Brief Summary of School Reading List Books - Ievgen Sykalo 2026

The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy

The Worst Witch, a delightful children's series by Jill Murphy, follows the adventures of Mildred Hubble, a clumsy but determined young witch attending Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches.

Mildred Starts at Witch School:

Mildred, unlike most children who dream of attending Hogwarts (well, this series came first!), longs to be a witch. Her dream comes true when she enrolls at Miss Cackle's Academy, a prestigious school for budding witches. However, Mildred struggles from the very beginning.

A Reputation for Trouble:

Mildred isn't exactly cut out for witchcraft. Her spells go awry, her potions explode, and her attempts at flying on a broomstick are disastrous. She constantly lands in trouble with the strict headmistress, Miss Hardbroom, and earns the unfortunate title of "The Worst Witch" in the school.

Ethel Hallow - The Perfect Foil:

Mildred's troubles are amplified by her nemesis, Ethel Hallow. Ethel is everything Mildred isn't — a perfect student, a gifted witch, and Miss Hardbroom's favorite. Ethel delights in belittling Mildred and showcasing her own magical talents, further fueling Mildred's insecurities.

Friendship and Support:

Despite her struggles, Mildred finds solace in her friendship with the quirky Maud Spellbody and the kind-hearted Enid Nightshade. Together, they navigate the challenges of witch school, offering each other encouragement and support.

Adventures and Escapades:

Throughout the series, Mildred embarks on various adventures. She accidentally turns a teacher into a frog, gets mixed up with a magical talking cat, and even travels back in time. Her mishaps often lead to hilarious situations, but Mildred always manages to learn valuable lessons from her mistakes.

Determination and Growth:

While Mildred may be the "worst" witch in terms of magical prowess, she never gives up. She perseveres through her failures, determined to improve her skills and prove herself worthy of being a witch. As the series progresses, Mildred shows glimpses of her potential, slowly gaining confidence in her abilities.

The Importance of Self-Belief:

The Worst Witch series celebrates the importance of self-belief and perseverance. It reminds readers that success doesn't come easy, and even those who struggle can achieve great things with dedication and a positive attitude. Mildred's journey teaches young readers that being different is okay and that true friendship can overcome any obstacle.