[Graphic Novel Review] The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner

Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets Roller Girl in this hilarious, one-of-a-kind graphic novel about a half-witch who has just discovered the truth about herself, her family, and her town and is doing her best to survive middle school now that she knows everything!

Magic is harder than it looks.

Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush loves all things witchy. But she’s about to discover that witches aren’t just the stuff of movies, books, and spooky stories. When some eighth-grade bullies try to ruin her Halloween, something really strange happens. It turns out that Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts, has a centuries-old history of witch drama. And, surprise: Moth’s family is at the center of it all! When Moth’s new powers show up, things get totally out-of-control. She meets a talking cat, falls into an enchanted diary, and unlocks a hidden witch world. Secrets surface from generations past as Moth unravels the complicated legacy at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.

In this spellbinding graphic novel debut, Emma Steinkellner spins a story packed with humor and heart about the weird and wonderful adventures of a witch-in-progress.

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I picked up this book based solely on the cover. It just looked so cute and right up my alley. Plus, I was (and still am and probably always will be) really into witchy/Halloween/spoopy stories because I got this graphic novel right at the beginning of October. I am so glad I picked it up! 

First, I loved Moth as our main character. She's a bit of an outcast so when she learns about her witchy ancestry and develops her powers she puts all her time and focus on learning more. I really loved her determination to learn more about the craft, and her love for witch stories before she even discovers the truth about herself. I also really liked her new friendship with Charlie. Moth doesn't have any friends before him but despite that she was really open and welcoming which helped them click really easily. I thought their friendship had the awkwardness of a new friendship while being so sweet. 

This story is about trusting your gut and doing what's best for you even if others are trying to make decisions for you. Obviously, with Moth being so young, making decisions for yourself can be a bit tricky but I love that she stays true to who she is and stays focused on the goals she has set for herself. There are themes about history repeating itself in both good and bad ways, and not only acknowledging when it is bad but being brave and strong enough to stop the cycle from continuing. There are also themes about embracing change and growth. To respect tradition while also understanding that embracing new traditions and ideals only helps you evolve. Also, believing that people are inherently good and want to become better but also holding people accountable for their actions and understanding that you need to show in your actions that you've learned from your mistakes. There are so many great themes and topics in this graphic novel book and I think it's a great read for young and adult readers. 

The familial ties in this story were all really well written and felt natural to read about, even in a supernatural setting like this one.  Between Moth and her mom Calendula, Moth wants to delve into her witch ancestry and Calendula isn't for that, as for Calendula and her mom Sarah, Sarah is also pro-witchcraft where Calendula wants to be normal, and the dynamics of the three of them together with their conversations on what is best for everyone. Also, without going into too much detail there is a small subplot between Charlie and his father that I honestly would have enjoyed a bit more of, but considering this story is about Moth and her family I understand why they weren't as involved in the story. 

Overall, I highly recommend this graphic novel. The story is so great, I am in love with the colorful artwork, and it's perfect for this time of year. Like I said earlier, I think readers of all ages would enjoy this story and I absolutely see myself picking up more graphic novels by Emma Steinkellner in the future.

Thanks for reading!