I' m 11 years old and my mom got this as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
We Could be Magic is an amazing book! Everyone who enjoys the magic of theme parks and romance will love it.

If you are a Disney park fan… you’re gonna love this. This is magical and I’m not even a Disney girlie. I really enjoyed the illustrations through out and it’s genuinely such a cozy joyful graphic novel. With a cute little romance. Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc.

This book? Absolutely lovely.

From the first page, We Could Be Magic swept me into a world that felt both whimsical and deeply personal. The illustrations are gorgeous, full of color, life, and fairy-tale charm. Joelle Murray brings Sommerland to life with dreamy vibrancy that feels like a theme park and a fairytale rolled into one.

But beyond the magical setting and the swoony summer crush, what really got me was Tabi — a plus-size Black teen daring to dream of being a princess, even when the world keeps telling her she doesn't fit the mold. Her story is powerful, tender, and so important.

As a plus-size girl who grew up loving stories but rarely saw herself in them, this hit me in the best way. I felt that yearning, that spark, that desire to be seen as magical too. Books like this would have meant so much to my younger self — and they still mean so much to me now.

We need more body-positive, size-inclusive stories like this. Stories that center fat joy, fat love, and fat ambition. Stories that say you can be the main character, the princess, the dreamer, the hero. Because we’ve always been all of those things. We just deserve to see it more often.

Thank you, Marissa Meyer and Joelle Murray, for this absolute gem. Let’s keep this magic going.

**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**

We Could Be Magic by Marissa Meyer was clearly a sweet and heartfelt love letter to Disney Park fans and employees. It is a graphic novel that follows a young high school fangirl who has only ever dreamed of working at her favorite theme park as her favorite princess character, and through the struggles, how to appreciate her self-worth, make friends, and learn how to make her own magic along the way. As a fellow Disney fan, this was fun to read and pick out all the similarities that pulled from the Disneyverse, and it was also a really relatable and fun story to follow as well. This was a great graphic novel debut for Marissa Meyer, and I would recommend it for middle-grade readers and above.

This romantic and tenacious graphic novel for teens reminds me of the delightedness in reading Pumpkinheads that has a fun setting and an adorable romance to forget your cares while you're reading the story.

Tabitha is going to be working at Sommerland, a storybook theme park that swept her up when she was young. She knows all of the characters and storylines and even if her parents' marriage didn't last, she still believes in it all. And her sights are set on playing the part of a character princess. But it's evident from the start that she'll have to work at it and work her way up when she first lands a job making nachos at a food station and is instantly dismissed from the first character tryout because she didn't know she'd have to learn some choreography. Lucky for everyone, she doesn't give up and searches for ways to improve but she also meets James who has her undying support because he sees the magic in her eyes that she wants to give the magic to other kids like she had when she was young.

They end up making the perfect pair because she moves up to playing a Kitty character and in a series of happenstances finds a way to break into a starring role before... (you'll have to read to find out).

It's visually gorgeous and uplifts the spirits.

My rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ (4.75 stars rounded up to 5)
•
This book was ADORABLE. Tabi and James were sooo CUTE! The way they bonded over the magic of Sommerland was so sweet. I love how James supported her dreams. And I love how determined Tabitha was. A theme of this book is about not letting anyone dim the magic for you and being unapologetically yourself. Tabi and James believed in the magic of Sommerland and loved their jobs no matter how anyone else felt about it. And another theme is about believing in yourself. Tabi didn't give up when she faced those initial obstacles, she kept trying. And when she did get discouraged after it was made clear to her that she doesn't look like their ideal princess, James and her friends were there to support her. Honestly, not to get sappy but, as a plus sized girl myself, I think watching Tabi chase her dreams and find her own love story healed something in me.

A heartfelt thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc of this gem of a graphic novel!

Meyer's graphic novel follows the protagonist Tabi on her life long journey to become a Sommerland Princess. Sommerland is a theme park much like Disney parks, and Tabi has won a coveted spot at the summer internship!

While her dream of becoming a princess does not happen right away, she gains valuable insight, experience, and friendships as she understands the innerworkings of her favorite theme park.

With themes of bullying and body shaming, this graphic novel is not completely lighthearted, but it gives hope and whimsy and I loved it.

A solid 5 stars for me!

This is a cute graphic novel interpretation of behind the scenes at Disneyland/World. I felt it was a little one note reading it as an adult but I would absolutely recommend it to my 7th/8th graders. It does discuss issues of bullying and the ways in which people have been left out of certain roles due to size and/or other differences. It was a great message for young people and the illustrations were terrific! I would have liked a tad more depth, but that's as an adult reader only.

This book was so cute! I loved the art style and the story. I wish it was longer and that the romance and friendships were a little bit more developed, but I think it worked really well with the pacing it had.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

I was nose-deep in this book, it was so much fun! Unpopular opinion, I don’t like holding books for more than a few minutes, it doesn’t matter what kind of cover it has—I’m a put her down on a lap desk person, let something solid hold it. But I had this book all over the place, it was like a great conversation. Everything about it was engaging: the dialogue, characters, messages, and the illustrations. It was beautifully done that I looked up the illustrator’s work. I am on a mission to reread all of Marissa Meyer’s books before House Saphir drops, and this just lit a fire in me to get on that.

I loved the character growth from several characters in here. The plot of someone who loves the company/business so much that they don’t fit in, but end up making things better is not unique or new. But the world that has been created with Sommerland and the characters that grew as people along the way made this graphic novel special. To me it is a summer equivalent of Pumpkinheads. A magical l world with great characters that represents the best of the season.

We Could Be Magic is an adorable YA graphic novel. Both coming of age story and meet cute this title is perfect for all teen fans who still long for that Disney-like fairytale ending. Recommended for all YA graphic novel collections.

📚 Format: ARC (Graphic Novel) via NetGalley
If you believe in the magic of theme parks, the power of perseverance, and the beauty of being unapologetically yourself—this is the book for you.
I absolutely adored We Could Be Magic! This graphic novel felt like a warm hug with glitter and sparkles, with just the right dash of rom-com and a heavy dose of hope. I devoured it and honestly? If there were 10 more volumes, I’d read every single one. Sign me up!
The story follows Tabitha—Tabi—who has always dreamed of being a princess performer at Summerland, the magical theme park that helped her through tough times in childhood. She’s passionate, bright, and so full of heart. But of course, the path to her dream isn’t smooth. She’s told she doesn’t “fit the image,” and faces rejection after rejection, yet she never stops trying.
What I love most is how the book delivers a beautiful message: the right people will see you for who you are. Tabi’s journey is one of self-love, persistence, and belief in magic—both literal and metaphorical. And yes, it had me giggling and swooning over the sweet little rom-com moments (hello, James 😍). But it also gave me real chills at how it tackled body positivity, internal doubt, and resilience in such an empowering way.
Tabi is such a relatable, lovable character. She’s a little ball of sunshine who feels her emotions, keeps showing up, and always gives 100%. And the support system around her? Beautiful. Uplifting. Real. This story isn’t just about chasing dreams—it’s about believing in them, even when others don’t.
If you’re looking for a graphic novel that’s quick to read, full of heart, magical girl vibes, sweet romance, and powerful representation—We Could Be Magic is the read for you. I smiled the whole way through and wished there was more by the end.
✨ Rom-com? Check.
✨ Magic? Check.
✨ Body positivity? Check.
✨ Representation matters? Absolutely.
✨ Feels? All the feels.
Highly recommend for fans of joyful stories with real messages. This one will stay with me.


Thankful to be getting this arc through NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group!

Thank you Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and Netgalley for an E-Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this story! Tabi is a dreamer that has always dreamed of playing her favorite princess at the theme amusement park. I love that the theme park was based off a beloved franchise which like Tabi would be any fangirls dream. We see her go through a lot of ups and downs while doing her summer program at the park. She is plus size and has to deal with people telling her that she can't be a princess because of it. Even so she keeps practicing and audition for her chance. I loved that when her friends saw that what other people were saying was starting to get to her in the end they were there to pick her up and tell her that she is worthy and beautiful. At times she could be a little naive but she figure her way and inspired people along the way. The Illustrations and coloring are so good in this book you could feel the characters emotions very clearly throughout the book. All in all a great graphic novel.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Charming, body-positive, and full of theme park magic—We Could Be Magic is a sweet graphic novel that earns its sparkle.

Marissa Meyer’s We Could Be Magic is a delightful YA graphic novel that blends summer fun, fairytale dreams, and self-empowerment with just enough romance to make your heart flutter. With lush, whimsical artwork by Joelle Murray and a heartfelt story at its core, this is a feel-good read that also makes room for deeper truths about identity, body image, and self-worth.

🎠 Why it shines:
Tabitha is instantly lovable. Her excitement, vulnerability, and quiet determination make her easy to root for. She’s a princess in every way that matters, even if Sommerland doesn’t see it.

Body image and self-love are central, not preachy. Tabi’s journey is handled with sensitivity and realism, addressing industry standards without feeling heavy-handed.

Found family + sweet summer crush = perfection. The friendships Tabi builds at the park are warm and supportive, and her slow-burn romance has just the right mix of awkwardness and swoon.

Visuals that enchant. The art is vibrant, expressive, and full of theme park wonder—from glittering castles to nacho-stand chaos. Every page feels like a summer daydream.

Perfect for readers of all ages. While geared toward YA, the story resonates for anyone who’s ever questioned whether they belong in the storybook ending they’ve always dreamed of.

🧚‍♀️ Why it's 4 stars (not quite 5):
A bit predictable. The plot follows familiar beats, and a few conflicts resolve a little too easily—but the charm makes it easy to forgive.

Some side characters feel underdeveloped. With more room, their arcs could’ve added depth to the broader story.

💫 Final thoughts:
We Could Be Magic is a delightful blend of fantasy and reality, showing that magic isn’t about perfection—it’s about heart. If you love Heartstopper, The Prince and the Dressmaker, or just want a cozy, affirming escape, this one belongs on your shelf.

Four stars—a dreamy, empowering read with just the right amount of pixie dust.

This is a great read to add to your summer reading list. Fun and engaging!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC In exchange for my honest review.

Tabi Laurie has always loved Sommerland and dreamed of being one of the princesses there. Now in high school, she is in their summer program, but things aren’t quite what she expected. Working in a nacho food stand instead, Tabi is determined to bring magic to the park visitors however she can, but she also doesn’t give up on her dream of being a princess.

This is such a sweet, positive book! I loved the illustration style. I would recommend this graphic novel for anyone looking for a light read and especially to 14-16 year-olds.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Oh my god I can not begin to explain how much I adored this graphic novel, I feel like 5 stars isn’t even good enough for it .

I adore the plus size and POC representation , it’s done so well and was really enjoyable . I enjoyed the nod to Disney and the theme parks and how magical those things can be not only for kids but also for adults .

Without spoiling the ending I will just say I absolutely adored it and I can’t wait to get my hands on more graphic novels written by Marissa Meyer.

Also I want to give a big shout out to Joelle Murray for the amazing art in the graphic novel as I absolutely loved it, it was beautiful in every single way.

Thank you Netgalley Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for the arc

If this was written by an actual Black Woman or someone who is actually a curvy girl I would've liked it more. I hadn't even realized that it was the same Meyer's who wrote orientalism in the Lunar Chronicles series. What is she doing writing about a Black main character? The nods to Disneyland were also too much. So many of the cool "facts" that James talked about are actual things in the Disney parks themselves so that part felt very cheap. The message behind the story is great it should've simply been written by someone else.

I absolutely adored this from start to finish! From the writing to the art and coloring, this was perfection. Tabi dreams of making magic at Sommerland, and I loved being on that journey with her as she navigated new friendships, complicated co-workers, and chasing her dreams. The details of Sommerland made me feel like I was there, and I think the premise of the entire graphic novel will hook readers right away.