprentice. While the other schools have lots of students, she's the only Earth magic student. Other students look down on Earth magic because it doesn't require magical ability. What it does require is a lot of sweat to work with the magical creatures and garden. When a bully gets under Jupiter's skin, she leaves the school. However, it turns out the school needs her now more than ever.
I loved Jupiter as well as her cat companion. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series! (At least, I'm hoping it will be a series!)
June 24, 2024
This is such a lovely, gentle and fun MG graphic novel. My 10-year-old read it first - twice in a row, because she loved it so much! - and then she asked me to read it out loud to her so we could share it. I was so glad we did! This is a classic magic school story told well (and with a lot of humor and heart), and it's also wonderfully inclusive, with an ending I absolutely loved. My daughter and I are both hoping for sequels!
June 19, 2024
It is a cute book, with an important message. Sometimes, we think that we are not getting what we want; sometimes, we or others may find that what we do is not as important. Sometimes, we are completely wrong about that.
July 1, 2024
What a fun and cute graphic novel. Got some action, some friendship making, a sassy cat and a cute dragon. It was a quick yet heartwarming read for sure with a font size I can actually read and beautifully colourful artwork. And an excellently diverse cast of characters!
June 7, 2024
Simple story, yet cute and touching!
June 11, 2024
okay, this was the CUTEST and coziest middle grade graphic novel i've read in a long time.
similar vibes to Dhonielle Clayton's Marvellers, which is always a win!
similar vibes to Dhonielle Clayton's Marvellers, which is always a win!
June 13, 2024
Cute!
June 26, 2024
Short, cute and very wholesome.
July 6, 2024
Super cute, but a bit short.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews