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Cover of The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia (An Illustrated Novel)

The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia (An Illustrated Novel)

Leia Ham (2026-05-05)

Subgenre
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age10

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Chronic Illness

Hero archetypes

Outcast / Loner

Synopsis

With atmospheric illustrations full of warmth, adventure, and friendship on every page, The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia is an unforgettable magical school story. To Sparrow Xia, power feels like fire; red-hot sparks dancing along her fingertips, or the blazing flames her brother wields. In a world where kids have magic and adults don't, being a super-rare fire mage should give her the edge she needs to make the most of her magical years. But Sparrow feels like a fraud--for all its rarity, her fire-magic is so weak she can barely conjure more than a match flame. Starting school at Zenith Academy for Magical Development is her one chance to finally strengthen her magic--to turn her pitiful match flame into something powerful. Something special. While Sparrow battles to master her talents, a strange illness begins to seep into the school, draining students of their magic. When Sparrow and her new friends are drawn into the search for a cure, they'll soon find that when magic means everything, some people will go to terrifying lengths to try to keep it . . . With exciting, atmospheric illustrations on every page, The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia is the beginning of an unforgettable adventure overflowing with friendship, mystery, and the truth that magic is everywhere.

Is The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia (An Illustrated Novel) appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

A heartwarming magical school adventure with mild peril as students investigate a mysterious illness draining magic. Features themes of self-worth, friendship, and hidden potential with atmospheric illustrations throughout.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include chronic illness.

Who'll love this

Kids will love following Sparrow and her friends as they solve mysteries at a magical school while she learns her seemingly weak fire magic might be more special than she thought.

Tags

Illustrated NovelContemporary FantasyMysterySchool Story