How to Get Magically Popular

By Author / Illustrator

Radhika Sanghani

Genre

Magical Realism

Age range(s)

Publisher

Usborne Publishing

ISBN

9781805318286

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

14-08-2025

Synopsis

A fresh, relatable story with a sprinkling of magic, about a girl who just wants to fit in but her magic powers make her stand out, from award-winning journalist and author Radhika Sanghani. Perfect for fans of Lottie Brooks and Dork Diaries.

Sabina Patel just wants to fit in. But in her new school, in a new town where she doesn't know anyone, Sabina feels more out of place than ever. Then she accidentally unlocks magic powers and starts to see the future, and she quickly stands out as one of the most popular girls at school. But when Sabina starts seeing futures she'd rather not know about, she's not sure if she's unlocked a gift or a curse...

A book about learning to be happy in the present, rather than letting the future take over your life.

Praise for Radhika Sanghani: "The Girl Who Couldn't Lie is sweet and funny and full of heart." The i. "I can't lie! I loved it!" Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths. "Fresh, funny and original." The Bookseller.

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Reviews

Margaret

Serena has just moved to a new house and a new school, miles away from her friends in London. She just wants to be accepted by her new classmates, but then she discovers that she is able to see events in the future; needless to say this makes her extremely popular at school, especially with the 'queen bees', who like to feel they are in charge.

But Serena also has a deep wish that she wants to come true and her visions seem to suggest that it will be happening. Her father left when she was very small and she has always dreamt of her parents reconciling; perhaps dreams do come true. The question is whether her magical abilities show her the truth, or is she just interpreting things to suit her wishes?

Moving to a new school is always difficult, but going into year 8, when everyone has had a year to settle in, really does add a new level of stress. So it is no wonder that Serena has visions, especially when her friend Faye works out that major emotions can trigger an event.

How to Get Magically Popular shows the issues that young teenagers cope with, but it also shows that they are still learning about the practicalities of life. Serena is navigating a range of new situations and circumstances, but thankfully she has a small group of new friends who are there to help. She also learns to question what she sees, rather than just accepting.

320 pages