The graphic novel Snapdragon by Kat Leyh combines complex characters and simple illustrations to create an ultimately warm and hopeful story.  The titular character Snap needs a favor of the supposed town witch. Jacks is willing to do it in exchange for Snap helping with her work- which involves road-kill.  This unlikely duo will come to find they have much more in common than they could imagine.

Everyone loves a shook-up trope, and Kat Leyh shakes them all. Snap is a skeptical, brash, and short tempered girl whose knack for seeing things as they really are allows her to also be the very best sort of friend.  Jacks seems to be a crotchety old spinster hiding behind scary rumors, but she is sincere and authentic, with a surprisingly adventurous past and hopeful future. Like any worthwhile maiden-crone relationship, they help each other learn, grow, and change for the better.

This story has a very diverse cast of characters dealing with real- world, very relatable problems.  If you’ve ever had to share a room, juggle work, school and parenting, or just felt like the outsider, you’ll find yourself in one of these characters.  And even if you don’t relate directly with their struggles, you will definitely have a chance to care about them. This story deals with same-sex relationships as well as non-binary and trans identities in age-appropriate, kind, and matter of fact ways.  Snapdragon is full of supportive family and accepting friends, which I find to be a great comfort.  

I also appreciate the graphic style and arrangement.  I generally have difficulty reading graphic novels- there is too much happening on a page and I can’t make out what’s important, or which order I’m supposed to read the panels. Kat Leyh illustrates her story in a way that is rich in color, helpful in context, and simple enough to not distract or confuse this middle aged reviewer.  I enjoy Snapdragon immensely, and re-read it regularly. 

The publisher, MacMillan, puts this graphic novel in the 10-14 year age range.  I’ve seen another review describe it as all-ages, which I think is true.

Buy a copy now

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