There are truly no words for how happy and magical We Could Be Magic was- I honestly wish I could read it for the first time again because I loved it SO MUCH. The art is stunning- it’s bright, bold, beautiful, and it elevates the story in incredible ways. We Could Be Magic is a coming of age story about a 17 year old girl who gets her dream job of working at an amusement park (aka the most magical place of all time!). Tabi learns that dreaming, working hard, having a great support system, and a little bit of magic can make her dreams come true. I love the plus size representation and now I am longing for more plus sized princesses! I loved this graphic novel. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read We Could Be Magic.

Such a magical graphic novel. Obviously inspired by Disneyland and the Disney College Program, it's a super cute story about falling in love and finding yourself and (haha) making magic. I loved the story and I really loved the art. The art was colorful and emotive and just really a joy to look at. That paired with Marissa Meyer's brand of romance? Perfection.

This book is an absolute treat, but I would expect no less from Marissa Meyer! I love the journey of the main character seeing the reality behind the curtain of her favorite place and reconciling it with the magic she has held of that place since childhood. The storyline of her being limited on/ being blocked from her dream of playing her favorite princess because she is not built like a fashion model is heartbreaking and one that so desperately needs to be brought to life. As someone who has never and will never be a size 2 or 0 like most if not all "princesses" are portrayed , this definitely struck a cord on how important it is for ALL kinds of representation is necessary, especially in media that is targeted towards children. Princesses shouldn't be a reflection of real women and the many shapes and sizes we come in.

We Could be Magic is truly a magical graphic novel! The words of Marissa Meyer and illustrations of Joelle Murray come together to create a fun and whimsical romance you will adore. Reading this graphic novel made me smile from ear to ear and gave me warm fuzzies.

When Tabitha Laurie was growing up, a visit to Sommerland saved her belief in true love, even as her parents’ marriage was falling apart. Now she’s landed her dream job at the theme park’s prestigious summer program, where she can make magical memories for other kids, guests, and superfans just like her. All she has to do is audition for one of the coveted princess roles, and soon her dreams will come true.

There’s just one problem. The heroes and heroines at Sommerland are all, well… thin. And no matter how much Tabi lives for the magic, she simply doesn't fit the park's idea of a princess. Given a not-so-regal position at a nacho food stand instead, Tabi is going to need the support of new friends, a new crush, and a whole lot of magic if she’s going to devise her own happily ever after. . . without getting herself fired in the process.

This graphic novel is such a fun read! Tabitha is a sweet character who, despite feeling shunned due to being overweight, is still optimistic and determined to make her time at Sommerland magical for herself and those around her. Her friendship and budding romance with James is super sweet and romantic. You'll be rooting for this pair, even as Tabi sets her eyes on someone else for a bit.

I love that this story focuses on a girl who is overweight. We need to see more stories like this. Teen girls deal with so much pressure about their bodies and how they look. It's great to read a story that has a positive body image message. Despite being told she isn't "princess material" due to her size, Tabitha perseveres and works hard to achieve her goal of being a princess at Sommerland. Does it work? Well, you'll have to read the graphic novel to find out...

Highly recommend!

Thanks to Feiwel & Friends for letting me read this graphic novel early. All thoughts are my own!

This graphic novel is really sweet, but it is so obviously Disney-coded. I really liked our FMC push for her dreams and help bring about some inclusivity. Her attitude and approach to conquering her dreams as adorable. Truly a lovely story with characters you cant help but root for!

I loved the art style and illustrations and color palette of this graphic novel. It was amazing!

Other than the mouse of it all, it’s cute!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

This graphic novel was SO cute and is definitely going on my "to buy" list! I love the author's work and this one did not disappoint. It was an interesting peek behind the curtain of "Disneyland" (theme park called Sommerland, but it is SO based on Disney's parks and movies). Tabi is absolutely delightful and James is adorkable. The progression of their relationship was paced well and satisfying. The story tackles the challenge of character actors needing to look a certain way, but Tabi does not fit that "look" and yet that does not dissuade her from trying to play one of the princesses. Loved the outcome and the message this book was trying to send.

Pardon me, while I loudly sob the happiest of tears.

"Sommerland may have many important rules, but they can all be broken in the name of magic."

*insert gif of Pedro Pascal sobbing here*

Thank you, Netgalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group ad Feiwel & Friends for the ARC to review. Marissa Meyer, girl, you've done it to me again! There has never been a time where you fail to make me cry--thankfully, this time it is the happy tears raining down my cheeks.

Tabi is a character many of us can see ourselves in--she may not fit the mold of the standard of beauty, but is beautiful, courageous and determined in a way that makes her so much more and better than the standard. Many fat girls have had the dream of being a princess, only to be told they're just not right for the role. Visibility, especially now, is so important. People, especially children, need to be able to see themselves in characters; to know that someone like them can be, in this case, a princess. Tabi never gives up, knows her worth (despite protestations from the saboteurs around her) and gets to be everything she wanted to be in the end. Love that so much for her. I loved the camaraderie around her, and it's okay that it took some people a little longer to support (no, really, it is okay.)

A note of praise also needs to be given to Joelle Murray for her art. It was so beautiful! The character drawings have so much personality and the scenery was absolutely gorgeous. It really felt like being Disneyland-adjacent and felt truly magical (just maybe better, but that is my opinion!) The pairing of Marissa's writing with Joelle's art brings the story together so perfectly that I am just going to have get myself a personal copy to marvel at it every once and a while.

"Dreams come true here. If that isn't magic, then what is?"

This was such a cute read and it was over too fast! I loved Tabi and her optimistic passion. I loved getting to see her living her dream and inspiring others while doing so. The art was adorable, the colors were gorgeous. I also loved that it felt like getting a peek into the behind-the-scenes of Disney parks -- even though this was set at the fictional "Sommerland" it still felt like I was getting to see some of the trade secrets behind Disneyland and I found that really fascinating!

pretty good! i liked the plot, the costumes, and i would read it again. the only thing was on one or two of the pages the text came out of the white boxes, but i assume they will fix that before publishing.

thanks to netgalley for letting me read it in advance!

This was a super cute read with a really important message. I liked the art style as well.

Tabi is a curvy black young woman (18ish) who grew up in love with Sommerland (I am taking this as a Disney equivalent). They gave her hope and made her believe in true love, even after her parent's divorce, so naturally she has always wanted to work in the theme park (Disney World). She finally gets the chance and tries out to be a Royal, but doesn't make the cut. However, she perseveres and tries again and also doesn't let other people get her down too much. This is a book about acceptance of who you are and how who you are is enough. Just because she doesn't fit the social mold doesn't mean she should change, but that the mold should.

I cannot rave about this book enough! It was so adorable and inspiring. The main characters were easy to get attached to and super fun to read! The story was light and fun, but also touched on some important topics, especially for young people. The art was very bright and cheery, with rich colors and cute characters. This is a graphic novel that I would definitely recommend!

I've been a fan of Meyer's work since <i>Cinder</i>, so I had high expectations for this book--expectations that were met and then blown away in the beautiful firework display of summertime magic that makes up this book.

From the charming characters to the tightly woven plot, this book sings of Meyer's talent while offering an approachable and heartwarming story that will have girls, boys, and everyone in between whispering, "We could be magic." Because it's true that all of us have that spark inside, that ability to bring light and hope and <i>wonder</i> to those around us whether it's through a gentle word, a kind action...or a big smile.

Fantastic! Wonderful story with wonderful messages. Tabi is positive, determined, and an all-around great character. We need more people like her in the world. She understands that hard work is necessary to reach your goals, any disappointment or setback is an opportunity to keep trying. Loved James--he's so sweet and genuine. Beautiful artwork. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

Tabi has dreamed of being a cast member at Sommerland since she was a little girl, and now she has the chance thanks to Sommerland’s summer program! All she has to do is ace the auditions to be one of the princesses. Unfortunately, there seems to be a certain look the judges are expecting and Tabi has to wonder whether there’s a place for her after all.

***

The short of it: an incredibly endearing story about a young lady trying to achieve her dream, set against a Disney-like magical backdrop, complete with a Prince Charming!

We Could Be Magic was such a lovely surprise! I found the storyline to be incredibly charming, as well as inspiring and even emotional. Tabi is such a lovable character and I found myself rooting for her from the start! I loved the amusement park setting, and thought that Sommerland was both unique and nostalgic. I thought that the romantic subplot was adorable!

The overall message of the story is so important, and I can definitely recommend this to both YA and Adult readers! This is easily one of the best YA graphic novels I’ve read, and I suspect it will become an all time favorite.

As for the art, Joelle Murray did an incredible job of brining to life the magic of Sommerland!

This might be the cutest/most heartfelt thing I've read this year. I absolutely loved it, it made me feel so fuzzy and good. I loved watching our main character go after her dreams and grow into herself.

Tabi is working at the theme park of her dreams, and while she is stoked to just be there she longs to play the character of her favorite princess. We get to watch as she works hard to get a character position at the park. We also get to see her and her friends push back on what are assumed body types for princesses.

The art style in this was beautiful. The bright colors and characters were brought to life by all the fun details. I highly recommend you all pick this up! Thank you to the publisher for providing an advanced readers copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Rounded up to 5 Stars

We Could Be Magic was such a sweet read!

The full-color artwork was gorgeous! I loved the setting of Sommerland, a sort of stand-in for Disneyland. It was interesting how in a short read, Sommerland, its characters, and the lore were very fleshed out! Kitty Wise was also adorable!
The characters were also perfect—no one seemed overplayed or underdone. I loved Tabi’s character. She was the perfect princess, kind, sweet, brave, and chasing her dreams. She was so optimistic, never giving up until she reached her dream.
James also fit the role of the prince, and made the perfect love interest and friend for Tabi. Their dynamic was a nice, fun bright spot.

I also really liked how this book handled its conflicts. It quietly commented on the diversity of Disney princesses, the total lack of body diversity of the Disney princesses, and of course, the controversy of actresses playing the roles of animated characters with a different physical appearance in live action movies. It seemed to acknowledge that we need to change and adapt, yes, but also, we need to make some room and create the spaces and roles for everyone.
My only complaint is that while I did like that it was handled in a quiet way, I think it was maybe a bit too quiet in that it wasn’t always clear where we were going with that. I also would have liked to see Tabi stick up for herself a bit more too, especially when one character very clearly insults her. Give her a bit more strength. If you’re going to make her the princess archetype, don’t forget that part.

In the end, this book was sweet and fun, and handled some important modern topics! I would definitely recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for the eARC!

We Could Be Magic is solidly one of the cutest books I have read in a long time. As someone who did a similar program in college, and a long time appreciater of Marissa Meyer, I have not laughed at a book this much in a long time. I would 100% recommend this to students and families! I love the diversity present--especially hijabi women. I am so excited to recommend this to friends and loved ones with children.

I loved this SO MUCH! It was absolutely adorable - the art, the story, the characters! I really felt the influence of a certain real life magical place, but Sommerland really felt like it had a magic of its own! I can’t wait to show this one off and recommend it!

Thank you so much for allowing me to read the ARC, and admire the fantastic art in this graphic novel!

i wanted to receive this arc so bad and happy i did! i enjoyed this one and the magical moments within the story and i love tabitha so much, and that she wanted to live her dreams.

I fell in love with this graphic novel! It is very sweet and shows the main character going through some struggles, but there were fairly light. The characters and the locations were beautifully drawn. As a theme park lover, everything stated felt very accurate. I felt immersed in the world, it was gorgeous!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for this ARC.