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adventurous
lighthearted
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
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sweet graphic novel about a girl learning to harness her magic so she can use it to defend herself, her family, and her town from bullies who have found a way to use magic to take their bullying to our of control heights. Reminded me of the ojja wojja, though it's a very different take on a very similar premise. Loved the bright colors and cute style of the art.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
In SHAKTI, SJ Sindu and Nabi H. Ali join forces to tell us the story of a young brown girl finding the magic within herself. Shakti and her moms are constantly moving from town to town. She begins 7th grade at a new school and is worried about having to start over yet again, but she meets Xi and they quickly become best friends. Unfortunately, the meanest girls at school are making them miserable and they’re getting away with their awful behaviour. Shakti and Xi uncover the truth of this mystery, and they turn to ancient magic and seek the aid of Durga Ma to stop the bullies. But summoning Durga Ma (goddess of strength & protection) also risks summoning Kali Ma (goddess of death & destruction), which could put everyone in danger.
I love everything about this middle grade graphic novel. It’s an impactful story with a relatable protagonist who isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and take responsibility for her actions. Shakti’s voice feels genuine and I appreciate the range of emotions she feels throughout the story. Her journey in this book is full of empathy and understanding as she handles the difficult situations in her life. Her friendship with Xi is heartwarming and I love how they take charge and stand up to the bullies together.
I love the writing style and the way this story is organized. The art is incredible and its vibrance makes the story shine. Magic is incorporated seamlessly into the story, and I love how magic is accessible to everyone and that there’s room for multiple forms of witchcraft. The focus on Durga Ma and Kali Ma is compelling and I love how their stories are told alongside Shakti’s. The duality presented in this book between the two goddesses is an important one and it works well to aid the story in teaching lessons about anger, hatred, and the importance of letting go.
I love the focus on cultural and spiritual connections; it’s always awe-inspiring for me to see books that are unapologetic and prideful in their display for cultural traditions. And that’s exactly what this book is and why it’s so powerful. It was wonderful to read a graphic novel featuring a brown protagonist in a story inspired by South Asian magic and witchcraft. I’m so glad this book exists and the best part is knowing that my younger self would have absolutely loved this story, too.
adventurous
inspiring
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:
Complicated
Stunning middle-grade graphic novel that ticks all the boxes, action, adventure, folklore, LGBTQIA+ rep, witches, Durga/Kali and so, so, so much more! It's easy to read and look at, and I loved all of the diverse characters. Loved this so much that I immediately ordered the hardback for my niblings! Please let there be sequels.
Adorable! I love Shakti. I love her moms! I love her friends. The story is sweet but also has some real stakes. The art is warm and simple.
adventurous
medium-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
WOWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!! First of all, I highly recommend this middle grade graphic novel!! It's a must read. Between the Tamil representation, queer parents, well explained and inclusive magic system, and gorgeous illustration style, this book blew me away.
Before I mention this next bit, I want to mention that I am North Indian and so my perspective will reflect that. I loved the depiction of Durga Ma and Ma Kali so much!!! Often in North India, hinduism often brings the men to the front, with the women acting mostly as divine counterparts. (We do celebrate the goddesses however not as much as in South Indian) I appreciate how in Tamil culture Durga and Kali are cherished and beloved in their own right and power.
I highly recommend you read this and read reviews by Tamil and South Indian readers!!!!
Before I mention this next bit, I want to mention that I am North Indian and so my perspective will reflect that. I loved the depiction of Durga Ma and Ma Kali so much!!! Often in North India, hinduism often brings the men to the front, with the women acting mostly as divine counterparts. (We do celebrate the goddesses however not as much as in South Indian) I appreciate how in Tamil culture Durga and Kali are cherished and beloved in their own right and power.
I highly recommend you read this and read reviews by Tamil and South Indian readers!!!!
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
informative
lighthearted
sad
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:
Yes
First: magic and witches? Yes, please.
Such a strong amazing character who finds her way through bullying, magic initiation, magic/culture inheritance, acceptance of self and others as they are, and will protect those in need who are taunted by the same bullies, (finding the right crowd and friends).
Racism is disguised under the excuse of being a spell, but the examples are very relatable. Well done.
Amazing Indian mythology, culture and to see two different approaches to magic, spells, and representation of witches. Diversity. Feminist.
LGBTQ+ representation. Family core of two Moms.
Great art, flat and clean, easy to read and follow. The color scheme is very beautiful.
Thank you to HarperAlley for the arc. My opinions are my own and honest.
Such a strong amazing character who finds her way through bullying, magic initiation, magic/culture inheritance, acceptance of self and others as they are, and will protect those in need who are taunted by the same bullies, (finding the right crowd and friends).
Racism is disguised under the excuse of being a spell, but the examples are very relatable. Well done.
Amazing Indian mythology, culture and to see two different approaches to magic, spells, and representation of witches. Diversity. Feminist.
LGBTQ+ representation. Family core of two Moms.
Great art, flat and clean, easy to read and follow. The color scheme is very beautiful.
Thank you to HarperAlley for the arc. My opinions are my own and honest.
adventurous
emotional
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:
No