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Manu: A Graphic Novel

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Set at a magical school for girls, a funny and heartwarming middle-grade graphic novel adventure about friendship, defying expectations, and finding your place.

Manu and her best friend, Josefina, live at a magical school for girls, and Manu is always getting into trouble. The headmistress believes that Manu has the potential to help people with her magic, but Manu would rather have fun than fall in line. One day, a prank goes seriously wrong, and Josefina gets angry and wishes for Manu's magic to disappear... and it does. Manu uses a dangerous spell to restore it, but it makes her magic too powerful and nearly impossible to control. Great power comes at a cost, and it may be a price that Manu isn't able to pay!

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 2, 2021

17 people are currently reading
1102 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Fernandez

9 books27 followers
Kelly Fernández is an American cartoonist, artist, and author. She was born and raised in Queens, New York. Her family is from the Dominican Republic, whose folklore and culture she draws inspiration from. Her debut graphic novel Manu is forthcoming from Graphix and has received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist.

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5 stars
366 (23%)
4 stars
646 (41%)
3 stars
465 (29%)
2 stars
68 (4%)
1 star
19 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
Profile Image for s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all].
1,573 reviews14.9k followers
August 11, 2022
This is so incredibly cute with a very sweet message at the core. ¡¡Manu!! by author and illustrator Kelly Fernandez brings high energy, bright colors, and a lot of magic in chaos into a story that lovingly represents the author’s Dominican Republic heritage. The story follows Manu and Josefina, who’s friendship is quite adorable and well written, as they are trained in the art of magic by nuns at La Academia de Santa Dominga. When Manu tries to outsmart a curse and get her magic back, her mysterious origins come to light and chaos ensues. It is really charming and told with rather frantic energy that pretty well embodies the character Manu herself, managing to do a lot of fun world building in a short amount of space. Oh, and also goat demons:
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cool goat demon being summoned

I really enjoy the way Fernandez infuses Dominican culture into the graphic novel, such as having characters switch between English and Spanish in the dialogue and infusing the religious culture alongside the magical one. The magic nuns (that can change into owls, which rules) teach that their magic should only be used to help the community and never selfishly, which is a great lesson on the responsibilities of power and how to productively use a position of power. I also enjoyed the lesson that one can be helpful, useful and great no matter who they are or where they come from. It’s a really cute story with a lovely message and the subtle queer elements are fun. It feels a tad rushed at times but it is still a great story for young readers as well as adults.
Also cute demons:
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3.5/5
Profile Image for Rosh ~catching up slowly~.
2,381 reviews4,896 followers
December 8, 2025
In a Nutshell: A middle-grade graphic novel about some magical girls, some dangerous stunts, and some heroic nuns. (You read that right!) The story was entertaining, but some of the writing choices in the second half didn’t work for me. It also left a key mystery unresolved. Might be worth a read mainly for the atypical plot and the OwnVoices (Dominican Republic) factor.

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Plot Preview:
Manuela, who prefers to be called Manu, and her best friend Josefina live at a magical girls’ school run by nuns. Josefina is a fairly diligent student while Manu is always getting into trouble, even when she means well. The headmistress genuinely believes that Manu has the potential to use her magic for public good, but the rest of the nuns feel otherwise.
One day, when Manu’s prank goes terribly wrong, Josefina gets upset and wishes for Manu’s magic to disappear. Unfortunately, that wish comes true. Manu tries a dangerous method to restore her powers, but the result is life-threatening chaos. Will the nuns and Josefina be able to save the day, and save Manu as well?


Bookish Yays:
🔮 A magical school. Set in a lush Dominican forest. And run by nuns! Talk about imaginative!

🔮 Nuns who are kind and loving and charitable. My experience with teacher-nuns has been so contrary that it took me a long time to stop viewing the religious sisters in this story with suspicion. 🤭

🔮 The intriguing combination of Dominican superstitions and witchy magic and Roman Catholicism. The depiction of the last one isn’t entirely accurate, but this is a fantasy anyway, so no issues.

🔮 The magic. Well, not Manu’s, because she is quite erratic. But the nuns’ powers, and the birdy conversions.

🔮 The repeated insistence on the idea that power is meant to be used responsibly for serving others, and not for personal good or selfish desires. Some of our present leaders need to be reminded of this.

🔮 The demons, especially their appearance. Took me by surprise, for sure!

🔮 Some Spanish phrases in the dialogues, adding local flair. No meaning provided, but they are guessable from the context.

🔮 The art, especially in the magical scenes. Love its vividness and fluidity. The flashbacks come with a dark page background to distinguish them from the present narrative. The overall appearance suits a middle-grade book.


Bookish Okays:
💫 Not one part of the cover indicates that this book takes a really dark turn in the second half, with seances and demonic deals and public destruction. It was handled decently enough, but I was absolutely not prepared for it, especially considering that this is a middle-grade novel.

💫 Surprisingly, the Mother Superior, usually a villainous character in fiction, is the most supportive of Manu. However, the reason for her unwavering advocacy isn't convincing enough, especially as Manu wasn’t doing anything to justify that belief.

💫 The first half of the story goes steadily ahead, but the second half is very rushed. Many plot points are settled too soon to be convincing. The tone is also very different, with the first 50% being more funny and entertaining, while the latter 50% is more ominous and threatening.

💫 The author’s note at the end has a good message about what she intended for Manu. However, I didn’t think this came out strongly through the story. Until I read the note, I didn’t even guess that THAT was the intention behind Manu’s character.


Bookish Nays:
🚫 Manu’s origin story. It has so much potential, but the book leaves it just as that. There is no explanation or resolution to her background mystery, which is really disappointing.

🚫 Manu’s character. It is really tough to root for someone who doesn’t have redeeming qualities, nor shows regret at her choices.

🚫 There’s a hint that Manu might be nonbinary, but this aspect isn’t explored further at all. Similarly, there seems to be a hint of a lesbian track between two characters, but this also stays vague. I wish the book had done justice to these points. It would have been nice to see a nun story be accepting of Pride values.


Overall, this book definitely has some merits, especially if we remember that it is a debut work. I wish the cover had offered some indication of how dark it would go, and that there had been some explanation at the end regarding Manu’s backstory. Regardless, there are enough reasons to give this a go, though it might not be a must-read.

Recommended to middle-graders who enjoy paranormal stories.

3 stars.


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Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
Profile Image for Bookishrealm.
3,241 reviews6,434 followers
December 31, 2022
In case anyone was wondering, I'm still on my middle grade graphic novel kick and this was next up on my docket of middle grade graphic novels that I need to read. This one made my little heart hurt more than I anticipated, but I enjoyed it.

Manu focuses on a young girl by the name of Manu who attends a boarding school of sorts with other young children who exhibit magical abilities. Manu is known as the trouble maker of the school often getting into things and creating awkward situations for everyone. Unfortunately, Manu begins to struggle with her magic. To help fix it, she and her best friend do a ritual that ends up causing more trouble than they anticipated.

What Worked:I loved the character development in this one! At first, I was extremely annoyed with Manu like a lot of the other secondary characters. It seemed like no matter what she couldn't figure out how to be considerate of everyone around her. As the story progressed, I began to understand her more and how badly she just wanted to fit in and have friends. It reminded me that no matter the circumstances a lot of people want that in their life. I also loved the friendship between Manu and Josefina. I probably was reading too much into it, but I definitely got sapphic vibes between the two of them. Fernandez made sure that their relationship was realistic. They didn't always get along and I appreciated that simply because it's something that needs to be normalized. I was also excited to see the blending of magic, witchcraft, and more with Catholicism. I know that it can be jarring for some people when they initially read it; however, Fernandez discusses in the author note that this blending is true to her Dominican culture and heritage.

What Didn't Work: Readers spend a little time learning about Manu's past and I wish that we could have gotten just a little more of that. Manu's magical abilities are clearly different from the rest of the students and I wanted Fernandez to explore that just a tad more. It gives enough context for the rest of the story, but I think that a little more backstory could have led to a more robust narrative.

Overall, this was a great read! It's Fernandez first graphic novel and I'm excited to see what else she'll produce in the future.
Profile Image for Emily.
1,018 reviews187 followers
February 12, 2022
I loved the concept -- a girls' school for magic in a Latin American jungle run by spell casting nuns -- and the art is delightful, but felt the story was underdeveloped.
Profile Image for Kellie.
1,338 reviews30 followers
May 9, 2022
Luckily this wasn't very long, as I didn't particularly enjoy it. I thought it would be a fun book about two private school girls - the one always finding trouble and her sidekick. It was, to an extent, but Manu was stubborn and annoying and the witch thing just went darker than I expected it to.
Profile Image for Care.
1,644 reviews99 followers
March 18, 2022
2.5 rounded up

¡¡Manu!! was good but I can't help feeling it'll be forgettable over time. It was cute and had its funny moments but I didn't feel that any of the characters were particularly well developed or the story anything unique or special.
I'd probably pick up a sequel though which may improve upon my memory if that should happen.

content warnings: bullying, kids in danger, demons/Christian ideology.
Profile Image for Rachel Aranda.
984 reviews2,289 followers
September 25, 2024
4.5 stars

The first thing I found out about this book was it was about a prone to trouble tomboy at her Catholic all-girls boarding school for witches in a forest. There was no way I wasn’t picking this middle grade graphic novel up after that description! Add the fact the main character has problems making friends and slightly complicated (and reciprocated) feelings about her best friend and the book got even cuter! I feel the book was very nicely explained for what it was. Definitely would reread in future.
Profile Image for Riley Aldridge.
165 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2022
i loved this one way more than i expected to!! manu follows the story of manuela, who goes by manu, a girl in central america who goes to a school for girls with magic powers. the story beautifully blends catholic traditions with magic and the art was just lovely. kids graphic novels always have the best lessons about friendship and i loved reading about manu and josefina's friendship and seeing how they cared for each other <3
Profile Image for Loz.
1,674 reviews22 followers
December 23, 2021
Cute and fun, love the art and colors. The story was an adventure!
Profile Image for Mackie Welch.
637 reviews8 followers
December 17, 2021
I loved this! I can't think of many other graphic novels like this, and I know there will be many many kids I'll be able to recommend it to (especially fans of the Witch Boy series).
Profile Image for Lindsay.
3,024 reviews95 followers
April 3, 2022
A fun graphic novel about trying to fit in.
Profile Image for Carmen.
735 reviews23 followers
October 24, 2023
Manu has grown up at a magical school for girls that is run by nuns and is excited to see all her classmates return every school year. She’s most excited to see her best friend, Josefina, return. However, Manu has always gotten into a lot of trouble. According to rumors, she’s a demon! When Manu’s latest prank goes over extremely badly, Josefina accidentally curses her to lose her magic! Now Manu is serious about tempting fate by performing a dangerous spell so she’ll stop having to use a smelly potion to keep her magic flowing. Unfortunately, it turns out that dangerous magic is dangerous for a reason, and Manu is struggling with the consequences!

This graphic novel following Manu and Josefina is absolutely adorable. While Manu is always causing trouble because she’d rather have fun than follow the rules, Josefina is always quick to forgive her best friend. However, Manu is about to go on a steep learning curve when her best friend accidentally curses her! I absolutely loved this story from start to finish and enjoyed how the author worked to bring parts of their culture and the stories they grew up with into the story and artwork.

One of the things I loved about this book is that we see the power of friendship as its own form of magic. No matter what they go through, Manu and Josefina are best friends and are willing to fight to save each other. We also see how Manu has always been treated differently by her peers as well as by the Sisters, so I really felt for her when she finally learns about her past. I also love that one of the lessons for young readers is to not judge a book by its cover, so to speak, and to come to your own conclusions rather than letting other people’s opinions become your opinion.

All in all, this is an absolutely wonderful book with beautiful artwork that really enhances the storytelling. I’m looking forward to seeing what the author comes out with in the future!
Profile Image for Bri Sotkovsky.
475 reviews50 followers
November 9, 2021
Such a cute little book. I thought it was precious. The art waS adorable and I love these little Latin babies with my whole heart.
912 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2023
Love the vibrant colors and the untranslated Spanish. Unfortunately, that's about it.

Manu is so frustrating and annoying and almost everyone enables her - it just takes me right out of the story and does not make me root for her success at all. I understand why no one likes her, I understand why they're all scared of her and don't want her to be in their school! She thinks she's so funny and great and some how the only people with any say in important decisions agree with her.

Josephina deserves so much better. Even if I'm wrong (and I'm not 🙄) and their relationship is purely platonic, she is treated so poorly by Manu at every turn. Manu is not a good friend, let alone girlfriend. She's too selfish. We have no history of their friendship together, so I don't understand why Joesphina is so devoted to someone who cares so little about her.

And the story just...ends. Nothing new is revealed, nothing is resolved, and everything goes back to the way it was. What a waste.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tara Ethridge.
996 reviews33 followers
March 26, 2022
Definitely a different storyline for a graphic novel: Manu and a group of girls with magical powers are educated by nuns in a school in the forest. Manu is forever misusing her magic and causing trouble and has really only one loyal friend. When Manu goes too far, she even jeopardizes that friendship. As a way to fix things, Manu explores the dark side of magic and conjures a demon. Definitely intense with the black magic part, but I know this will be popular. Upper elementary and middle school is my recommendation for this.
Profile Image for Eliza.
81 reviews
April 8, 2022
My favorite parts:
"Wait, I exorcised the demon!"- Josefine after nearly killing her friend
All of chapter 5, named "The Seance"
"OR KIDS HANGING OUT AT CEMETERIES WHEN THEY'RE NOT SUPPOSED TOO!!" - Manu, being hyper in response to someone with a demon inside of them
Manu and Josefine being really gay but in a platonic way????
The really adorable demon goat
"THAT'S NOT A BABY, IT'S A DEMON!" - A random nun
"Hurry, perform the exorcism!" - Another nun
"Ow my head." -Manu after being exorcised




Profile Image for dovesnook.
665 reviews220 followers
June 21, 2022
Such a cute enchanting story! Something I love about graphic novels is that they’re not only for children and this one taught me a lot about friendship and accepting the little mysteries inside each of us!
Profile Image for Rosalyn.
124 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2022
I honestly wanted to read this because the cover was cute. I didn't know anything about it but I loved it. I thought the artwork was beautiful. The transitions between Spanish and English felt very natural. I love that the spells were all in Spanish. I've been really interested in learning about brujería recently so I'm happy I got to read a children's book that got to represent that. I'm hoping for more in the future 🤞🏽
Profile Image for Steph.
1,443 reviews20 followers
February 8, 2023
The lessons about the power of love need more graphic novels such as this one. Manu, born a demon, but embraced with love, is made human who learns to practice a healing witchcraft. The sisters take her in, bath her, instruct her and forgive all of the hijinks that come with her demonic behavior leaking out. As her power becomes more and more unstable, she alienates all but one classmate. But love from one friend is enough to help her conquer her nature.
Profile Image for Sara.
467 reviews14 followers
November 12, 2023
Ghibli meets (early issues) Naruto in a culturally Latin American setting in this cozy kids' graphic novel. Fernandez effortlessly incorporates Spanish language and Latine culture into this low-stakes magical boarding school story. The art conveys a lot of personality and humor, and Manu is a protagonist readers will want to root for as she learns to accept herself.

3.5/5
Profile Image for Rachel A.
145 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2022
So cute and beautiful art! It was magical and colorful and relatable all at once. It reminded me of Madeline, the sound of music, and Sherly temple but magical and Dominican with just such a lovely vibe
Profile Image for ana maria.
325 reviews6 followers
August 28, 2022
OMG I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!! Just flipping through the pages, I instantly loved what I was seeing especially with the brujeria. I was so excited to read and once I did, I just devoured it. I really think that you should all read this even though it is catered to a younger audience. Manu's character was just something that I really appreciated reading and I just wanted more of her. She was a real inspiration and I just loved everything that she was as a character. I would love to see this turn into a series where we just see Manu grow up and all the things that she has to grow up with. Especially since there were still some questions unanswered about how the sisters and the other girls treat Manu. I would also love to see how Manu grows up as since no one really knows what she was when the sisters found her.

Overall, this was just a great book that I'm so happy that I was able to read!
Profile Image for Sesana.
6,270 reviews329 followers
September 10, 2022
I like the art, and I really like the setting. The Dominican influences brings it all to life. But I didn't like Manu, and the plot requires two characters do something incredibly stupid without a second thought.
Profile Image for Dani.
63 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2024
I loved this!! I agree lots of latin countries interwove brujeria with the catholic religion, so you kinda grow up relating these two things together, and I especially love that they used the "sana, sana colita de rana" because it's the most normalized witchy séance lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews

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