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The Okay Witch #1
The Okay Witch
Magic is harder than it looks.
Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush loves all things witchy. But she’s about to discover that witches aren’t just the stuff of movies, books, and spooky stories. When some eighth-grade bullies try to ruin her Halloween, something really strange happens. It turns out that Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts, has a centuries-old history of witch drama. And, surprise: Moth’s family is at the center of it all! When Moth’s new powers show up, things get totally out-of-control. She meets a talking cat, falls into an enchanted diary, and unlocks a hidden witch world. Secrets surface from generations past as Moth unravels the complicated legacy at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.
Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush loves all things witchy. But she’s about to discover that witches aren’t just the stuff of movies, books, and spooky stories. When some eighth-grade bullies try to ruin her Halloween, something really strange happens. It turns out that Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts, has a centuries-old history of witch drama. And, surprise: Moth’s family is at the center of it all! When Moth’s new powers show up, things get totally out-of-control. She meets a talking cat, falls into an enchanted diary, and unlocks a hidden witch world. Secrets surface from generations past as Moth unravels the complicated legacy at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2019
189 people are currently reading
11328 people want to read
About the author
Emma Steinkellner
7 books217 followersEmma Steinkellner is an illustrator, cartoonist, and writer based in Los Angeles, CA.
She is the author and illustrator of the middle grade graphic novel The Okay Witch (Aladdin, Fall 2019). The Okay Witch tells the story of 13-year-old Moth Hush, who learns that magic is to be expected when you're a Hush in an adventure that spans centuries, generations, and even worlds as Moth unravels the complicated legacy of witches at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.
She is a graduate of Stanford University's department of Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, where she created, wrote, and illustrated her thesis It Gets Weird, a science fiction sex ed graphic novel for adolescent readers and where she proclaimed herself "one of Stanford's most elite goons".
Working in print and webcomics, Emma has illustrated projects with her radiant sister, writer Kit Steinkellner, including the teen rom-com webcomic Aces and the Eisner-nominated superhero coming-of-age story Quince with Fanbase Press and is the creator of the comic diary Pow Slam Sparkle.
She is the author and illustrator of the middle grade graphic novel The Okay Witch (Aladdin, Fall 2019). The Okay Witch tells the story of 13-year-old Moth Hush, who learns that magic is to be expected when you're a Hush in an adventure that spans centuries, generations, and even worlds as Moth unravels the complicated legacy of witches at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.
She is a graduate of Stanford University's department of Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, where she created, wrote, and illustrated her thesis It Gets Weird, a science fiction sex ed graphic novel for adolescent readers and where she proclaimed herself "one of Stanford's most elite goons".
Working in print and webcomics, Emma has illustrated projects with her radiant sister, writer Kit Steinkellner, including the teen rom-com webcomic Aces and the Eisner-nominated superhero coming-of-age story Quince with Fanbase Press and is the creator of the comic diary Pow Slam Sparkle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,561 reviews
August 26, 2022
First of all: I ADORE this book!
When I started the first page, I was like YES!
The colour palette? The aesthetic? It really fits my preference and it made the book more enjoyable. It was well rounded, from the illustrations to the characters and even the plot. I love how perfect this book is to read during the Halloween (though I didn't read this on Halloween)
This book is adorable and funny. I enjoyed the arts foremost! I can't stop appreciating every single page of it. It has been an adventurous read full of emotions. I laughed, touched and get mad along the way.
Also, I love Moth! A thirteen years old witch who's struggling to fit in and in pursue of discovering herself. But you know what makes her even more lovable? She's a witch who loves anime! (it was mentioned once in the novel but gotta stick to the mutualism <3).
And not to say, my love for other characters as well. Moth's family (even though her grandmother is annoying), her familiar and even Charlie! I can't wait to see more Moth and Charlie in the next book too.
With that being said, I'm pre-ordering that second book!!!
When I started the first page, I was like YES!
The colour palette? The aesthetic? It really fits my preference and it made the book more enjoyable. It was well rounded, from the illustrations to the characters and even the plot. I love how perfect this book is to read during the Halloween (though I didn't read this on Halloween)
This book is adorable and funny. I enjoyed the arts foremost! I can't stop appreciating every single page of it. It has been an adventurous read full of emotions. I laughed, touched and get mad along the way.
Also, I love Moth! A thirteen years old witch who's struggling to fit in and in pursue of discovering herself. But you know what makes her even more lovable? She's a witch who loves anime! (it was mentioned once in the novel but gotta stick to the mutualism <3).
And not to say, my love for other characters as well. Moth's family (even though her grandmother is annoying), her familiar and even Charlie! I can't wait to see more Moth and Charlie in the next book too.
With that being said, I'm pre-ordering that second book!!!
October 22, 2020
What an enjoyable read and a great story for this time of year with Halloween and hauntings and witches all about us. This went down smooth and easy.
The characters were well formed and the drama was good, not over dramatic, but enough. The artwork is nice and it enhanced the story.
Moth Hush is a teenager obsessed with witches and one day she discovers that she is actually a witch in this small town in Massachusetts. She is an outsider at school. She finds a past between her family and the town. There are twists and surprises in the story and there is a school play about the history of the town, how could there not be.
Moth has to decide who she is going to be. Her mother stopped using her magic to live a normal life and her grandmother loved her magic so much, she gave up the real world to protect it. Neither option works for Moth. Who is she going to be. She makes some friends along the way to finding out who she is and how she will be in the world.
It's a great coming-of-age tale. I do recommend this story, especially to young readers. I am going to see if my niece and nephew will read this. I hope they will.
The characters were well formed and the drama was good, not over dramatic, but enough. The artwork is nice and it enhanced the story.
Moth Hush is a teenager obsessed with witches and one day she discovers that she is actually a witch in this small town in Massachusetts. She is an outsider at school. She finds a past between her family and the town. There are twists and surprises in the story and there is a school play about the history of the town, how could there not be.
Moth has to decide who she is going to be. Her mother stopped using her magic to live a normal life and her grandmother loved her magic so much, she gave up the real world to protect it. Neither option works for Moth. Who is she going to be. She makes some friends along the way to finding out who she is and how she will be in the world.
It's a great coming-of-age tale. I do recommend this story, especially to young readers. I am going to see if my niece and nephew will read this. I hope they will.
September 30, 2021
Delightful from start to finish! All the best elements of story: mystery, magic, humor, a hint of romance, friendship, family relationships, drama, dynamic characters, all combined with charming art to make an excellent Halloweeny story about a brand new witch, her crotchety familiar, her family, and her family secrets.
Reread 2021: Just. So. Darling. Mr. Laszlo's tiny paws will never stop being my favorite thing.
Reread 2021: Just. So. Darling. Mr. Laszlo's tiny paws will never stop being my favorite thing.
April 24, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner was more than okay. In fact, it was actually a rather fun and cute book with a bit of an insightful look into the Salem witch hunts. Now, this is definitely more of a kids book and doesn't really get into a lot of the deeper subjects that surround what went on back in those days, but it still touches base on some aspects of the situation. The story follows a young girl called Moth, someone who generally doesn't fit in at school and whose best friend really does appear to be her mother, as she comes into her magic and learns all about both her family's history and the powers that she was always destined to have and her mother wants to run away from. With the help of an old friend who's been brought back as a Cat, Moth peruses her mother's old journal in order to learn the truth of both her magic and her ancestry and the story turns out to be a lot more fascinating than she ever could have realized, for you see...Moth and her mother live in modern times.
When a new boy moves to town, Moth finally manages to make a friend with whom to navigate this crazy new world she's been introduced to. He manages to help make her experience learning the new changes in her life a little more fun and purposeful. Of course, with the secrets of her mother's past and the truth behind who her new friend's father is, not everything in this coming of age story is going to develop smoothly. And when Moth's mother's past materializes into something a bit more than a past left behind, everything begins to change.
I really enjoyed reading The Okay Witch. Unlike most graphic novels, this one actually came to a rather satisfying conclusion rather than leaving us with a ridiculous and annoying cliffhanger as we eagerly await to find out what happens next, frustrated that the story ended so quickly and there wasn't more to it. This one very much felt like a full story, complete with a satisfying character arc and conclusion to the encroaching conflict. It had wonderful characters, an exciting plot, and fantastic artwork. And The Okay Witch is a perfect story for the age group that it's intended for. I definitely know I would have enjoyed it immensely had I read it at that age.
I will admit that a part of the resolution at the end seemed a bit forced but other than that this was an excellent story that I'm grateful to have gotten a chance to read and would certainly recommend. I don't know if I'd go out of my way to buy it since I don't really see myself re-reading the story, but I will definitely keep a look out to see if there are any sequels since I'd love to see what happens next for young Moth and her journey of becoming a witch of the modern world. It's somewhat Sabrina-eque.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner was more than okay. In fact, it was actually a rather fun and cute book with a bit of an insightful look into the Salem witch hunts. Now, this is definitely more of a kids book and doesn't really get into a lot of the deeper subjects that surround what went on back in those days, but it still touches base on some aspects of the situation. The story follows a young girl called Moth, someone who generally doesn't fit in at school and whose best friend really does appear to be her mother, as she comes into her magic and learns all about both her family's history and the powers that she was always destined to have and her mother wants to run away from. With the help of an old friend who's been brought back as a Cat, Moth peruses her mother's old journal in order to learn the truth of both her magic and her ancestry and the story turns out to be a lot more fascinating than she ever could have realized, for you see...Moth and her mother live in modern times.
When a new boy moves to town, Moth finally manages to make a friend with whom to navigate this crazy new world she's been introduced to. He manages to help make her experience learning the new changes in her life a little more fun and purposeful. Of course, with the secrets of her mother's past and the truth behind who her new friend's father is, not everything in this coming of age story is going to develop smoothly. And when Moth's mother's past materializes into something a bit more than a past left behind, everything begins to change.
I really enjoyed reading The Okay Witch. Unlike most graphic novels, this one actually came to a rather satisfying conclusion rather than leaving us with a ridiculous and annoying cliffhanger as we eagerly await to find out what happens next, frustrated that the story ended so quickly and there wasn't more to it. This one very much felt like a full story, complete with a satisfying character arc and conclusion to the encroaching conflict. It had wonderful characters, an exciting plot, and fantastic artwork. And The Okay Witch is a perfect story for the age group that it's intended for. I definitely know I would have enjoyed it immensely had I read it at that age.
I will admit that a part of the resolution at the end seemed a bit forced but other than that this was an excellent story that I'm grateful to have gotten a chance to read and would certainly recommend. I don't know if I'd go out of my way to buy it since I don't really see myself re-reading the story, but I will definitely keep a look out to see if there are any sequels since I'd love to see what happens next for young Moth and her journey of becoming a witch of the modern world. It's somewhat Sabrina-eque.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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February 16, 2021
What a gorgeous graphic novel! I enjoyed this coming-of-age story about a witch who discovers her witchy heritage, that also explores prejudice, family, and change.
- Follows Moth, a 13-year old teenager who doesn't quite fit in at school. When she discovers that she possesses witch powers, Moth discovers that she has a long history in the town of Founder's Bluff and unravels the complex history of the town and who she is.
- I loved how this story explores family, change, and ultimately forgiveness. I enjoyed the dives into the past, as we come to understand her history and who she is.
- The relationships in this were awesome; I liked the parent-child relationships and also the soft and joyous friendships.
- I think this story explores prejudice really well while also offering a hopeful path and conclusion.
- While I recommend this book to everyone, I do love Steinkellner's art but I also felt that the GN mediu wasn't... used to its full potential? I don't know. I also felt that the way the story explored bullying wasn't handled very well.
Content warning: discussions of death of loved one, potentially scary magic scenes
- Follows Moth, a 13-year old teenager who doesn't quite fit in at school. When she discovers that she possesses witch powers, Moth discovers that she has a long history in the town of Founder's Bluff and unravels the complex history of the town and who she is.
- I loved how this story explores family, change, and ultimately forgiveness. I enjoyed the dives into the past, as we come to understand her history and who she is.
- The relationships in this were awesome; I liked the parent-child relationships and also the soft and joyous friendships.
- I think this story explores prejudice really well while also offering a hopeful path and conclusion.
- While I recommend this book to everyone, I do love Steinkellner's art but I also felt that the GN mediu wasn't... used to its full potential? I don't know. I also felt that the way the story explored bullying wasn't handled very well.
Content warning: discussions of death of loved one, potentially scary magic scenes
May 10, 2021
Well, that was just adorable.
❤️ And I want more!!!
Crossing my fingers for the GR giveaway for book two!
❤️ And I want more!!!
Crossing my fingers for the GR giveaway for book two!
June 13, 2019
Synopsis:
When an awkward 13-year-old, Moth Hush, discovers that she is descended from a long line of powerful witches; life becomes anything but average. With the help of her mom and a bevy of zany characters; she goes on an awesome adventure to reclaim her heritage.
Review:
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I initially requested this graphic novel from NetGalley for my 13 yo daughter. While perusing a list of new releases for middle schoolers, she was drawn to this one both by the cover art and the synopsis (which she claims to "relate to"). She asked about it nonstop and inspired me to read along.
The story starts in much the same way all coming of age stories start. Meet awkward pre-teen, Moth Hush. She lives in a single-family home above a thrift/gift shop with her mother, Calendula Hush and wishes to be "special." The relationship between mother and daughter initially great, but it becomes strained after a strange occurrence at school.
On Halloween, very shortly after her 13th birthday, Moth discovers that she possesses a powerful gift quite by accident. Terrified at the changes her body was going through, she seeks the help of her mother. Here's when the strain starts. Turns out, not only does mom have the same gift, she's been secretly hoping that Moth did not. In fact, her mother has gone out of her way to avoid her gift due to a painful experience in the past. After a very strained conversation, moth agrees to her mother's terms but very quickly breaks her promise.
From this point on, I was completely invested in this story. The author does a superb job in her depiction and growth of each character. The character interactions were so "real," and each very relatable. I found myself annoyed at Moth, then overjoyed when she and her mother make up. I felt a bit silly feeling my eyes mist at the apex of the final battle, but I'll admit it here. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments as well as I revisited my own awkward early teen years. I recommend this book to young and not-so-young women who enjoy quirky, coming of age tales with a paranormal twist.
When an awkward 13-year-old, Moth Hush, discovers that she is descended from a long line of powerful witches; life becomes anything but average. With the help of her mom and a bevy of zany characters; she goes on an awesome adventure to reclaim her heritage.
Review:
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I initially requested this graphic novel from NetGalley for my 13 yo daughter. While perusing a list of new releases for middle schoolers, she was drawn to this one both by the cover art and the synopsis (which she claims to "relate to"). She asked about it nonstop and inspired me to read along.
The story starts in much the same way all coming of age stories start. Meet awkward pre-teen, Moth Hush. She lives in a single-family home above a thrift/gift shop with her mother, Calendula Hush and wishes to be "special." The relationship between mother and daughter initially great, but it becomes strained after a strange occurrence at school.
On Halloween, very shortly after her 13th birthday, Moth discovers that she possesses a powerful gift quite by accident. Terrified at the changes her body was going through, she seeks the help of her mother. Here's when the strain starts. Turns out, not only does mom have the same gift, she's been secretly hoping that Moth did not. In fact, her mother has gone out of her way to avoid her gift due to a painful experience in the past. After a very strained conversation, moth agrees to her mother's terms but very quickly breaks her promise.
From this point on, I was completely invested in this story. The author does a superb job in her depiction and growth of each character. The character interactions were so "real," and each very relatable. I found myself annoyed at Moth, then overjoyed when she and her mother make up. I felt a bit silly feeling my eyes mist at the apex of the final battle, but I'll admit it here. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments as well as I revisited my own awkward early teen years. I recommend this book to young and not-so-young women who enjoy quirky, coming of age tales with a paranormal twist.
April 18, 2020
Update Here's my full review: https://bookishrealmreviews.blogspot....
This was such a cute graphic novel! I’m so excited for people to check this one out. I have more to say but I think I want to save it for my written blog post. If you like witches, cute and positive friendships then definitely check this one out! Plus the artwork is AMAZING!
This was such a cute graphic novel! I’m so excited for people to check this one out. I have more to say but I think I want to save it for my written blog post. If you like witches, cute and positive friendships then definitely check this one out! Plus the artwork is AMAZING!
Read
April 29, 2020Sometimes okay is more than okay.
Halloween should be the time of year where witches and other "weirdness" is acceptable. But 13 year old Moth Hush knows in real life that isn't true. When some bullies try to ruin her holiday, her powers emerge.
Living in Founders Bluff, Massachusetts comes with a centuries-old history of witch drama, and Moth's family is at the center of it. With the help of a talking cat and an enchanted diary, she finds a hidden witch world. But as she discovers secrets of generations past, she unravels the complicated legacy at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.
A story of who we are, and who we choose to be. A tale of trying and how okay means you're on your way.
Trigger warnings for microaggressions, bullying, and divorce.
An excited outsider, Moth knew what it was like to be different, even before the powers. Witch obsessed, the young soul was often bullied before her life became magically charged. Her curious nature cast a spell over me as she stepped into a past that made her embrace her differences and confident in who she was.
From a loving mother who was ready to leave the past where it was, from the past that wasn't ready to be left alone, from an adorably surprising cat, to an ever hopeful best friend, to a town that celebrated a troublesome history, Moth's powers changed everyone's lives. Everyone in the lovingly crafted, diverse supporting cast had a voice and prescene that was all their own.
Richly surprising and dynamic, Moth's family contained unique, strong women. I loved seeing the way magic shaped their lives differently. Mr. Laszlo, the cat, had a lot to say and truly made me smile every time he was on the page. Charlie was full of positivity that made my heart ache with hope. His sweet friendship with Moth made both of their lives better. These souls, along with other not so kind ones, brought the ambience of small towns to life.
Why must difference be persecuted? Why not celebrate it? Spell work wasn't the only magic to be found in this graphic novel of family, history, and the way power entwines and ostracizes the two. Brilliantly colored illustrations helped this fiction show the good and the bad ways history impacts our lives still today. A fresh fantasy steeped in reality, Emma Steinkellner's nuanced middle grade tale of deciding who you want to be, creating your own paths, and being proud of who you are was fantastic. The endearing characters within the pages of The Okay Witch reminded my heart that people are capable of change and good. Cute, intricate, and funny, I can only hope for a sequel!
The Okay Witch was pretty great!
Halloween should be the time of year where witches and other "weirdness" is acceptable. But 13 year old Moth Hush knows in real life that isn't true. When some bullies try to ruin her holiday, her powers emerge.
Living in Founders Bluff, Massachusetts comes with a centuries-old history of witch drama, and Moth's family is at the center of it. With the help of a talking cat and an enchanted diary, she finds a hidden witch world. But as she discovers secrets of generations past, she unravels the complicated legacy at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.
A story of who we are, and who we choose to be. A tale of trying and how okay means you're on your way.
Trigger warnings for microaggressions, bullying, and divorce.
An excited outsider, Moth knew what it was like to be different, even before the powers. Witch obsessed, the young soul was often bullied before her life became magically charged. Her curious nature cast a spell over me as she stepped into a past that made her embrace her differences and confident in who she was.
From a loving mother who was ready to leave the past where it was, from the past that wasn't ready to be left alone, from an adorably surprising cat, to an ever hopeful best friend, to a town that celebrated a troublesome history, Moth's powers changed everyone's lives. Everyone in the lovingly crafted, diverse supporting cast had a voice and prescene that was all their own.
Richly surprising and dynamic, Moth's family contained unique, strong women. I loved seeing the way magic shaped their lives differently. Mr. Laszlo, the cat, had a lot to say and truly made me smile every time he was on the page. Charlie was full of positivity that made my heart ache with hope. His sweet friendship with Moth made both of their lives better. These souls, along with other not so kind ones, brought the ambience of small towns to life.
Why must difference be persecuted? Why not celebrate it? Spell work wasn't the only magic to be found in this graphic novel of family, history, and the way power entwines and ostracizes the two. Brilliantly colored illustrations helped this fiction show the good and the bad ways history impacts our lives still today. A fresh fantasy steeped in reality, Emma Steinkellner's nuanced middle grade tale of deciding who you want to be, creating your own paths, and being proud of who you are was fantastic. The endearing characters within the pages of The Okay Witch reminded my heart that people are capable of change and good. Cute, intricate, and funny, I can only hope for a sequel!
The Okay Witch was pretty great!
May 18, 2022
I hope Mr. Laszlo knows I'd die for him if he asked.
October 5, 2025
I thought a change with a certain character at the end was too sudden and rushed, some of the writing was corny but overall really enjoyed reading this one and getting to know Moth and her mother:).
July 22, 2020
A pretty cute graphic novel about witchcraft, family, and discovering your own abilities. Some of it felt a bit rushed at the end, where perhaps just a few thought bubbles could have made it more emotional and dramatic rather than just MAGIC. Similarly, some of the discussion of witches and belonging felt familiar, but that might just be from recently watching Sabrina....
Drawing style had great expressions and eyes, even if the mouths were rather over exaggerated at times. Reminded me of Sarin’s drawing style from Giant Days.
Drawing style had great expressions and eyes, even if the mouths were rather over exaggerated at times. Reminded me of Sarin’s drawing style from Giant Days.
June 6, 2025
Here’s the mean review: I LOVE IT.
December 11, 2022
The Okay Witch is a 'middle grade' book about an 8th grade girl named Moth Hush who just loves witchy stuff. In this story, Moth learns that witches just may be real. And she finds that out because SHE is one. She starts discovering her own powers after she finds out that her family is at the center of some small-town drama about witches.
This novel is clearly meant for middle schoolers/preteens, but overall, it was an adorable, easy to follow book with some great world building. The author did a great job at making the MC Moth Hush super relatable and fun. The side characters were also fun. I think a lot of kids will enjoy this one.
This novel is clearly meant for middle schoolers/preteens, but overall, it was an adorable, easy to follow book with some great world building. The author did a great job at making the MC Moth Hush super relatable and fun. The side characters were also fun. I think a lot of kids will enjoy this one.
August 5, 2019
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.
The Okay Witch is more than okay. It's absolutely charming. I adored this book and everything about it--art, story, characters, EVERYTHING. Moth is thirteen and doesn't fit in at school--and when she suddenly discovers she has magical powers, that doesn't exactly help much. This is a story packed with genuine heart. The tone is light, but there are heady issues addressed with a delicate hand. Moth is a wonderful, relatable heroine, but the entire cast is fantastic--including a talking cat who threatens to steal the whole show. I loved, loved, loved how inclusive it is. A subplot involving the said talking cat and a beloved actually made me get teary-eyed at one point.
I mean, really. Start reading because it's about magic and a smart girl and because the art is fantastic, and keep reading because you find everything about this book is fantastic. This is not only a 5-star read for me, but I'm adding it to my nomination list for the Norton Award.
The Okay Witch is more than okay. It's absolutely charming. I adored this book and everything about it--art, story, characters, EVERYTHING. Moth is thirteen and doesn't fit in at school--and when she suddenly discovers she has magical powers, that doesn't exactly help much. This is a story packed with genuine heart. The tone is light, but there are heady issues addressed with a delicate hand. Moth is a wonderful, relatable heroine, but the entire cast is fantastic--including a talking cat who threatens to steal the whole show. I loved, loved, loved how inclusive it is. A subplot involving the said talking cat and a beloved actually made me get teary-eyed at one point.
I mean, really. Start reading because it's about magic and a smart girl and because the art is fantastic, and keep reading because you find everything about this book is fantastic. This is not only a 5-star read for me, but I'm adding it to my nomination list for the Norton Award.
January 11, 2020
[3.5 Stars]
Wow I really enjoyed this. I really liked the setting and how Moth grows throughout this story. She's always been an outsider, and then she learns that she really is something different - a witch.
My main issue with this is that the plot moves sooo fast. Graphic novels usually move pretty quickly, but this story would have really benefited from being spread out into a series of graphic novels. It read like an entire season of a TV show was smooshed into a single, short episode. I would have loved for this entire graphic novel to be solely about her grappling with her witch status and having mishaps as she tries to hide it from people.
Regardless, I found Moth's story in here to be quite nuanced, and I hope to see her story continued (maybe at a slower pace).
Wow I really enjoyed this. I really liked the setting and how Moth grows throughout this story. She's always been an outsider, and then she learns that she really is something different - a witch.
My main issue with this is that the plot moves sooo fast. Graphic novels usually move pretty quickly, but this story would have really benefited from being spread out into a series of graphic novels. It read like an entire season of a TV show was smooshed into a single, short episode. I would have loved for this entire graphic novel to be solely about her grappling with her witch status and having mishaps as she tries to hide it from people.
Regardless, I found Moth's story in here to be quite nuanced, and I hope to see her story continued (maybe at a slower pace).
November 8, 2020
Moth Hush doesn’t seem to fit in with her neighbors in Founder's Bluff, Massachusetts. Not only does she discover she is a witch, but that that witches have been persecuted by the mayor’s family since the town was formed. Moth befriends a boy, only to find out his is the mayor’s estranged son. Together, they join the school play, celebrating the town's struggles against witches. The two main themes are: (1) mother-daughter relationships as Moth’s mother has hidden the fact that Moth is a witch and that Moth’s mother abandoned her own mother to be with Moth’s father. Of course, Moth wants help to learn to develop her powers, and is encouraged by her grandmother, who wants Moth to come back to the ever-cloaked witch’s haven; and (2) teenage bullying and persecution for differing beliefs. While the book was sweet and positive, the plot was pretty jumbled so this substantially reduced my enjoyment as a reader. The cat with the ghost of the Jewish shopkeeper also seemed out of place in the story.
September 3, 2019
Hey Everyone!
So this week, no this month, no this season, has a ton of new releases coming out and ya girl is about to be broke from all the books she is trying to buy! So many new titles came out this past Tuesday (Sept 3rd) and I only do a post a day so it was hard to organize all the posts about all the new books but that only means I will have so many posts coming at you guys for the next few weeks! I also still need to post my September list but it is so long!!! The Okay Witch is another release from this past Tuesday that I got the chance to read as an ARC and it was so good!
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Okay Witch is a graphic novel about a teen girl who does not know she is a witch but she lives in a town that in the past had witch trails. However, what she does not know is that her family were the witches in those witch trails. One day she is at school and suddenly she performs magic, without trying because she has no idea she is a witch but then once she returns home she learns from her mother that they are a family of witches! (Guys, I was a huge Sabrina fan as a kid and this was so my thing it was unreal)! From here she sets out to learn spells against her mother's will, learn about the secret witch city, learn about her witchy past, and help her friend out!
Alright, I already admitted that I was a huge Sabrina fan as a kid and I still am both the old and new versions hold special places in my heart. So once I learned that the main character in this book finds out she is a secret witch and that there is a witch society and a cat familiar, I was utter trash for this book. I literally did not want to put it down, I did not care what else was happening. Then when it was done I carved more from the witchy world and still wanted to know everything! I felt like a new Sabrina was happening right in front of me and I was so sad when it ended so quickly (or at least it felt quickly). I highly recommend this graphic novel if you like me love all things witchy! I am definitely planning a Halloween reread just for fun! I am giving this book five stars on Goodreads.
** I was given an ebook ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So this week, no this month, no this season, has a ton of new releases coming out and ya girl is about to be broke from all the books she is trying to buy! So many new titles came out this past Tuesday (Sept 3rd) and I only do a post a day so it was hard to organize all the posts about all the new books but that only means I will have so many posts coming at you guys for the next few weeks! I also still need to post my September list but it is so long!!! The Okay Witch is another release from this past Tuesday that I got the chance to read as an ARC and it was so good!
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Okay Witch is a graphic novel about a teen girl who does not know she is a witch but she lives in a town that in the past had witch trails. However, what she does not know is that her family were the witches in those witch trails. One day she is at school and suddenly she performs magic, without trying because she has no idea she is a witch but then once she returns home she learns from her mother that they are a family of witches! (Guys, I was a huge Sabrina fan as a kid and this was so my thing it was unreal)! From here she sets out to learn spells against her mother's will, learn about the secret witch city, learn about her witchy past, and help her friend out!
Alright, I already admitted that I was a huge Sabrina fan as a kid and I still am both the old and new versions hold special places in my heart. So once I learned that the main character in this book finds out she is a secret witch and that there is a witch society and a cat familiar, I was utter trash for this book. I literally did not want to put it down, I did not care what else was happening. Then when it was done I carved more from the witchy world and still wanted to know everything! I felt like a new Sabrina was happening right in front of me and I was so sad when it ended so quickly (or at least it felt quickly). I highly recommend this graphic novel if you like me love all things witchy! I am definitely planning a Halloween reread just for fun! I am giving this book five stars on Goodreads.
** I was given an ebook ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
4.5 stars. This was a sweet story of a girl discovering she’s a witch, and that she’s part of a a family of witches. Problem is, this was a secret to her, as she lives in a town run by a wealthy family with a history of hunting witches.
While main character Moth Hush is discovering her roots and her powers, she’s also becoming friends with a kind and not confident boy, who also happens to be the son of the current head of the town’s wealthy family.
The story is filled with gentle humour, even while dealing with some weightier issues: finding out who you are with respect to your family and its expectations, and staying true to oneself one’s friends.
While main character Moth Hush is discovering her roots and her powers, she’s also becoming friends with a kind and not confident boy, who also happens to be the son of the current head of the town’s wealthy family.
The story is filled with gentle humour, even while dealing with some weightier issues: finding out who you are with respect to your family and its expectations, and staying true to oneself one’s friends.
January 11, 2020
The way race is very deliberately not handled is odd. I don’t know the writer but I’m assuming she’s white from how this was just completely glossed over.
I also don’t like the cat. Don’t like that a human spirit is possessing a cat at all. It’s not right.
I also don’t like the cat. Don’t like that a human spirit is possessing a cat at all. It’s not right.
September 8, 2020
I looove the art, it’s so unique and gorgeous, and the colouring is very warm. The story is pretty simple but fun, with some small town mystery and lots of humour mixed in. Magical stuff is always fun and exciting! The climax and ending were rushed though, and the resolution felt too easy and quick.
September 16, 2019
This was a really interesting premise. A thirteen year old girl finds out she's a witch and finds her powers. But the plot was really confusing and jumbled.There were speech bubbles with a lot of text and there was just so much going on and at the same time, nothing really happend. It just didn't work for me.
May 15, 2020
The okay witch book. The characters are charming throughout even if the plot meanders as the story goes on a bit long to reach an inevitable destination.
While I liked the art overall, coloring everyone's noses slightly darker than the rest of their faces was distracting as it gave them all a vaguely doggy appearance.
While I liked the art overall, coloring everyone's noses slightly darker than the rest of their faces was distracting as it gave them all a vaguely doggy appearance.
October 27, 2019
Omg so fun, and adorable, and a perfect October graphic novel.
Also, so accurate in terms of 13 year olds talking to their moms about anime. 😂
Also, so accurate in terms of 13 year olds talking to their moms about anime. 😂
October 24, 2024
⭐️4.0 stars
September 10, 2019
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This does not impact my review which is honest and unbiased.
I was instantly intrigued by The Okay Witch. And I was surprised not only with the charming illustration style, but the way Steinkellner is able to balance a story about family, unique history of witches, and people's ability to change. It's one of those graphic novels that has more than meets the eye. Discussing origins, repeating our family's mistakes, and hope, The Okay Witch is also about families and forgiveness. It's about responsibility and power, our duty to our community, and our family. I love how The Okay Witch plays with the concept of a good, bad, and okay witch. What does it mean to be a good or a bad witch? I feel like we've heard these titles thrown around and Steinkellner looks at this place in between.
The Okay Witch is about placing trust in ourselves, reaching out to the ones we love around us, and the idea about staying true to our home and community. It's about the need to be our own person, our own witch, and seeing the possibility of change. When we tally up everything done against us, everything that's been said, it's hard to see the possibility of change, of something more than a repetition of history. But that's why The Okay Witch is so tender - because it's about our hope for change.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
I was instantly intrigued by The Okay Witch. And I was surprised not only with the charming illustration style, but the way Steinkellner is able to balance a story about family, unique history of witches, and people's ability to change. It's one of those graphic novels that has more than meets the eye. Discussing origins, repeating our family's mistakes, and hope, The Okay Witch is also about families and forgiveness. It's about responsibility and power, our duty to our community, and our family. I love how The Okay Witch plays with the concept of a good, bad, and okay witch. What does it mean to be a good or a bad witch? I feel like we've heard these titles thrown around and Steinkellner looks at this place in between.
The Okay Witch is about placing trust in ourselves, reaching out to the ones we love around us, and the idea about staying true to our home and community. It's about the need to be our own person, our own witch, and seeing the possibility of change. When we tally up everything done against us, everything that's been said, it's hard to see the possibility of change, of something more than a repetition of history. But that's why The Okay Witch is so tender - because it's about our hope for change.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
September 9, 2019
4.5 stars
I loved everything about this book. Moth was a fun, sympathetic protagonist who has never really belonged in her mostly white small town. Her discovery that magic was real felt empowering and special. Even better were her interactions with her mom, a quirky woman who has pretended for years not to be a witch. To me, the heart of this graphic novel was the relationships (at times tenuous) between Moth, her mom, and her grandmother. Who else has powerful witches for family members? What should Moth do, follow the footsteps of her mother, or those of her grandmother? In navigating the push-and-pull between accepting magic wholeheartedly, or pretending to be "normal," Moth discovers her own well of inner strengths.
This will be a fantastic graphic novel for tweens struggling with fitting in, or finding their own unique strengths. Honestly, this is a fantastic book for adults too!
And I absolutely have to mention her adorable familiar, Mr. Laszlo. The cat's past life was a beautiful, bittersweet addition to the story. I admit, it made me cry! Another beloved supporting character was Moth's friend, Charlie. Every character and side-story was woven perfectly into the narrative, which was very satisfying!
I want more Okay Witch adventures!
I loved everything about this book. Moth was a fun, sympathetic protagonist who has never really belonged in her mostly white small town. Her discovery that magic was real felt empowering and special. Even better were her interactions with her mom, a quirky woman who has pretended for years not to be a witch. To me, the heart of this graphic novel was the relationships (at times tenuous) between Moth, her mom, and her grandmother. Who else has powerful witches for family members? What should Moth do, follow the footsteps of her mother, or those of her grandmother? In navigating the push-and-pull between accepting magic wholeheartedly, or pretending to be "normal," Moth discovers her own well of inner strengths.
This will be a fantastic graphic novel for tweens struggling with fitting in, or finding their own unique strengths. Honestly, this is a fantastic book for adults too!
And I absolutely have to mention her adorable familiar, Mr. Laszlo. The cat's past life was a beautiful, bittersweet addition to the story. I admit, it made me cry! Another beloved supporting character was Moth's friend, Charlie. Every character and side-story was woven perfectly into the narrative, which was very satisfying!
I want more Okay Witch adventures!
November 19, 2022
#2) The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow ★★★★☆
➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
October 15, 2019
Oh I really hope this becomes a series! I loved the characters and the story and the art style is adorable. Reminded me of Disney films, back when they were hand drawn.
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