Folks, I was wiping tears out of my eyes as I finished this book (despite the fact that I was sitting at my work desk attempting to look like a professional librarian.) I have not read a graphic novel with this much heart since Heartstopper. Tabi is passionate, hardworking main character, who believes deeply in the power of Sommerland to make magical memories for its guests, and she will do anything, maybe even break to rules to achieve her goal of portraying a princess. Along the way, she makes new friends, finds a crush, and experiences some magic of her own. To top it all off, the rich, whimsical illustrations captured the magic of Sommerland in a way that will bring you back just to browse the artwork. I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone who is looking for a sweet, summer romance.

This book was practically made for Disney park fans, especially those that were part of the college program. I went into it blind with only a love for Marissa Meyer’s previous work, but I couldn’t think of a better light read to take on a road trip or plane ride to Disney. It’s like it was made for me. The protagonist, Tabitha, is quite relatable. She could have been me when I was younger. She’s a dreamer and maybe a little naive. The story begins when she is little and just beginning her love of this world’s (not so subtly disguised) version of Disney. Then it takes you through her interview process for the high school summer program and her experience working there. It was so accurate to what I know about the Disney college program that it had me googling if Marissa Meyer had ever been part of the program or ever worked for Disney. She really must have done her homework, because I didn’t find anything of the sort in my search. I enjoyed all of the easter eggs and blatant references, but I’m not sure how someone who is not as invested in Disney would react to this story. Even those who aren’t Disney fans might relate to her relationship with her roommate, disillusionment, and not quite fitting the mold. There are a few differences between our world and theirs, but it is much more grounded in reality than the other works I’ve read by this author. In this world the creator of these parks, movies, etc is a very accomplished living woman. The princesses aren’t straightforward Disney knockoffs. They seem more like warrior princesses that have stepped out of some type of Dungeons and Dragons or Lord of the Rings fantasy world. Their version of Mickey Mouse seems to be part of the princesses possibly interconnected worlds and feels more like an anime character than anything. This was an interesting choice that stood out to me. As a fan, I know Marissa Meyer likes to turn fairytales on their heads. I want a companion book that goes through more of their stories, because it sounds like a fun time. Our girl has always dreamed of portraying one of the princesses, but she doesn’t have the look. That is, she’s considered too fat and, like in our world, they are strict on only casting practical clones of the animated versions of their characters. It is surprising that even in our world they haven’t had a larger leading lady yet. I can understand what it’s like not fitting someone’s version of perfection, and it’s certainly discouraging. Still, she picks herself up and remains persistent. The story is a little predictable, though I didn’t see everything coming. The part where she talks to the prince had me internally screaming. Her love interest is sweet and cute. I could see their meet cute really happening. I got a little misty eyed in the end. I would have liked to spend more time with some of the characters to see how their relationships developed, but I’m happy with the book the way it is. The art style is pleasant to look at and something about it vaguely reminds me of Steven Universe mixed with a few other modern animated series. I read it all in one sitting and really enjoyed it. I’m now super hyped for my plane to land so that I can start finding some hidden kitties- oops, I mean Mickey’s.

Meyer created a cute environment that will excite many readers. The main character will appeal to anyone who has ever visited a pop culture destination and longed to be one of the characters. The overarching acceptance theme is sweet and well done.

This was my first young adult graphic novel, and I absolutely LOVED how it brought alive the characters with incredible art. This was a dreams come true short story that gives hope through stereotypes in a world where a girl just wants to be a princess.

Adorable! This was exactly what I needed when I read it. It’s a heartwarming story about following your dreams and believing in yourself even as others doubt you. I loved the setting of Sommerland and the positive attitude Tabi had throughout. The artwork was fantastic and really brought the story to life. Highly recommended!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for allowing me to read this early.Filled with so much body positivity. Diverse and realistic characters. The plot was fast and engaging.

This is an absolutely beautiful tearjerker of a book. It is about chasing your dreams and not giving up, even (and especially) in the face of discrimination.

Filled with so much body positivity. Diverse and realistic characters. The plot was fast and engaging. And I read the whole thing in a single sitting, because I didn't want to stop.

Charming, inspiring, and uplifting. A gorgeous book with self-affirming subtext and an overarching message about finding the magic in every day life.

Always remember to keep chasing your own happily ever after!

Holy moly this was cute! The story was beautiful and that artwork.. just wow! This graphic novel can easily be read in one sitting and is full of heart, love, hope.. and dreams coming true. Definitely give it a read!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and Feweil and Friends for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

There’s so much to love about We Could Be Magic. It’s a lovely YA story about a plus-sized Black teen who dreams of working at Sommerland (think Disneyworld, but this theme park is the creation of a woman). She wants to be a princess, but is shot down, in part, because of her weight. Because she doesn’t look like a stereotypical Disney Princess. But Tabi is determined that someday, she will be a princess character for the park.

There are a lot of great messages in this graphic novel, including body positivity, stepping out of your comfort zone, inclusivity, and striving for something that others say is impossible. Tabi goes through a lot during her summer job, including making friends and having her first crush. There are so many positive messages in this book, it was a delight to read.

The artwork by Joelle Murray is top-notch and really conveys the messages Marissa Meyer put forth. The bright and colorful illustrations add to the magic of Sommerland. Highly recommend!

The cover? Absolutely adorable. The kind of stop-you-in-your-tracks adorable that would make me pick it up without a second thought. The artwork throughout this YA graphic novel is just as charming, bringing to life Tabitha Laurie’s summer job at Sommerland—her favorite theme park.

Tabi is smart, kind, hardworking, plus-sized, and cute as a button. Her dream? To play a princess and help guests make magical memories. But thanks to the park’s outdated “character accuracy” policy (read: only thin people get the crown), her dream hits a roadblock. Still, Tabi’s got that plucky-heroine energy. She pivots, she perseveres, and she ends up having a summer to remember.

I absolutely adored this book—and I can’t wait to add a physical copy to my shelf.

A heartwarming, feel-good read with gorgeous art and a heroine worth rooting for.

#WeCouldBeMagic
#NetGalley

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

First, I want to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a good story full of a beautiful body positivity and a reminder dreams can come true if you work hard for them. I also loved at the heart of this was a message to be yourself.
The characters were memorable and the setting of Sommerland was a lot of fun.
The art was also fantastic and beautiful - I loved the difference from when the characters were back stage as opposed to on stage.
This was cute and magical and a fun read for all frequent theme park goers.

3.5⭐️
My opinion: I liked the cutesy drawing style but this book was just so short, it took me around an hour and a half to read. I did like the aspect of the park being like Disneyland but it did get a little bit too similar to Disney for my taste. There wasn’t as much romance as I thought there would be, which is fine, but based on the cover it looks as if romance would be the main aspect of the story when in reality, the plot revolves much more around character acting at the theme park. I do wish the author built up the relationship a little bit more before the end of the story, it kind of felt like we didn’t really get to see anything actually happen between the main characters before the epilogue.

genre: graphic novel, romance
pov: first person, past tense
trope: fish out of water, forced proximity

Age rating: 11+
Violence: a character punches a guy (who deserved it) in the nose, his nose bleeds
Romance: one kiss (not described in words at all, just a sweet illustration), a guy makes a park princess uncomfortable
Drinking/drugs/smoking: there’s a drunk looking guy to whom a character says “come back when you’re sober”
Language: 1 what the h3ll, a couple of unfinished almost swears (you piece of--)
Other: speculation on whether a popular park character is a she, he, they, or it; this was said to be an ongoing debate among the fandom

Trigger warnings:
- divorce

Publish date: 3-June-2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for providing a e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a wonderful story of a plus-size Black girl following her dream to play a (totally not Disney) princess in a theme park.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy.

Enchanting. Magical. Lovely. Romantic. Hopeful.

I loved ‘We Could be Magic’. It was an enjoyable read and I sincerely hope there is a sequel. I loved Tabi, James, Kitty Wise, the costumer (unnamed?), and ultimately Kyra. The setting was stunning and the story had just enough nostalgia to be cozy, while also feeling incredibly fresh.

The art and illustrations are lovely. The very first page had my stomach soaring.

I know I will read this again (and hopefully more of the story to come).


Thank you to Marissa Meyer, Joelle Murray, and Feiwel & Friends (an Imprint of Macmillan) for granting me an eARC through NetGalley.

I ADORED THIS. The illustration style was perfect and the storyline was SO GOOD. I already told some people to keep an eye out for this in June. I love how this shows persistence and bravery can help your dreams come true. So inspirational and nostalgic feeling.

What an adorable graphic novel about the magic of realizing dreams! I love Tabi and her journey. James is fantastic, and I absolutely adore the ending. Beautiful artwork too. This is a must read for fans of Disney theme parks/cruises.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

As a Disney adult who still believes in the magic and as a parent who has been taking my kiddos to Disney world since they were toddlers, I absolutely loved this graphic novel! It was such a beautiful love letter to the individuals who work tirelessly to make magical moments happen, to bring dreams to life, and to grant wishes and make dreams come true. These individuals brave the elements and put up with less than kind guests at times, but always keep the magic alive.

This was such a sweet story of not only making magical moments happen for others, but also never giving up on your own dreams. The artwork was gorgeous with the most vivid colors and incredible detail!

I thought "We Could Be Magic" by Marissa Meyer was a cute graphic novel. When Tabi gets the opportunity to work at Sommerland, she jumps at the chance to participate in their summer program. Her dream is to play Princess Madeline! At the audition, she is unprepared and fails. While working at the nacho stand, she studies for the next audition. Will her dream come true?

I think this title is good for reluctant readers, especially those who are Disney fans. There is that kind of vibe.

The moral of this story is to never give up.
I loved this book. What girl doesn't like princesses and want to be a princess. The main character gets to work at a theme park and doesn't get the job she wants, but works hard at a job that is not to pleasant. On her off hours, she trains from observation and videos to do her dream job. Does she get it? No! There is discrimination and characters in this book who are not helpful, nice or supportive of anyone but themselves.
This book shows how to never give up, there are people out there that will support you and you can find your happiness. Sometimes you have to be patient and keep trying.
This is a book that I am going to recommend my students read.

We Could Be Magic embodies the importance of dreaming and magic for people of all ages! Even when you don’t fit the perfect mold for something, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be perfect for it. It just means that you need to find a way to make your dreams happen anyways. I definitely would read this book again and again!