Rupert is a budding young scientist, just entering the fifth grade, and his new teacher is an unusual woman called Miss Switch. A lot of teachers say they’ve got eyes in the back of their head, but it seems like Miss Switch really does. Right from the first, she seems to know what kids in class are doing when she’s definitely not looking. She even seems able to read minds at times, and when kids act up in class strange things happen. Then, Rupert discovers that Miss Switch is actually a witch!

Miss Switch became a teacher because the witches have started using a special computer to evaluate their performance as witches, and the trouble is that the computer gave Miss Switch a bad grade. It says that she isn’t “original” enough with her magic. The computer assigned her to teach Rupert’s class at school while she’s coming up with ways to make her magic more “original.” In the first book in the series, Rupert and his friend and classmate, Amelia, try to help Miss Switch prove to the computer and the other witches that Miss Switch’s magic is original.

Later, the children have other adventures with Miss Switch.

The series is by Barbara Brooks Wallace, who also wrote other books for children, including The Twin in the Tavern, Peppermints in the Parlor, Cousins in the Castle, Ghosts in the Gallery.

Books in the Series

The Trouble with Miss Switch (1971)

Rupert discovers that his new teacher is actually a witch and that she needs his help.

Miss Switch to the Rescue (1981)

Miss Switch returns to rescue Rupert and Amelia from an evil warlock.

Miss Switch Online (2002)

A wicked witch takes over the children’s elementary school, and they need Miss Switch to stop her!