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.

I received an e-galley of Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic by Sangu Mandanna and illustrated by Pablo Ballesteros from Penguin Young Readers Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a huge fan of Sangu Mandanna ever since reading her adult novel The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and so I was so intrigued when I saw that she had a middle grade graphic novel out - which is Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic. And much like the adult novel I loved, Jupiter Nettle has all the things that I loved about Sangu's writing and stories. It's filled with magic, heart, and a sense of belonging as you dive into the world that she creates through her writing. In Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic, Jupiter Nettle is so excited to finally be able to take the exams to get into the Seven Schools of Magic. Except that she fails again and again, only receiving an offer to join the School of Earth Magic - it's looked down upon by the others and not quite the magic that Jupiter wants to practice. This is a story about self discovery, courage, and strength in being unique and different. It was a wonderful story and I'm really hoping that there are more Jupiter Nettle stories in the future.

What a delightful story about a young girl who feels like she doesn't fit in her magical world, but soon learns that her own gifts are just as important as the big flashy gifts that others have. This is a super relatable story to elementary and middle schoolers and will find a happy home on my library shelves. Recommend to fantasy AND school story fans!

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.

A charming, not-too-scary fantasy graphic with the CUTEST baby dragon that ever there was. The world-building is spectacular, and the story has a cozy feel. Great for readers ready to move on from Dragon Masters and The Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly who don't want the darkness of offerings like Amulet or Wings of Fire. Secondary characters are lgbt. 8+. 3.5 stars.