Snapdragon

by Kat Leyh

Overview

Discover the strange magic within yourself in Kat Leyh's enchanting graphic novel, Snapdragon.

Snap's town had a witch. At least, that's how the rumor goes. But in reality, Jacks is just a crocs-wearing, internet-savvy old lady who sells roadkill skeletons online—after doing a little ritual to put their spirits to rest. It's creepy, sure, but Snap thinks it's kind of cool, too.

They make a deal: Jacks will teach Snap how to take care of the baby opossums that Snap rescued, and Snap will help Jacks with her work. But as Snap starts to get to know Jacks, she realizes that Jacks may in fact have real magic—and a mysterious connection to Snap's family's past.

Kat Leyh's Snapdragon is a spellbinding contemporary fantasy exploring themes of friendship, family secrets, and self-discovery. This beautifully illustrated magical realist tale will captivate readers of all ages who believe in the power of being true to yourself.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250776341
Publisher:	First Second
Publication date:	02/04/2020
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	117 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Kat Leyh is a Chicago based writer and artist. She’s best known as the current co-writer and cover artist for the series Lumberjanes, and for her queer superhero webcomic Supercakes. She’s also worked as a cover artist, and back-up writer/artist for several BOOM! Studios series.

Editorial Reviews

A School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Parents Magazine Best Book of 2020

"Epic." —Parents Magazine, from their 2020 Best Books for Teens list

"Snapdragon invigorates a classic hero's journey with magic and heart."—The AV Club

"Full of magic and humor, this intersectional, layered tale offers joyful and affirming depictions of social outsiders and comfortably complicated families." —Publisher's Weekly, Starred Review and a Publisher's Weekly Best of Book 2020

"Vibrant colors bring a lovable cast and more than a few spells to life." —School Library Journal, fron their Best Books of 2020 list

"This endearingly offbeat story emphasizes found community, the importance of love and friendship, and a fierce commitment to individuality—all powerful themes for middle-grade readers." —Booklist, starred review

"Sweet and fierce, this is a must-have." —Kirkus, Starred Review

"Leyh skillfully balances magic and realism...readers familiar with Leyh’s work in the Lumberjanes series will recognize her bouncy, dynamic art and figures that are nearly always in motion, keeping the energy high and the tone lively."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“Snapdragon is a unique and perfect story about a witch in the woods, girls who live in a trailer park, and the unexpected web of connections tying everyone together. It’s a book about finding your power, in more ways than one. I laughed and cried, and you will, too!” —Molly Knox Ostertag, author of the Witch Boy series

“An absolute treasure. It’s kind, vibrant, and alive, with characters you’ll love immediately—I had to reread it right away, because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet! An unforgettable story about loving ourselves, those around us, and the world we inhabit.” —Gale Galligan, author of the Kristy’s Big Day graphic novel

“Snapdragon is the shero for the girl in every reader, casting her magic and fire on every panel, every page. Volume 2, please!” —Rita Williams-Garcia, author of the Gaither Sisters series

From the Publisher

★ 2019-11-24
Lumberjanes comic books collaborator Leyh expertly blends fantasy and realism in her energetic debut solo middle-grade graphic novel.

"Our town has a witch. She fed her eye to the devil. She eats roadkill and casts spells with the bones." Snapdragon knows the rumors, but after the "roadkill witch" rescues Snap's beloved dog and agrees to foster abandoned possum babies, Snap starts to think all may not be as it seems. And it's true: The town's "witch" is actually Crocs-wearing, white-haired, one-eyed Jacks. Gruff but nurturing, Jacks takes Snap under her wing, teaching Snap her work of using bones from roadkill to build and sell anatomically correct skeletal systems. But it also turns out that Jacks is a witch, using magic to release the souls of roadkill back into nature, and Snap is desperate to find out if she can also channel magic. Leyh's characters are fully realized, from Snap's simultaneously overflowing skepticism and enthusiasm to her dynamic with her single working-while-in-school mom, from Jacks' quiet history with Snap's grandma to Snap's new best friend's transition to wearing skirts, loving nail polish, and being called Lulu. Their world isn't perfect: Snap and Lulu are bullied at school, economic struggles are apparent, and Snap's mom's abusive ex-boyfriend shows up more than once (including in a finale that has a twinge of deus ex machina). Jacks is white while Snap, her family, Lulu, and most secondary characters are coded as black—all, refreshingly, presenting with a realistic variety of skin tones and hair colors and textures.

Sweet and fierce, this is a must-have. (Graphic fantasy. 8-14)

Kirkus Reviews