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 But thanks to the park’s outdated “character accuracy” policy (read: only thin people get the crown), her dream hits a roadblock.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!

I loved this. Marissa Meyer has been one of my favorites since I was in high school. This book was well paced and showed the beauty within, not whats on the outside.

We Could Be Magic by Marissa Meyer and Joelle Murray

🎡🎢🪄👑✨🎟️

Publish date: June 3, 2025

Genre: Graphic Novel/ YA Romance

This was a really cute and heartwarming story. I immediately fell in love with Tabi as a main character. I also loved the illustrations- they drew me in and perfectly captured the magical storyline. I would definitely recommend this graphic novel, especially if you’re a fan of Disney and/or other theme parks.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I haven't read a graphic novel in such a long time and I absolutely loved this one! It reminded me so much of Disney World and I loved the vibe. Tabitha was amazing and I love how she showed how hard work and never giving up could make you achieve your dreams!

I think I was misled by the synopsis of this book, wherein I thought magic and friendship would take the forefront. The plot had very little friendship development and no magic.

That said, I felt like the art style was a good choice for the story and the storytelling was paced well. I might recommend this to readers who like cozy books.

5/5 Stars!
This is different from anything I’ve read from Marissa MEyer so far, but was a great read all around! Hopeful and cozy, this graphic novel tells about a young woman named Tabitha who always wanted to be a princess. This is a take on the Disney College Program, called Sommerland. The depiction of this magical place was so clear that it felt exciting just to watch it come to life from the page.
Tabi isn’t what the typical princess is expected to be at Sommerland. Throughout her struggles, she enjoys her life working in Sommerland and has no trouble making a friend or two. Lighthearted and joyful, I loved this one!

4/5 Stars

I have always enjoyed Marissa Meyer's fantasy books. This was my first time reading a middle grade graphic novel by her. I didn't recognize this writing style but it was still a decent read. I enjoyed the illustrations. (Joelle Murray did a good job! Hurray!) I also enjoyed the "magic" of this graphic novel.

Anyone can become a Princess! Tabitha worked hard and her dreams came true. I do wish the romance was a little more developed.

Everyone should have a dream and dreams do come true! I love the lesson this graphic novels teaches. Overall it was a decent read.

I absolutely devoured this book! As someone who did the Disney College Program, this graphic novel evoked a lot of memories from that time. The story was great, the message wonderful, and there were some heartfelt moments in there! Will definitely be recommending this one to my Graphic Novel and Disney lovers!