GRAPHIC NOVELS

Adorable Empire

by Laura Terry (text) & illus. by Laura Terry
Scholastic/Graphix. Aug. 2025. 240p. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9781338325102.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4-8–Middle schooler Jinx is having a rough time. Kids at school think she’s a goth freak, her best friend left her for a bully, and her parents are divorcing, which means she and her mom have to move to a new apartment. After accidentally receiving a strange crystal from her neighbor, a bunch of magical, fluffy creatures—the Adorables—appear to Jinx and wreak havoc. In spite of Jinx’s protests that she wants to be left alone, the Adorables have a way of bringing magic, however chaotic, to her life. Terry takes a sensitive look at divorce and navigating parental relationships, the evolving nature of friendships, and gender identity, with characters that have relatable appeal for middle graders. Illustrations have a manga influence, with equal parts bright and fluffy and tween goth.
VERDICT With the Adorables to soften difficult issues, readers will enjoy Jinx’s story and a sprinkling of magic in their own lives.
Reviewed by Rosemary Kiladitis , Jun 01, 2025

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