Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.
Screenwise Verdict
Snapdragon is one of those rare graphic novels that feels like a warm hug even when it’s talking about dead opossums. Kat Leyh managed to write a story that is deeply inclusive and progressive without ever feeling like a lecture.
It’s fast-paced, funny, and looks great on the page. If your kid liked 'The Owl House' or 'Nimona,' this is an absolute slam dunk. It’s the kind of book that stays on the shelf for years because you’ll actually want to re-read it.
Age Fit
Perfect for 10-year-olds and up. It’s got enough depth for adults to enjoy, but the core story of finding your place is pure middle-school energy.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92
It's a masterclass in 'found family.' The story centers on a girl befriending an eccentric older woman, modeling deep empathy and the idea that being 'weird' is actually a superpower. It handles complex family dynamics and identity with a warmth that never feels forced.
Imaginative
94
The blend of magical realism and anatomical science is brilliant. Turning roadkill into articulated skeleton art is a unique hook that encourages kids to look at the natural world—and death—with curiosity rather than just fear.
Safe
95
Extremely safe for its middle-grade target. While there are skeletons and 'witchy' vibes, it's never gratuitous or genuinely scary. The themes of identity and past trauma are handled with a gentle touch that respects the reader's intelligence.
Enriching
94
It offers some of the best, most natural representation of trans and queer characters in the genre. Beyond that, it tackles grief, reincarnation, and the ethics of how we treat the 'outcasts' in our communities.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
Features a protagonist who is unapologetically herself, messy hair and all.
Normalizes LGBTQ+ identities without making them the 'only' plot point.
The art is vibrant, energetic, and helps tell the story better than words alone could.
It tackles 'scary' things like death and aging in a way that feels grounded and comforting.
⚠
What to Watch For
Squeamish kids might be a little grossed out by the 'roadkill' aspect, though it's handled clinically.
There are some heavy themes involving past family secrets and lost love that might require a quick chat.
Conversation Starters
"Why do you think people in town were afraid of Jacks?"
"Snap and Jacks both feel like outsiders. How does their friendship change the way they see themselves?"
"What did you think about the way the book explained the 'magic' in the world?"
