By Amlia Mora Ana C Snchez Dana Guterman Levy
Magic, school, and a whole lot of chaos!
“Sayonara Magic” is a lively fantasy series that blends magical mishaps with relatable school drama. Book One, “Wizards in School”, 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. 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. 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.
