Upside Down Magic Comprehension Questions

a kitten

black

in her family’s garage

she would finally take the entrance exam for Sage Academy

to start fifth grade at Sage Academy in the fall, and because her family members attended the school

her magic was strong, but there was no doubt about that

Sage Academy

Half-kitten, half-beaver creature

Destructive behavior, damaging her father's belongings

Nory's brother, Hawthorn

Controlling her human mind and transforming into a normal animal

Dalia, another Horace sibling

Hawthorn and Dalia

not to lick or eat anything

Lacey

Flicker and Flare

the toad

the Flyer test

Pokey, a silver unicorn.

Convince Pokey to nibble them from her hand.

Nory kept trying to convince Pokey to eat the mushrooms, despite Mr. Puthoor's weariness.

Pokey reared onto her hind legs, bolted, galloped around the stage, and then disappeared.

Unicorns do not like mushrooms and are skittish around most humans.

Nory tried to coax Pokey with words and gestures, asking her to be a brave unicorn and eat the mushrooms.

Nory is a Fluxer with the ability to transform into various animals, but her transformations often go awry and cause chaos.

Hawthorn covers for Nory by taking the blame for the chaos caused by her magic.

Nory feels guilty about the trouble her magic causes and considers confessing to her father, but Hawthorn advises her to keep the truth hidden to avoid his anger.

Nory's father is a powerful Flicker and he avoids discussing Nory's magical issues, often using his abilities to avoid difficult conversations.

Hawthorn uses his fire talent to prepare food, and Nory receives advice for her upcoming Big Test related to magic from him and Dalia, indicating a mix of magical abilities and family support.

The text explores themes of guilt, responsibility, and the complexities of family relationships in the context of magical abilities.

Sage Academy

Lacey

Flicker and Flare

toad

Flyer test

Nory enters with her father and is tested for different magical abilities

The Big Test is significant because passing it would allow Nory to attend Sage Academy in the fall, where her father is the headmaster, and her brother and sister already attend.

Nory was hiding in case something went wrong while she was trying to master turning herself into a kitten, as she didn't want anyone to see. She was preparing for the Big Test the next day.

Nory's magical ability is significant because she needs to master it for the Big Test at Sage Academy, which is known for only accepting students with amazing talents.

If Nory fails the Big Test, she won't be able to attend Sage Academy in the fall, as she didn't apply to any other schools. This adds pressure for her to succeed.

Nory's family background, with her father as the headmaster and her siblings attending Sage Academy, adds to the pressure she feels to pass the Big Test and attend the prestigious magic school.

Nory's queasiness reflects her anxiety and nervousness about the upcoming Big Test, despite her strong magical abilities.

Mr. Puthoor said wearily, but Nory kept trying.

Nory scooped up the mushrooms and tried to persuade Pokey to eat them.

Pokey whinnied, stepped away, reared onto her hind legs, and bolted.

Pokey stepped back, reared onto her hind legs, and bolted away.

Mr. Puthoor summoned a silver unicorn, Pokey, to the stage.

Mr. Puthoor asked Nory to convince Pokey to nibble the mushrooms from her hand.

Nory is a Fluxer with the ability to transform into various animals, but her transformations often go awry and cause chaos.

Nory's family dynamics involve a complicated web of secrets, cover-ups, and unspoken tensions due to Nory's uncontrollable magic and her father's avoidance of the issue.

The text explores themes of guilt, responsibility, and the complexities of family relationships in the context of magical abilities.

Hawthorn, Nory's brother, covers for her by taking the blame for the chaos caused by her magic, and advises her to keep the truth hidden to avoid their father's anger.

Nory's father is a powerful Flicker and he is strict, avoids discussing Nory's magical issues, and often uses his abilities to avoid difficult conversations.

Nory's father holds Dalia responsible for the mess caused by her pets, particularly the rabbits, and instructs her to discipline them and secure their pen.

Nory attempts to transform into a black kitten but ends up as a half-kitten, half-beaver creature. Hawthorn discovers her and reprimands her for losing control and mixing up her animal parts.

Beaver-Kitten-Nory's urge to chew on wood leads to damaging her father's belongings. After changing back to her human form, Nory helps Hawthorn clean up the mess, and Hawthorn orders new books and calls a carpenter to repair the damaged furniture.

Nory explains that she was practicing being a kitten as instructed, but the beaver part unexpectedly took over. Hawthorn criticizes Nory for losing control and suggests blaming Dalia's rabbits for the incident.

Nory's brother mentions Dalia, implying that she may have contributed to Nory's trouble. This dynamic adds complexity to Nory's struggle with her magical abilities and family dynamics.

Hawthorn emphasizes the importance of controlling her human mind and transforming into a normal animal. This reveals Hawthorn's role as a supportive but strict sibling in guiding Nory to manage her magical abilities.

Nory's magical mishap and the subsequent interactions with her siblings, particularly Hawthorn and mentions of Dalia, highlight the impact of family dynamics on her magical struggles, adding depth to the narrative.

Nory initially mistakes Pepper for being the large, thuggish one. She realizes that the girl with the lemon drops, not the boy, is Pepper the Fierce.

Nory experiences a transformation into a bitten, where she exhibits beaver-like behavior. She reacts with shock and disbelief.

During her brief time as a bitten, Nory chews up one of Ms. Starr's paperbacks, knocks over the sunflowers on her desk, and runs around the classroom. She snaps out of it when she tries to gnaw on Ms. Starr's chair leg and the metal taste brings her back to her normal self.

The other characters express shock and disbelief at Nory's transformation. They comment on the creature's beaver-like teeth and small size.

Nory hopes that her transformation is just a bad dream. As she reflects on the situation, she feels a sense of disbelief and unease.

Nory's transformation into a bitten reveals her uncontrollable magical abilities and the potential challenges she may face in controlling her magic at the academy.

Lacey tells Elliott that he needs to leave and that he's embarrassing himself, causing his friends to turn against him.

The group calls themselves the Sparkies and they treat Elliott poorly, eventually telling him to leave and embarrassing him.

Elliott turns to Rune for support, showing his vulnerability and desire for acceptance, which highlights his sensitive nature.

They reveal that they have been trying to avoid Elliott and eventually admit to trying to ditch him all summer, exposing their lack of consideration for his feelings.

Lacey tells Elliott that he's embarrassing himself without even realizing it, causing him to feel ashamed and uncomfortable.

Elliott's dimming smile and search for support from Rune demonstrate his hurt and vulnerability, highlighting the imbalance in their friendship dynamics.

Ms. Starr's approach creates a nurturing environment where students feel accepted and valued despite their unconventional abilities, fostering a sense of belonging and self-confidence.

The encounter triggers memories and tension for Nory, revealing the complexities of her past experiences and relationships, adding depth to her character.

Bax's journey showcases the struggle of embracing one's distinct talents and the unexpected nature of personal growth, highlighting the theme of self-acceptance and resilience.

The diverse talents highlight the individuality of each character and emphasize the theme of embracing differences and overcoming obstacles, adding depth to the narrative.

Their shared trait reflects their idiosyncrasies and establishes a bond between them, illustrating the theme of finding common ground and forming connections despite unconventional habits.

The school setting serves as a microcosm of society, enabling the exploration of relationships, acceptance, and the complexities of individuals with extraordinary abilities within a relatable environment.

Ms. Starr encourages the students to embrace their differences, discourages derogatory terms, and offers to help them understand and manage their magic.

Sebastian demonstrates his ability to see sound waves, causing amusement and skepticism from his classmates.

Ms. Starr's positive attitude and encouragement create a supportive environment for the students.

Nory, feeling ashamed, accidentally demonstrates her magic, drawing attention to herself, and feeling downhearted about her abilities.

Bax shows rudeness towards Sebastian, leaving Nory feeling downhearted.

Elliott accidentally freezes water, showcasing his unusual magic, and Ms. Starr encourages the students to embrace such differences.

Nory's classmates include Andres, who can float but fears going outside without his sister's guidance, Pepper, who has the power to transform people into animals but cannot control it, and Marigold, who can shrink objects but struggles to reverse the effect and hopes to improve her control over it.

The students' magical abilities are referred to as 'Flux' and 'Flare' based on their unique characteristics.

Ms. Starr is supportive and encourages the students to embrace and work on their magical abilities, aiming to guide them in developing their skills.

The students demonstrate their magical abilities in front of the class, highlighting their challenges and hopes for improvement. The purpose is to showcase their struggles and aspirations as they navigate their magical education.

The school setting is designed to help the students understand and harness their unique magical abilities, providing a supportive environment for them to develop their skills.

Bax is a rude boy who refuses to demonstrate his magical ability, displaying reluctance or defiance towards showcasing his powers.

Aunt Margo's message prompted Hawthorn and Dalia to sneak a call to Nory, indicating that something urgent or concerning had occurred.

They propose that Nory gets control of her magical abilities to avoid causing chaos and prove she can attend a regular class, ultimately aiming to reapply to Sage Academy.

Nory reacts with skepticism and disbelief, showing her resilience and determination to make the best of her situation despite the challenges she faces.

The conversation implies that their father has significant authority over Nory's magical education and future, making it difficult for Hawthorn and Dalia to convince him to allow Nory back.

Dalia's panicked reaction suggests that they are not supposed to be speaking with Nory and that their father's discovery of the call could lead to consequences for them.

Nory refrains from expressing her frustration and disappointment, choosing instead to make the best of the situation and maintain a positive demeanor to avoid risking the call being cut off.

Skunkephant-Nory is a character who accidentally transforms into a skunk-elephant hybrid and sprays the cafeteria, causing chaos and sending the Sparkies to the medical office.

Nory turns human again, runs to the supply closet, and hides, feeling mad, embarrassed, and sorry.

Nory takes a deep breath and walks out to recess alone, knowing she will have to face everybody eventually.

The recess area has a swing set, a big climbing structure, a basketball court where Flyers play fly-ball, and a grassy area where Fluxers turn into kittens and chase each other around.

Nory walks out to recess alone and faces the aftermath of the chaos in the cafeteria.

In the grassy area nearby, Fluxers turn into kittens and chase one another around.

Nory faces exclusion and harsh comments from both magical and non-magical kids at her school.

Nory's aunt, Margo, offers pizza for dinner, a departure from their usual nutritious meals.

The environment at Margo's house lacks personal touches, indicating her solitary lifestyle.

The interaction ends on a lighter note, showing a potential for a positive relationship between Nory and Margo.

Margo's job as a taxi driver and her focus on practical matters are evident in her living space.

Margo finally notices Nory's distress and offers her support and understanding.

Figs, a Fluxer

Nory receives a call from her siblings, Dalia and Hawthorn, and she is concerned about missing her father's call while they are out

Headstands

Upside-Down magic

Being away from home and her family, who seem to be avoiding her calls

Figs transforms from a large dog into a human and takes them out for lunch

Aunt Margo serves as a source of comfort and understanding for Nory, offering to take her for a fly as a symbol of solace and connection, providing Nory with a moment of relief and understanding amidst her struggles.

The creative activities at school help the class connect with their emotions and understand Upside-Down Magic, as showcased by Bax transforming into a rock and the interpretive dance exercise led by Ms. Starr, reflecting the challenges and unique experiences of the students in navigating their magical abilities and emotions.

Nory's sense of isolation and ostracization remains persistent despite her attempts to apologize to Elliott and the mishaps of her classmates, highlighting her ongoing challenges with acceptance and understanding in the Upside-Down Magic class, setting the stage for her continued struggle to overcome obstacles in her magical education.

The story explores the challenges and unique experiences of the students in the Upside-Down Magic class through the diverse and unusual talents showcased, reflecting the thematic exploration of acceptance, understanding, and navigating their magical abilities within a school setting.

Nory's ongoing challenges with acceptance and understanding in the Upside-Down Magic class contribute to her character development and resilience, highlighting her determination to overcome obstacles and find a sense of belonging despite facing rejection and isolation.

The narrative portrays Nory's journey to overcome the obstacles she faces in her magical education, emphasizing the significance of her struggles as a central theme within the Upside-Down Magic series, showcasing her resilience and determination to navigate her unique magical abilities and find acceptance.

Throckmorton advised that to do normal magic, one should 'box in' the tiny regular part of their wonky talent and build a safe place inside the unruly jungle of their talent, which is the box of normal.

Nory successfully transforms into a kitten.

Andres floats like a balloon, indicating his own magical abilities.

The text includes themes of friendship, support, and personal growth through overcoming challenges.

The story highlights the challenges and successes of using and controlling magical abilities.

Nory visualizes using a box of normal to control her magic.

The book aims to help Nory and Elliott with their magic.

The trust exercise involved students, including Nory and Elliott, participating in an activity where they expressed their fears while engaging with whipped cream and cherries. This exercise served as a teachable moment for the class, promoting understanding and empathy for each other's fears, and fostering a sense of community and vulnerability within the group.

Nory and Elliott used the exercise as an opportunity to work on their 'box of normal' skills to leave the UDM class. They also showcased their magical abilities during the exercise, drawing attention from their classmates.

During the exercise, each student shared their fear, ranging from worms and heights to clowns and sledgehammers.

Bax, initially hesitant, eventually admitted his fear of sledgehammers, contributing to the teachable moment for the class as they learned to understand and empathize with each other's fears.

Nory and Elliott's attempt to use the exercise to leave the UDM class was temporarily overshadowed by the trust-building discussion that emerged during the exercise.

The exercise highlighted the students' diverse fears and the importance of trust and understanding within the class, demonstrating the complexity of the students' relationships, their struggles, and their ability to support each other through their fears.

Nory feels conflicted about leaving the Upside-Down Magic class, transforms into a black kitten, and successfully resists the temptation to chase a mouse and a butterfly. Principal Gonzalez commends her performance. Elliott turns a marshmallow into a perfect one, garnering praise from Principal Gonzalez. Both Nory and Elliott reflect on their experiences and express relief about not having to use their unique magic abilities again.

Nory feels conflicted about leaving the Upside-Down Magic class and her friends, but Principal Gonzalez commends her performance after she successfully transforms into a black kitten and resists the temptation to chase a mouse and a butterfly.

Principal Gonzalez promises to provide an answer by the end of the day regarding Nory's request to switch to normal magic classes.

Nory and Elliott express relief about not having to use their unique magic abilities again, despite Nory feeling a sense of loss about leaving behind her unique magic.

Nory decides to switch to normal magic classes, but she feels a sense of loss about leaving behind her unique magic, despite her decision.

Nory transforms into a black kitten and successfully resists the temptation to chase a mouse and a butterfly, while Elliott turns a marshmallow into a perfect one. Principal Gonzalez commends both of their performances.

They were guided through a 'centering' activity where they were supposed to balance on their right legs and lean forward, their arms outstretched like wings. Elliott faced difficulty in staying centered and kept toppling over.

Nory told Elliott not to worry about it and that they wouldn't have to do centering exercises when they got to the regular class. However, Bax intervened by telling Elliott to pinch his earlobe.

Elliott responded with confusion, saying 'Huh' when Bax told him to pinch his earlobe.

Sebastian cried during the music class and shielded his eyes with his hands, expressing his discomfort with the off-key singing.

Nory noticed that as the rest of the class got better and Elliott didn't, it started to bother him.

Initially, Elliott laughed it off, but as it continued to bother him, Nory hopped over on her right leg and told him not to worry about it.

Elliott struggled with the 'centering' activity, and it bothered him as the rest of the class got better and he didn't.

Ms. Starr guided the students through a 'centering' activity, and Elliott struggled with it and toppled over time after time.

Nory and the UDM students expressed their feelings through interpretive dance and studied math and geography.

Bax advised Elliott to pinch his earlobe.

Nory thought there might be some things she’d miss once she got transferred out of the UDM class because of the experiences and dynamics of the class.

Sebastian cried during music class, and Andres stuck out his tongue at him.

She wonders if there were things Elliott might miss about UDM.

He handed the leash to Nory and dashed down the hill toward Zinnia, Lacey, and Rune.

The Sparkies.

Toward Zinnia, Lacey, and Rune, who were clustered by the woody area near the yard boundary.

To wait because Principal Gonzalez hadn't told them officially yet.

Bax revealed that his mom makes him go to yoga class with her.

Nory receives a call from Dalia and Hawthorn, who inquire about her test results. Nory reveals that she failed the test and has to stay in UDM. She feels hurt and disappointed by the news.

Nory misses her home, family, and familiar surroundings, but she also appreciates the support and understanding she receives at UDM. She feels conflicted about wanting to go home while also enjoying her time at UDM.

Nory receives support from Aunt Margo, who accepts her for who she is, and from other individuals who care for her. This support makes Nory hesitant about leaving UDM despite her desire to go home.

Nory's response shows her determination to succeed despite the initial failure. She also struggles emotionally with the conflicting desires to go home and to stay at UDM.

Nory misses her family, her room, the big house, and the green lawns of her old hometown. This contrasts with her current environment at UDM, where she receives acceptance, support, and unique experiences.

Nory's conversation reflects her internal conflict between wanting to go home and embracing the support and understanding she receives at UDM. It also shows her emotional growth as she navigates her feelings and decisions.

Nory transforms into an Enormous-Bluebird-Nory to save her friend Andres, showcasing her exceptional magical abilities.

Lacey accidentally sets fire to Andres' leash, endangering his life and causing chaos. Principal Gonzalez confronts Lacey about her reckless use of magic and emphasizes the importance of responsible magic use.

The text highlights the challenges and dangers of uncontrolled magic within the UDM class, emphasizing the need for responsibility and discipline.

The characters' magical abilities and their consequences drive the plot, showcasing the complexities of magic within the story.

The narrative underscores the importance of understanding, nurturing, and responsibly utilizing one's unique magical abilities.

Nory, a magical girl, struggles to grow and control her unique magic, but eventually learns to understand and nurture her inner magic.

Lacey insults the UDM kids and provokes Andres, leading to his leash catching fire. The UDM kids struggle to extinguish the flames, fearing that Andres will float away.

Nory decides to use her unique ability to transform into a bird to rescue Andres. She successfully transforms into a bird and flies to save Andres from floating away, highlighting her bravery and quick thinking.

The story emphasizes the theme of standing up to bullies and embracing one's differences. This is highlighted through the UDM kids intervening to protect Elliott from the Sparkies' bullying, and Nory using her unique ability to rescue Andres, showcasing their courage and acceptance of their unique talents.

Elliott freezes the leash to stop the fire, but it unexpectedly snaps, causing Andres to rise uncontrollably.

The UDM kids witness Nory's ability to transform and successfully rescue Andres. This highlights their unique abilities and the challenges they face, deepening their understanding and appreciation of each other's talents.

Sebastian runs for help as Andres ascends rapidly, highlighting his quick thinking and concern for his friends' safety.

Principal Gonzalez decides that Nory and Elliott belong in Ms. Starr's Upside-Down Magic class due to their unique magical abilities.

Nory feels disappointed about not testing for Sage Academy, while Elliott feels uncertain about his place.

Marigold interrupts their conversation to inform them about an ice cream treat and Bax returning to human form, leading to a light-hearted moment.

A week later, the group of friends enjoys a picnic in Aunt Margo's backyard, showcasing their magical abilities and welcoming Pepper, a new character.

Figs is shown to have a fear of Pepper's magical abilities, revealing Figs' apprehension towards certain magical abilities.

Margo receives a phone call that leads to a significant reaction from Nory, hinting at potential future developments in the story.

Elliott hands over Andres' leash to Nory and leaves to share the good news with the Sparkies, despite the official announcement not being made. Nory is concerned because Principal Gonzalez hasn't officially informed them yet.

Nory is concerned because Principal Gonzalez hasn't officially informed them about the news and feels it's premature to share it with the Sparkies.

Nory feels uneasy and hesitant about Elliott sharing the news with the Sparkies, considering the official announcement hasn't been made yet.

Nory wonders if there are things Elliott might miss about UDM and decides not to ask him.

Nory wonders if there were things Elliott might miss about UDM, but decides not to ask him.

Nory feels hesitant and concerned about Elliott's decision to share the news with the Sparkies before the official announcement.

Nory has a significant reaction to the phone call Margo receives, hinting at potential future developments in the story.

Pepper, a new character, is introduced during the picnic in Aunt Margo's backyard.

Figs is shown to have a fear of Pepper's magical abilities.

The interruption by Marigold during Nory and Elliott's conversation leads to an ice cream treat and Bax returning to human form.

Principal Gonzalez decides that Nory and Elliott belong in Ms. Starr's Upside-Down Magic class due to their unique magical abilities.

Nory feels disappointed about not testing for Sage Academy, while Elliott feels uncertain about his place after the news about their placement in the Upside-Down Magic class.

They notice the Sparkies behaving menacingly towards Elliott.

The UDM kids intervene to protect Elliott from the Sparkies' bullying.

Lacey insults the UDM kids and provokes Andres, leading to his leash catching fire.

Nory decides to use her unique ability to transform into a bird to rescue Andres.

The incident highlights the UDM kids' unique abilities and the challenges they face.

The story emphasizes the theme of standing up to bullies and embracing one's differences.

Dalia and Hawthorn called Nory on the phone and asked about her test and if she passed.

Nory felt hurt because the test had been last week, and Dalia and Hawthorn were just calling her now.

Nory revealed that she failed the test and had to stay in UDM.

Hawthorn suggested that Nory should practice harder, longer, and better to try again.

Nory missed her room, her big house, the pretty green lawns of her old hometown, and her family.

Nory felt conflicted because she had Aunt Margo, who liked her just the way she was, and because she had support and understanding at UDM.

Nory's transformation showcases her exceptional magical abilities and her willingness to use her unique magic to save her friend, demonstrating her growth in understanding and nurturing her inner magic.

Lacey's accidental fire endangers Andres' life and causes chaos, leading Principal Gonzalez to confront her about the potential consequences of her actions, highlighting the dangers of uncontrolled magic and emphasizing the need for responsibility and discipline.

Principal Gonzalez's intervention emphasizes the importance of responsible magic use and the potential severity of the situation, highlighting the challenges and dangers of uncontrolled magic within the UDM class and emphasizing the need for responsibility and discipline.

The narrative emphasizes the need for understanding, nurturing, and responsibly utilizing one's unique magical abilities through the characters' experiences and the challenges and dangers of uncontrolled magic within the UDM class, showcasing the complexities of magic within the story.

The characters' magical abilities and their consequences drive the plot, showcasing the complexities of magic and emphasizing the challenges and dangers of uncontrolled magic within the UDM class, contributing to the thematic exploration of magic in the story.

The text highlights the challenges and dangers of uncontrolled magic within the UDM class, emphasizing the need for responsibility and discipline through the characters' experiences and the consequences of their magical abilities.

Enormous-Bluebird-Nory

Rope-Bax

She accidentally sets fire to Andres' leash, endangering his life and causing chaos

Principal Gonzalez

Understanding, nurturing, and responsibly utilizing one's unique magical abilities

The characters' magical abilities and their consequences