Mooncakes

Nova Huang lives with her grandmothers in New England, where she works in their bookshop and practices witchcraft. When she discovers her childhood friend Tam Lang battling a demon in the woods, their paths intertwine once again. As Nova and Tam reconnect, they must work together to stop dark forces threatening their town. Their investigation leads them through magical realms while they navigate their growing feelings for each other. The narrative combines supernatural elements with everyday life, featuring supportive family relationships and LGBTQ+ romance. Tam's werewolf identity and Nova's hearing aids are integrated naturally into the story, which centers on acceptance and finding one's place in the world. This graphic novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of choosing your own family. The story speaks to the intersection of magic and reality, suggesting that both ordinary and extraordinary moments shape who we become.

Readers call this a cozy, heartwarming graphic novel focused on family bonds and queer romance. On Goodreads and social media, fans highlight the positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters, diverse body types, and disabled characters (the protagonist wears hearing aids). Liked: - Art style and fall/Halloween atmosphere - Authentic portrayal of Chinese-American family dynamics - Sweet, low-conflict romance - Representation of deaf/hard-of-hearing experience Disliked: - Plot pacing felt rushed, especially in final chapters - Some readers wanted more depth to the magical elements - Character development outside main duo felt limited Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (23,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,100+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.5/5 (100+ ratings) Several reviewers note it's an ideal introduction to graphic novels for middle-grade readers transitioning to YA content, though some found the story too simple for adult audiences.

Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama A tale of magic apprenticeship follows a determined girl who pursues witchcraft in a world where magic requires precise drawings and unwavering dedication.

The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O'Neill This story presents a world where magical creatures and their caretakers maintain deep bonds through the practice of tea dragon cultivation.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang A secret dressmaker and a prince who loves wearing dresses forge a friendship that challenges societal expectations in nineteenth-century Paris.

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki A graphic novel chronicles a teen's journey through a toxic relationship while exploring friendship, identity, and community support.

On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden This space opera weaves together two timelines of found family and lost love in a universe where spaceships look like fish and ancient architecture holds secrets.

🌙 Author Suzanne Walker is also a librarian and has worked extensively with deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons, which influenced some elements of the story's focus on inclusive representation. 🌙 The graphic novel began as a successful webcomic before being published as a book, gathering a dedicated following online first. 🌙 Traditional Chinese mooncakes, which inspire the book's title, are typically eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival and often contain symbolic imprints on top representing harmony and longevity. 🌙 The book's illustrator, Wendy Xu, created over 200 pages of artwork for the final version, using a warm color palette specifically chosen to evoke feelings of comfort and home. 🌙 The story combines elements of Chinese folklore with modern witchcraft practices, reflecting a growing trend in YA literature of blending different cultural magical traditions.