Magic Mural by JC Youngstrom

All he wanted was a break from reality. What he got was a witch for a teacher—and a lesson he can’t skip. When Andrew Abbott is finally expelled from school (Science Witch!), he and his best friend are sucked into the secret mural Andy's been escaping into for months. But if Hairy Harris thinks this is punishment, the joke is on her. This painted life is way better than his real one. He can finally impress his crush, his parents love having him around, and his teacher? Sweet revenge has never been better. Andy soon comes to find out that he's perma-stuck in knight's armor, his BFF hates his puff-sleeved bard outfit, and his mural parents love him a little too much. Worst of all, he accidentally created the Nightmare Stalker, a phantom Andy-taking over his life bit by bit. When Andy's real mom is in danger, and his mural-crush is being drained of life, everything on both sides of the mural is on the line. With only a candle, a chewed up number two pencil, and magical sketchpad as weapons he must somehow defeat his phantom nemesis before he is forever trapped in this true nightmare.

Middle Grade • Fantasy • Children’s Fiction/Science Fiction and Fantasy • Children’s Fiction • Fantasy/Portal

Length: 64,000 words (about 183 pages)