Sayonara Magic: Wizards in School by Amèlia Mora and Ana C. Sánchez is a lively middle-grade fantasy that blends magical mishaps with relatable school drama. Aimed at readers aged 8–12, the story follows triplets Hiro, Akira, and Naoki Tanaka, who juggle their secret magical abilities with the everyday chaos of middle school. Their father’s strict “no magic without permission” rule proves tough to follow when the siblings use spells to solve problems—like turning a cafeteria disaster into a floating food circus—only to trigger even wilder consequences. With manga-style illustrations and a fast-paced plot, the book captures the humor of sibling dynamics and the universal struggle to fit in, all while keeping readers hooked with its whimsical magical world. The graphic novel format shines here, using vibrant illustrations to break down text-heavy scenes and provide visual context for English learners. Short, snappy dialogue and uncomplicated sentences keep the story moving without overwhelming struggling readers—for example, spells are described in simple, action-oriented language like “spark-fix” or “glow-bright,” making magical vocabulary easy to grasp. Scenes where the siblings argue over who caused a magical mess (“Hiro’s fault!” “No, Akira’s!”) mirror real classroom interactions, helping students connect with the characters’ voices. The gradual introduction of Japanese cultural references, such as origami charms or festival traditions, is woven naturally into the plot, offering gentle exposure to new concepts without confusion. While the book hasn’t yet won major awards, its strength lies in how it balances laughter and heart: a subplot about Naoki hiding his magic to join the soccer team, for instance, subtly reinforces themes of self-acceptance. For educators, this is a smart pick for read-aloud sessions or small-group discussions—the illustrations invite students to predict plot twists, while the twins’ magical blunders make idioms like “backfire” or “out of the frying pan” memorable. With its mix of accessibility and imagination, Sayonara Magic turns reading practice into a shared adventure, perfect for classrooms where engagement and clarity matter most.
