This was a really fun graphic novel about a girl who has never quite fit in, learning she is so much more than she ever thought...she’s a witch. This is both a blessing and a curse, as there is a history of terror in her community, and people always thought of witches as a bad thing, or at least something to be laughed at. But Moth Hush will have to find a happy medium between the past and the future to truly have the life she wants. This was a fun middle grade read. The illustrations are spot on, but I think the colorist needs to tone down all the dark colors. Many illustrations are had to discern one item from another because they are so dark. When my galley copy switches to black and white it is much easier to get the background of what is going on because you can actually see it. The final book is supposed to be in full color and I bet it will be amazing, as long as the colorist can keeps the pop colors used through much of the beginning.
#NancyDrewChallenge #Ghostinstory

Really cute story about discovering your family past and how you work into that. I look forward to more books in this series. The illustrations were perfect for the story.

This was such a fun read. The artwork is beautiful. My absolute favorite part was Mr. Laszlo, (leaving dead mice on the doorstep of the people he loves haha) he made me laugh out loud more than once.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It tells the story of Moth, a young girl who feels unexceptional. She has no friends, until a new boy, Charlie, moves in to town. This town was once the setting of a witch trial (back in the Puritan Days) and they celebrate the banishing of the witches with a play and carnival each year. One day at school, Moth accidentally performs magic, and discovers that she is descended from the very witches who were banished from the town all those years ago. Her mother has been keeping this from Moth. Can Moth develop her magical talents despite her mother's objections? Read to find out!

Moth Hush has never fit in her small town. It’s okay because she has her mom, but she wishes she could make a friend or at least finally fit in enough to stop getting picked on by her peers. Everything changes on one glorious Halloween. Not only does she make a friend, but she discovers that she’s a witch! Coming into the magic she didn’t know runs through her family is the coolest thing that’s ever happened to her. Unfortunately, her mom swore off magic before she was born and doesn’t want to teach Moth a thing. In fact, she has a no magic rule. Falling face first into very real centuries old witch hunt, things quickly get out of control and she comes into her own right in the middle of it all.

I’m a huge fan of all things witches so I was very excited when I saw this book because it sounded cute, inspiring, and right up my alley. I was not disappointed because Emma Steinkellner had me glued to every page and ready to see what happens next. I love Moth as a character. She doesn’t fit in and she’s lonely, but she marches to the beat of her own drum and doesn’t let it get in the way of her interests.

The storytelling and artwork go hand in hand and tell a beautiful story about a 13-year-old girl finding who she is at an age where everyone is still confused about who they are and who they want to be. Moth is extremely relatable, and I think that any kid who has been picked on or bullied can see a piece of themselves in Moth. I love that she’s outspoken, thoughtful, and makes mistakes along the way.

Alongside Moth is a great cast of characters ranging from her mom and new friend to a helpful ghost and a group of witches who just want fellow witches to be safe and happy. I love the way that Moth’s family history, which is tied into the true history of her small town, are presented and explained through a series of flashbacks. I was so absorbed in the story at this point that my phone rang, scaring me, and I was waiting for that call when I started reading!

At its core, this is a story of friendship, family, and compromising rather than trying to force love ones to do what one thinks is best for them. I loved seeing Moth and company become a strong unit as she comes into her own and finds the confidence and strength to help and save the people she loves. I absolutely love the story and the artwork and I am looking forward to reading more of Steinkellner’s work in the future.

The Okay Witch is a fun, charming story of Moth, a 13-year-old girl who has just discovered she has magical abilities. The story - like all good witchy books - is set in fall in a small New England town with a long history of witch hunting and prejudice on both sides. This is a delightful coming-of-age story that deals with family, mother-daughter relationships, prejudice, and self-acceptance. Tweens and teens alike will find this a fast, entertaining read. Perfect for fans of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and the Halloween Town Disney Channel Movies.

This graphic novel was so wholesome and cute!! I will definitely be reading the sequel (if there is one - fingers crossed!). Check it out if you like MG stories about witches and familial drama.

This is a graphic novel about a girl named Moth. When she turns 13 she has a "magic" experience that she finds out happens to all witches when they turn 13. This revelation that is a total surprise to her. Her mother, also a witch, turned her back on the witch community and refuses to use magic. Moth's grandmother is head of all witches, and wants Moth to come live in the witch world and leave the human world that hunted them (and apparently still hunts them) behind. When the long-standing feud between the witches and the founding family of their town turns into a fight between ghosts and witches, Moth finally figures out who she wants to be. I like that the witch-hunter family also sees the error of holding grudges. The book contains a whole story - a nice change of pace from graphic novels whose entire first book is character intro and no plot. This moves quickly with lots of action, and will be a big hit with reluctant readers.

100% fell in love with this book, the characters, the art, the story, EVERYTHING!! This is definitely one to have in your collection. It's lighthearted but delves into family and history and prejudice and perspective. I can't wait to see it finished in color!

This graphic novel is meant for a middle grade audience and is about a girl that is just trying to be herself in a town and school of people that just won't accept her. Then she finds out that she is also a witch... how cool is that?

Moth is hilarious, she knows herself and she knows her limitations and abilities and is really trying to just survive her life when she finds out that she has so much more potential. The problem is, the town is stuck in the dark-ages and she has to be careful. Moth is a bit stubborn and can get into trouble pretty easily.

This graphic novel’s story was interesting and had a lot of drama points to keep the reader interested. Moth has to deal with finding her powers, the problems the cause, a weird town that still lives thinking about the witch trials, a mother that won’t explain things, and a grandmother who happens to live in another realm. So there is a lot going on here, but Moth is true to her age as far as attitude and wants and she is portrayed well.

I think that some of this story was a bit weird for me to handle, the blend of reality and fantastical was hard to accept, but the illustration was fun and bright and I think that MG readers will love this character because she is relatable and the world is different and interesting.

Review link will be live closer to release date.

eARC provided by NetGalley

The story of a newly-powered witch out of water who is unsure of what she wants to become. Moth Hush comes from a long line of witches who have been in hiding as they've been persecuted by the town founders. Her mother attempts to hide her powers, but when confrontations come to a head, moth and her mother must decide if there is a side they should join. Filled with fun and themes that all middle-grade students can identify with, Okay Witch starts the series off well.

Although it's a graphic novel, I did not see a finished color copy. I look forward to getting a physical copy.

A lovely graphic novel adaptation that is engaging with lovely lines and story arc. I would definitely recommend this title to my students and my friends!

ARC copy generously provided by publisher and author. The opinions expressed in this review are purely my own!

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

I have to say that I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel! The main character is very likeable- and relatable- I mean, who didn't dream of waking up one day and having magical powers as a teenage girl? I know I did! So our MC discovers one day that she comes from a line of old witches who, while escaping persecution, were let into this alternate universe within the goddess Hecate. Our MC has powers, like her mother, but said mom does NOT want her to learn because it could also mean trouble. Being the brave girl that she is, Mothke (the MC) seeks magic anyways. With her familiar (an adorable black-cat who also happens to be the recently deceased owner of the thrift shop that M's mother inherited), she commences on her quest to learn magic.

What I like about the book is that it also touches upon topics such as bullying, first love, and racism- but in a way that is relatable to juveniles and easy to understand. I will definitely be suggesting this book to readers.

Excellent middle grade graphic novel. Moth is a likeable, interesting, relatable character. Actually, most of the main characters felt pretty well rounded. The story had a nice pace to it, building up to a quick ending. I didn't mind how fast the ending was because the speed gave it some extra excitement. This is one that I would definitely recommend the middle grade readers.

4/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read and review this title prior to its publication date.

I thoroughly enjoyed this middle grade graphic novel that follows 13-year old Moth Hush as she discovers the witchy secrets of her mother's (and own!) life.

I loved the illustration and coloring in this and thought it was fun for all ages. A perfect autumn read for lovers of Raina Telgemeier or Victoria Jamieson!

I love all things witchy. And oh man, is The Okay Witch an amazing witchy coming-of-age story. Not only is the art in this graphic novel beautiful and colorful and expressive, but the story is endearing and magical all in one.

Moth is such a compelling character: a girl who’s an outsider and a bit of a weirdo, whose family holds an ancient secret that she only discovers when she accidentally steals the mouths right off the faces of a pair of bullies! MAGIC IS WONDERFUL.

Moth struggles to accept not just her new layer of weird–uncontrollable magic–but also grapples with her mother’s history and their hometown and how it all affects her family. And on top of it, she finally makes a new friend and now she’s got to come around to figuring out how to be a good friend and a good witch at the same time.

Oh, and did I mention there’s a talking cat that’s possessed by the spirit of Moth’s Russian neighbor? It’s all super cute and incredibly deep with twists and stellar worldbuilding.

The Okay Witch is a must-read for all witchy fans and graphic novel fans and just anyone who loves a cute, tries-her-best main character.

Bright images and a clever story punctuate this graphic novel. I would gladly share this with readers young and old — now I want a copy for my office! Well done.

Great graphic novel for young readers to adults! Thanks again to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC. I fell in love with the cover and description, so I knew I had to read it! I love “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and this graphic novel reminded me a lot of the comics and shows.

Hush learns all about becoming a witch, her family’s history, and her town’s legacy. What she does about it all is very interesting and makes for a great read. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves magic, friendship, and a good laugh! This book provides it all.

Not since Amulet or Nameless City have I loved a middle grade graphic novel more! For fans of Harry Potter, Charlie Bone, and Artemis Fowl.

I read it in one sitting and can hardly wait until it's published so I can re-read it in print!

Thank you NetGalley for the digital galley.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this adorable graphic novel for review!  When I saw this was up for review, I requested it very quickly because it just looked so stinking cute, and boy was I right!

This graphic novel follows the story of Moth Hush, a quirky girl in the throes of school and trying to have a social life with peers who don't understand her.  She is drawn to the old witchcraft story of the small town she lives in but doesn't quite understand why.  Through a series of events, she learns that her mother, Calendula, is a witch, that she is a witch, a cat she finds talks and houses the soul of a dear family friend, that her grandmother created a safe alter-dimension called Hecate for witches to live, and that witch hunters are still a thing in her town and that they are actively seeking any witches that may still be around.  This stories has a slight plot twist but is overall just a nice story about believing in yourself, trusting your instincts, and accepting people just as they are.

My favorite part of this graphic novel is the character of Moth.  She is so cute, with her huge doe-eyes and wild wonder, but she is also quite headstrong.  She is a great representation of a modern strong female who is able to fend and fight for themselves, while also understanding the importance of helping others in their time of need.  I loved the development of Moth's story and how she goes from, in the beginning being a girl who is confused and sad to someone who, in the end, helps save the day.  She gains enough confidence to speak her opinions, as well as her wants and needs while being respectful and honest.  I love seeing these strong and worthy female characters who break stereotypes about ideas like what a witch is and witchcraft. 

On a similar note, a lot of social work is done in the form of a graphic novel; several stereotypes and ideas are being actively evaluated and readjusted in this graphic novel.  The colorful and easy-to-read format of this graphic novel makes it easy to digest and discuss.  This is something that I would encourage a young reader to spend time with, but it is a good story, there are plenty of lovable characters, and the deeper messages are hearty.        

I loved this graphic novel so much!  I gave it four stars out of five because, while I loved the story, it felt like the ending was rushed.  There were several chapters that lead up to the ending, but it in itself took only 1 or 2 chapters to conclude; I would have rather it been a little more drawn out or not so rushed.  But, regardless of that, I still loved it and highly recommend it to others!