Monday, January 31, 2022

The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner


Summary on Goodreads:


Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush loves all things witchy. But she’s about to discover that witches aren’t just the stuff of movies, books, and spooky stories. When some eighth-grade bullies try to ruin her Halloween, something really strange happens. It turns out that Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts, has a centuries-old history of witch drama. And, surprise: Moth’s family is at the center of it all! When Moth’s new powers show up, things get totally out-of-control. She meets a talking cat, falls into an enchanted diary, and unlocks a hidden witch world. Secrets surface from generations past as Moth unravels the complicated legacy at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.

Review:

This book reminded me of Sabrina the Teenage witch (90’s sitcom) in a good way. It has all the charm and humor of a sweet kids tv show that anyone can watch. There’s a talking cat, there’s a lot of lessons about finding your own way, and doing what what’s right for you versus what’s right for others. And to keep you interested until the very end, there’s an overarching story about family secrets and witch hunters.

Of course, living in Massachusetts, I also connected to the location. It had a sort of Hocus Pocus vibe to it, though maybe a little less dark. Major plot points involve a school play and a field trip to the historical museum. However, there are a few new magical twists I’ve never seen before, involving a magical land and witches from another time period.

What stands out the most is the artwork. Reminiscent of Raina Telgemeier, fans of Smile will rejoice to find another graphic novel that perfectly captures teenage embarrassment so well. Everything bright, colorful, and fun. I loved the diverse cast, the talking cat, the intergenerational storyline, and the magical humor. I can see lots of kids eating this one up. I give it an 8/10.

No comments:

Post a Comment