When I started reading this graphic novel, I wasn’t at all sure I was enjoying it. The artwork wasn’t what I was used to and I wasn’t sure I liked the main character or the direction the story was going. However, that definitely changed.

I think because the artwork wasn’t quite what I was used to from the graphic novels that I generally love, it took me a while to get used to it. I couldn’t tell you how it was different, just that it was throwing me off a bit. Once I’d been reading for a short time, I got into the design and the flow of the artwork. The colors were great, which is important since it’s depicting a “magical” theme park world and there was tons of color.

It took me a little bit to warm up to the main character as well. She seemed to swing so wildly between manic optimism and despair that I wasn’t sure I would enjoy following her story. When we get to the main time setting of the story where she’s an older teen, this mellows out. I actually really liked that she’d let herself have a small amount of time for a pity party before she got back to work trying to make her dreams come true. I was afraid it was going to be endless optimism, but this turned out not to be the case. It felt like she managed a good balance between letting herself feel sad about a disappointment and then feeling optimism that she could still make her dreams work. I ended up loving her trajectory by the end of the story.

The story had a lot of great messages, including ones about identity and making your dreams come true. I loved how the main character’s relationships developed as she learned more about the people around her and how those people treated her.

All in all, I really enjoyed this graphic novel.

I have enjoyed everything I've ever read by Marissa Meyer and this is no exception. This was adorable and heartwarming and cute my only complaint is that it was just a tad bit too short for me but maybe I just wanted there to be more. If you love Disney and happy endings then this one is for you.

ARC was given by NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group & Feiwel & Friends.

Content/Trigger Warnings: Divorce, alcohol, fatphobia, body shaming


This was an okay read! I didn't love it as much as I had hoped, but for the most part enjoyed my time reading this. There's plenty of cute, wholesome moments and a few really good conversations.

However, I did have some issues with this story like our fmc. The fmc felt incredibly immature and I found it really frustrating that she lacked a backbone to stand up for herself when people were being fatphobic to her. I also had an issue with the fact the fmc didn't just directly talk to the male love interest about something she heard from a side character. Poor communication is something I get particularly irked over. I also thought it was strange how the fmc's roommate/friend didn't do more standup for Tabi and support Tabi during moments of bullying, and we only really see two brief moments where she's actually doing something to support the fmc.

Overall, I could probably keep listing a lot of the things I had issues with when it came to this graphic novel. I think I just had higher expectations since this is such a beloved author and so many friends have been hyping this author's work. I think a combination of the things I didn't enjoy plus the fact so many friend overhyped this graphic novel to me just really took a toll on liking vs loving this graphic novel.



All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.

Tabitha gets a job at Sommerland and her dream of becoming a princess might finally come true. Tabitha faces several challenges but when she takes a gamble, all of her wildest dreams and more come true.

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Oh. My. Goodness. This graphic novel makes me feel giddy and happy even after finishing it! It reminds me a lot of another graphic novel I read called “Pumpkinheads” by Rainbow Rowell, which I also absolutely adored!

I like that, though this is a contemporary romance graphic novel, there is more focus on Tabi as a character. She radiates the kind of positivity that’s infectious through the pages, and I love her relationships with other characters. James was a supportive mMC, and I loved that even when Tabi’s love for magic dwindles, he’s right there to pick her back up and support her, without coddling her. He lets her be her own person, and they both really bring out the best in each other.

The body positivity and inclusion in this book was dealt with care and gentleness and not sprung on the reader/viewer without exploration of its significance to the character, the people around them, and their setting. This is the kind of book I would’ve loved as a child, and I can imagine myself loving this book from any age! I would 100% without question read this book again, and I cannot wait to get into more of Marissa Meyer’s other novels!

This was such an adorable, quick read about chasing after your dreams and never giving up until you succeed!

You could see how determined Tabitha was throughout the book, but she also was a rule abider. She googled videos on Sommerland’s dances, practiced in her free time, and when the time came, she saved the day!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

3.25/5⭐

MARISSA MEYER KNOWS HOW TO WRITE THE MOST MAGICAL BOOKS!!!

First off, you have no idea how huge this is for me- I've been a MM stan since 2016 and getting an ARC of one of her books is so surreal!!

I'm going to start off with my 'issues' with this book and end with all my favorite parts:

My biggest complaint was that this felt more like a younger middle grade novel than YA. Now, I believe this is my first time reading a YA graphic novel so maybe it's typical that they read younger but I've read my fair share of middle grade ones and this felt even younger than a lot of those. The story is very light- while it has a few deeper subjects woven in, they aren't dived into as much as they could have been. In addition, the dialogue was very surface level. My biggest issue is that because of the way it was written/the light tone, I don't think it left a lasting impact on me in the way that some middle grade graphic novels have. I wanted more from this story, and it felt a bit like Marissa wasn't sure how old the YA audience is- like it's ages 12-18, 12 year old's can take some deep topics and it doesn't need to be hinted at. Body shaming needs to be addressed full on and not just hinted at.

But that's enough negativity for today:

My favorite part of this book was the BEAUTIFUL illustrations! Rich colors, great facial expressions and details and lovely scenery! I got lost in the magical world Marissa and the illustrator created. I can def tell that a lot of the world was inspired by the Disney Parks (like hello owner-of-the-park's apartment in the park) and while some moments I cringed other things made me happy- just seeing nods to the Parks.

My other favorite part was Tabi. The way that she would NOT GIVE UP until she got what she wanted but also was willing to accept that things come in steps. From her practicing for dance auditions and not being the greatest (literally me) to getting different jobs and working her way up. I enjoyed seeing her go through various jobs and the ins and outs of working in a 'magical' place on the outside and how it's not perfect on the inside. Her and James were SOOOOOOOO cute (Marissa is a queen of couples!!). He was the sweetest guy and I love him. Although there was some kind of drama with him that I did NOT like and I didn't really understand why he wasn't fired but it wasn't that big of a deal. That ending was so cute and made me really happy.

At the end of the day this is an adorable story that will fill you with all the warm fuzzies. You might get a little out of it but it's not going to change your life- but I def recommend giving it a read!! I do think I will reread it whenever I need something to bring me a big smile!

Thank you to Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Tabitha--a superfan of the Disney-esque park Sommerland--is thrilled to get a summer job at the park. Her dream is to get a position as a princess character actor but there's one big problem. All of Sommerland's princesses are thin and she's, well, not. I don't know if Marissa Meyer actually did the Disney College Program or just researched it extensively but the details in the book are spot on. Anyone familiar with Disney cast member culture will spot all the homages and references. Tabi is a super likeable protagonist, willing to work on her flaws but still yearning for a world that is more inclusive. It's very easy to root for her and see yourself in her. The art is absolutely gorgeous--so bright and energetic. It made me wish I was at a theme park! The side characters round out the cast nicely and the story is so sweet. A BIG recommendation to anyone, but especially anyone who's a fan of the Disney Parks (or a recovering cast member looking to recapture some magic).

This was such a charming graphic novel. The characters were fun and sweet and the setting was magical and Disney-esque.

The art style was lively and colorful, which I entirely enjoyed. It was so cool to see a new Marissa Meyer story portrayed in this way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for providing an e-ARC.

Super cute graphic novel!

I loved the heart behind this book. It was sweet, Tabi was lovable, and I really enjoyed the journey. Loved the theme of hard work in addition to dreaming, loved that Tabi had such a good attitude when things got hard, and her friends lifted her up when she needed them. And the little love story was really cute.

By the end I was really rooting for her, and it was a really satisfying way to end the story. Loved the artwork as well, I can’t wait to buy it for my kids!

Tabi knows where dreams come true, Summerland. She gets a job for the summer but wants to be a character actor. At the first audition Tabi wasn’t expecting what to do, but her determination never weavers. Tabi does not let the cynicism of others get her down. When she meets James, he shares her love of the magic of Summerland. This was a super sweet graphic novel. The art and story match perfectly. It has Marissa Meyer’s tone for sweet but realistic. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

GENRE
-YA graphic novel

CONTENT
-🤬: one instance of mild language (h***)
-❤️: just kisses
-⚠️: divorce of parents

After Tabi's parents divorce when she's young, her faith in true love is restored at Sommerland. When she's in high school, she gets a chance to intern at her beloved amusement park. She's ecstatic but is surprised to find that not everyone interning and/or working there loves it.

I loved Tabi's optimism. She was a ray of sunshine! Her desire to create magical memories for the kids and all the patrons who came to Sommerland was delightful. She was hardworking and had grit and was all around a fantastic protagonist. As for James, I loved how he helped show her the magic of the place when her belief was waning a bit. They made a great team!

This is a super quick and super cute read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Marissa Meyer for the ARC. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.

I absolutely loved this graphic novel! It was so lovely, the message of kindness was so well done and the art and color palette were gorgeous. The main character was so easy to root for, she was the sweetest person and worked so hard for her dreams even if the world told her they weren't attainable. Loved this and highly recommend!

I received an eARC thanks to Netgalley and Feiwel & Friends, all opinions are my own.

Cute! I enjoyed the art and the characters. The close comparison to Disney did pull me out of the story though.

One of the best YA graphic novels I have read to date, hands down. This book had so many green flags. Making childhood dreams come true, finding true friendship and love, body positivity, determination, and magic. Oh my gosh I loved this so much. Tabi is a phenomenal FMC. Strong willed, kind, hard working, funny, and willing to take chances to achieve her goals. I loved her attitude and even when we see her confidence fade she is so relatable and amazing. I liked that there is a romantic aspect to the story but it isn't what drives Tabi and it certainly isn't a source of drama. My favorite part of We Could Be Magic is the body representation. Tabi doesn't fit the traditional mold of what a princess should look like, but it doesn't stop her from putting herself forward and following her dreams. I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to everyone!

Such a cute wholesome graphic novel! Tabi has always dreamed of being a princess at Sommerland, a Disney like theme. When she lands a summer job at the park, she finally has a chance to go after her dream but soon realizes it wont be as easy as she thought. We could be magic is a story about determination, working hard for your dreams, and finding love along the way. This was such a fun quick read and I adored the artwork as well!

When I saw Marissa Meyer’s We Could Be Magic was available on NetGalley, I had to request it—and I’m so glad I did. This sweet, empowering graphic novel blends a charming meet-cute romance with a deeper message about believing in yourself and chasing your dreams, even when the world says you don’t fit the mold. Marissa Meyer writes characters you can’t help but root for, and this one is no exception—you just want them to have their happily ever after. I’ll definitely be buying a hard copy when it hits shelves.

4.5*
Thank you to Marissa and Feiwel & Friends for this digital ARC!
This was very sweet! I love everything Marissa writes, so when I heard she was coming out with a graphic novel, I had to jump on it. The illustrations are adorable and very expressive. It captured the characters beautifully and made it very engaging to read. The writing was fun and easy to read. This book is great for younger readers looking to explore the YA space. I loved Tori and her hardworking nature. She knew what she wanted and fought for it, which is very inspiring. She was very sweet and caring. Seeing her make magic for all the parkgoers was adorable. I appreciated how passionate Tori was and how she stuck to her morals. I enjoyed seeing her accept and love herself as the book progressed. Her relationship with James is so wholesome. It captured the awkwardness of crushes while providing Tabi with a great support system. I love James’ selflessness and passion he has. I appreciated seeing character development from all the characters, even the more minor ones. The theme park setting was so fun and magical. The whole book captured what it felt like to navigate being a teen and finding friendships and yourself. I really enjoyed it!
There was a brief kiss.

Really enjoyed reading 'We could be magic'. It was heartfelt and encouraging to follow your dreams, work hard, and never give up. I love the message of how you can always achieve your dreams in life. My favorite part is the ending, as a new character is created via inspiration of the main character. There is no need to fill an old role when you can create a whole new one.

4.5 stars. I'm a huge Marissa Meyer fan AND a huge Disney fan, so this mash-up was amazing! The main character, Tabitha, got a summer job at Sommerland (cough*cough*Disneyland*cough*cough). Sommerland had all the magical vibes that you hope for. Tabitha's dream since she was a little girl was to be a princess character at the theme park. The problem is that Tabitha doesn't have the body type of the iconic princess, but Tabitha is resilient. After the first round of auditions, she realizes that she needs to work on her dancing skills. So she practices and practices. Next round of auditions, she makes it past the dancing portion. She blows the judges away with her acting skills, BUT they still only cast her as a costume character. Again, this doesn't break Tabi's spirit. She will work hard to accomplish her dreams along with some help from some friends.

I LOVED the illustrations by Joelle Murray. I definitely plan to keep my eye on her future work.

I have been to Disneyland and Disney World as a child and an adult. I truly believe there is something very magical about these types of places. Marissa Meyer and Joelle Murray did a fantastic job capturing that magic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for providing me an advanced copy.