
Member Reviews

Tabitha Laurie was a big fan of Sommerland. She dreamed about being a part of the magic and being a princess. When she got there, she quickly realized that princesses were thin, and they did not want to cast her. We see Tabi work towards her goals, make friends, and find love.
This was so cute. I love reading about Tabi and her desire for her own happily ever after. I loved the meaning in the storyline. The illustration and colors were beautiful. I would highly recommend.

There is no doubt in my mind that this book is magic. From the art to the characters to the plot line, everything about this book is stunning. I loved that Tabitha took fate into her own hands. She knew what she wanted to do, and she was willing to do anything to help make her dreams come true. I also loved that she found someone who loved the magic just as much as she did in James. Magic is what you make it and sometimes you must try and bend the rules so that it becomes what you know it always could and should have been. This book is stunning, and I can’t wait to get it into readers’ hands.
Thank you so much to Macmillan Children’s Publish Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

A little bit of a slow start, but this graphic novel was so delightfully hopeful and sweet. As a Disney (and theme park) fan, I can see the influences. But the story was wholly its own, and I could see this as the next adorable teen rom-com. Tabi was a fab lead, and James was the sweetest supporting character/love interest.
And the art and the colors were awesome as well!

Tabi loves everything about Sommerland (a Disney-like company with books, moveis and theme park.) She knows every character, every storyline, and her greatest wish is to be a princess in the park. She gets a summer job at Sommerland, but behind the scenes isn't as "magic" as she hoped. For some people, it is just a job, and they grumble about all the normal work stuff, like coworkers and schedules. She does meet another pure Sommerland fan, and they become fast friends. Tabi could be having the time of her life, except she doesn't fit the park's idea of what a princess should look like.
'We Could Be Magic' is a coming of age story mixed with a behind the scenes story of working at a theme park. It is interesting to think about the day to day of people who work to make people's dreams come true. And the characters are thoughtful, fully realized people who deal with persceived shortcomings. Overall, it is a hopeful, sweet teen romance about idealistic people finding each other and working to make others happy.

This book is equal parts warm and fuzzy. Its wholesome and sweet.
It takes place in a themepark and that adds to the whimsical nature of the book.
Its YA and covers body image/positivity.
Ive never read this author before but its a welcomed palate cleanser from my usual reads. i would recommend it to someone that needs to get out of a reading funk or just willing to try something new.

We Could Be Magic is a fun, feel-good read with a main character full of charm, confidence, and unstoppable energy. It’s a great addition to any high school library, with empowering themes of body positivity and chasing your dreams no matter the obstacles.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillian Children's Group for the opportunity to read and review this graphic novel. This was an adorable story that I wished was created while I was a teenager. The art is gorgeous, the characters are great, and the world-building is great. My only complaint is that the plot needed more for me. Because of these points, I have to give this a 4 out of 5 stars.

Tabitha Laurie is a hopeless romantic which was reaffirmed by Princess Madeleine and Prince Henry’s ‘love’ at Sommerland. (Imagine the similarity of princesses and princes at Disney World.) Tabi’s father took her to Sommerland when she was 6 years old and it was the most magical place with happy endings that she ever imagined, especially after the devastating divorce of her parents. Her dream was to be part of the magic at Sommerland so that she can help create beautiful memories for young kids, just like it happened with her. Tabi’s dream comes even closer when she interviewed as a high school junior to work at Sommerland’s summer program. Her goal is to be one of the character roles but her ultimate dream is to be one of the princesses. Tabi passes the interview and attends orientation. Unfortunately, her first job is not all so glamorous; she works at the Mama’s Nacho food stand, but it’s just temporary.
After hearing endless whining and complaining from the Sommerland team members, Tabi is determined that she won’t let their negativity let her forget about her dream. When she bumps into team member James, they quickly befriend one another. He is attracted to her and becomes her ally and support. When auditions are called for character actors, it is made clear to Tabi that she doesn’t quite fit the princess mold that Sommerland has in mind – she is black and a plus-sized girl. She is perfect for another character role and with James by her side, she excels at it. This does not deter Tabi from attaining her ultimate dream to be a princess. She studies and researches how to have the dance skills, persona and spirit of the perfect princess. Will she be able to get that coveted princess role and find the magic that she has long sought after?
This graphic novel was truly magical! I absolutely loved the story. Even though there were elements of “mean girls” from team members of all genders, it never was over the top. There were always words of encouragement and support. This was an uplifting story of reaching for your dreams. The artwork was beautiful and the colors vibrant. It’s a perfect story for all those aspiring princesses in real or imaginary minds.

Not every princess wears glass slippers or fits into society’s idea of what a “princess” should look like. Tabi is the kind of main character I wish younger me had in books, bold, big-hearted, and determined to make magic her way. Even when the odds were stacked (and she’s posted up at the nacho stand instead of in a princess gown), she finds her people, her voice, and maybe even a little love.
This was such a fun, affirming read that reminded me that our dreams don’t have to shrink just because we don’t “fit the mold.” Tabi created her own fairytale and I was here for every page. More of this in YA, please.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
I was so happy to get this copy of Marissa Meyer's new book. I LOVE that she is more fully branching into a variety of genres and types of works. This graphic novel was a great teen book. I'm so excited for my daughter to get the actual book I preorder for her, she will love it.

So stinkin' cute. I was a little confused as to why Meyer made her MC a young Black woman but it makes sense now that I know the artist is a Black woman. We all know what amusement park and franchise this is really and they do have a point here. Though I haven't been to the park since Galaxy's Edge opened lol. 2019? Not THAT long but there IS a certain type that play the characters. Let's expand, let's broaden, let's choose the best actor for the job, not the one that looks the best. If they embody the character, people will embrace. And children don't care. As long as the dress is correct lol.

Tabitha Laurie has always loved Sommerland. The park became her escape through her parent’s divorce. Now following her dream, Tabi has signed up for the Sommerland summer program. Now to fulfill her dreams, she needs to become one of the princesses.
Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a lovely and wholesome graphic novel! I loved the art and the story itself. The characters were great, especially Tabi! She was such a good main character and I think she is the perfect type of person YA readers should be reading about.
I loved the commentary on body positivity! It was written beautifully.
I would have loved to see more a progression of the relationship between Kyra and Tabi. Kyra’s change of heart felt super quick.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
I'm a big Marissa Meyer fan and I am also a former Disney Cast Member of over a decade who started my journey wanting to audition into entertainment. I think this story was sweet and inspirational. I had lots of little giggles at the cast-isms and Disney-isms and I loved this discussion of inclusivity in character design. I do think some elements of this story were too easy for Tabi even with the amount of work she was putting in. A lot of that was probably just because of the audience this book is intended for, but it still irked me a little so it's worth mentioning. The art was beautiful and effective, and Tabi was endearing and easy to root for. It was a very cute story.

This was such a sweet book about going after your dreams even if others think they are farfetched. Tabi dreams of playing the role of a famous princess from her childhood and finally gets a chance to work at the theme park where the character resides. Through trial, error, many dance step practices and finding support in those who turn into true friends and true love, she manages to achieve her dream and so much more! I loved this story so much and would highly recommend it to anyone that could use a cozy tale with a dash of magic.

What girl doesn't dream of being a princess? Or at least to pretend to be one in a major theme park? That's what Tabi has set out to be, even though she doesn't fit the mold of what a princess should look like. She is determined and works daily to improve herself to reach her goal and prove that a princess has to do more with the heart than with outside appearances.

I loved that theme park setting for this book and the sweet, funny love interests! This story felt fresh, yet overdue - where has this book been?!

Thank you NetGalley and Feiwel and Friends for an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. What a fun graphic novel! The illustrations were so beautifully done and immersive. I loved the nods to Disney with also keeping it creative; I’m so impressed with the world that Meyer created! This was a sweet love story and I also enjoyed the coming of age/identity exploration aspects of the story as well.

This was a sweet book! I love Marissa Meyers, and I enjoyed this graphic novel. It was a cute story, and I really liked the art style.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for this arc!

This one is for the Disney Land/World aficionados. I have friends who have done the summer Disney World internship like our protagonist, Tabi, does in this novel, and I could see them totally appreciating this.
Marissa Meyer’s story is sweet, empowering, uplifting, and of course, even a little romantic. Joelle Murray’s art work is where it’s at. I need to find more of her work because it is so visually striking (I adore it). The art style is cute, and her choice of pastel colors is very whimsical and calming—especially the scenes during the park’s after hours, which recall the colors of twilight (GOLDEN HOUR).
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends, Marissa Meyer, and Joelle Murray for this free, advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
We Could Be Magic will be published June 3, 2025.

This was such an amazing story and one that I feel that everyone can relate to in some way! Through the dialogue and imagery, the hopes and dreams of the FMC are made clear. Despite her passion and dedication, she struggles to be accepted due to her body. However, her enthusiasm and pride in herself win out and she's able to live out her dream. The side characters felt realistic as well and the FMCs friends felt like true friends that I would love to have IRL.
We Could Be Magic is such a wholesome story that addresses the highs and lows of real world experiences and struggles!