The Okay Witch

by Emma Steinkellner

Book Overview

A School Library Journal Best Graphic Novel of 2019
A YALSA 2020 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
A YALSA 2020 Great Graphic Novel for Teens

Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets Roller Girl in this hilarious, one-of-a-kind graphic novel about a half-witch who has just discovered the truth about herself, her family, and her town and is doing her best to survive middle school now that she knows everything

Magic is harder than it looks.

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.

In this spellbinding graphic novel debut, Emma Steinkellner spins a story packed with humor and heart about the weird and wonderful adventures of a witch-in-progress.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1534431454
• ISBN13: 9781534431454
• Release Date: September 2019
• Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

This should be mandatory fall reading for all ages.

I will admit, at first I wasn't sure how well I'd like this book because the art wasn't immediately pleasing to me, (I couldn't tell you why,) but within the first few pages I was hooked and I could not put this book down! The art style is adorable! The story flowed smoothly, giving you just enough to say, "one more page won't hurt," as you sit there and devour the whole thing in one sitting. Moth is so relatable, I felt like she was speaking to my 13-year-old soul, the insecurities of wanting to fit in, when what you need is to embrace who you are and stand out, is a lesson she learns in a bumpy way. Along with the temptations that magic holds, it can be a dangerous, yet beautiful thing. All of the characters are unique and stand out strongly in their own way, I especially enjoyed Moth's mom, Calendula. She has her own hang-ups about magic, feeling the opposite way of Moth, wanting nothing to do with magic. I believe the dynamic of the magic loving daughter and magic loathing mother isn't that special, but how it's portrayed in this book is. Meaning, both can see each other's side and compromises in their own way without to much pushback. And the cat, the talking cat. He's the perfect familiar/sidekick, witty, wise, and soulful. I can't say much about him without giving away spoilers, but let's just say, he needs to spend more time in the Founder's Bluff museum, it's where his heart is. The ending was perfect, again I won't give spoilers, but it was well deserved and a beautiful sight, in more than one way. I am really looking forward to the next volume, The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow.