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paigicus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Deadnaming, and Transphobia
finesilkflower's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
I was disconcerted by the mix of bubbly, cartoony, Steven Universe-ish art with a goth subject matter (witchcraft centering around animal ghosts and reanimating animal bones). Style is my favorite part of spooky stories, and I would have liked to see a more goth style for this spooky subject matter. That's not to say that the art isn't sometimes spooky, including mystical forests (which were my favorite part).
Love that this is a friendship/mentorship story between a young queer and an older butch. It's like if Karate Kid were about queer witches.
Snap's best friend is a trans girl who is initially introduced as a boy but who comes into her own throughout the book, changing her name and presentation. This is generally well handled by the main characters, who are accepting and supportive without making a big deal about it, but toward the beginning we see more transphobic bullying. I'm of two minds about this, because I think it's important and validating to reflect kids' world back to them instead of denying that they're dealing with the things they're dealing with and presenting them a sugarcoated fantasyland, but I also think it's a bit heavy to be thrown in without a lot of unpacking. Similar to the rest of the story, it feels like an uneasy mix of darkness and light.
Love that this is a friendship/mentorship story between a young queer and an older butch. It's like if Karate Kid were about queer witches.
Snap's best friend is a trans girl who is initially introduced as a boy but who comes into her own throughout the book, changing her name and presentation. This is generally well handled by the main characters, who are accepting and supportive without making a big deal about it, but toward the beginning we see more transphobic bullying. I'm of two minds about this, because I think it's important and validating to reflect kids' world back to them instead of denying that they're dealing with the things they're dealing with and presenting them a sugarcoated fantasyland, but I also think it's a bit heavy to be thrown in without a lot of unpacking. Similar to the rest of the story, it feels like an uneasy mix of darkness and light.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Gore, Bullying, Transphobia, Animal cruelty, and Deadnaming
sunnydale's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
LOVE. Immediately wanted to reread. Adore the characters, the art is dynamic and easy to read, and the story is so intimate and warm.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death and Bullying
Minor: Transphobia, Animal cruelty, Deadnaming, and Injury/Injury detail
Animal death and taxidermy is a major part of the story, but is not graphically depicted. One incident of transphobic bullying. The dog is threatened once but is never harmed.librarymouse's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I love the multi-generational love and sense of community throughout the story. The idea of small town charm and close knit rural community represented as something available and attainable for queer folks hit a note of longing that I'd buried a long time ago. To have that openness and to not have the fear of rejection from the community or one's own family in small town America plainly written in a book geared towards children is quietly and profoundly revolutionary. Violet standing up to the condescending bookstore employee and supporting her daughter's interest in STEM also brought me immense joy.
It was really nice to see gender non-conforming and transgender children be not only accepted, but loved and supported by their families and community. Lulu's role as the catalyst for Snap's magic manifesting because of their close bond and Snap's desire to see her friend get the hair of her dreams shows that love and kindness are at the root of the novel's magic system. It's a really refreshing concept.
Overall, Snapdragon was an entertaining and quick read that's heartwarming and cozy for readers of all ages. It's full of an interesting plot line, cast of dynamic characters, and expressive illustrations. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
It was really nice to see
Overall, Snapdragon was an entertaining and quick read that's heartwarming and cozy for readers of all ages. It's full of an interesting plot line, cast of dynamic characters, and expressive illustrations. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Bullying, Car accident, Child abuse, Deadnaming, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Lesbophobia
mayakinsley's review against another edition
lighthearted
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Animal death
Moderate: Deadnaming, Transphobia, and Car accident
Minor: Homophobia
moeckles's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
You ever just know you're going to love something and then when you finally get around to it, you absolutely do??? Yeah, that's me and this book. Also, I want to be Jacks when I grow up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Animal death and Transphobia
Minor: Car accident, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Death, and Deadnaming
ranj1580's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Bullying
Moderate: Deadnaming
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