Denver Arts & Venues has announced the 2020 Youth One Book, One Denver selection, bringing back a favorite from years past. “Upside-Down Magic” by authors Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins, chronicles the misadventures of nine-year-old Nory and her oddball friends, who prove that upside-down magic definitely beats right side up. The book also reinforces that not only is it okay to be different, but that we can also celebrate those differences.
“Upside-Down Magic” is the first book in its series, and is the basis for a movie premiering on Disney Channel on Friday, July 31. Here’s a preview of the movie trailer.
Now in its ninth year, the Youth One Book, One Denver summer reading program, which runs through August, offers children ages 9 to 12 a shared reading experience along with fun and educational programming to help combat summer learning loss with events and activities tied to the book’s themes.
Denver Arts & Venues has worked with educators to create self-directed activities found in the free, downloadable activity guide available at ArtsandVenues.com/YOBOD. Activities are based on “Upside-Down Magic” and range from science and technology, to theatre and art, to mindfulness, meditation and yoga.
Denver Arts & Venues is partnering with several local organizations including:
- Boys & Girls Clubs
- CherryArts
- Denver Parks & Recreation
- Denver Public Library
- Extended Learning and Community Schools
- Heart and Hand
- YMCA
Students involved with summer programs through Boys & Girls Clubs, Denver Parks & Recreation, Heart and Hand, YMCA and Extended Learning and Community Schools will have opportunities for educator-led activities based on the novel.
Youth participating in summer partner programs will also receive a FREE copy of this year’s selection and an activity guide. CherryArts will be distributing books, activity guides and Art Kits with contributions from Denver Theatre District’s Understudy, La Napoule Art Foundation and MCA Denver at select Denver Public Schools Grab and Go food sites on Friday, July 24.
Mlynowski, Myracle and Jenkins will present a virtual author-led discussion in late July.
Families can also pick up a copy of the book at local bookstores or Denver Public Library branches, and download a free copy of the activity guide online here.
“Upside-Down Magic” was also a YOBOD selection in 2017.
For more information, visit ArtsandVenues.com/YOBOD.