We Could Be Magic

Gr 8 Up–Tabitha (Tabi) is thrilled when she gets a summer internship at Sommerland, the theme park that has been her obsession since childhood. But once she arrives, the magic quickly fades. Her roommate is rude, the park’s employees constantly complain about their minimum wage jobs, and she can’t seem to find anyone who shares her excitement. Tabi’s first assignment is Nacho Mama’s Food Stand, where she wears an itchy uniform and anxiously awaits the upcoming character auditions. When the day arrives, her dream of becoming a Sommerland princess is quickly squashed. Doubling down on her goal, Tabi practices relentlessly and manages to get cast as Kitty Wise, the park’s mascot. Though she appreciates her new position, Tabi realizes that no matter how hard she tries, the world may not be ready for a princess who doesn’t fit the typical standards of beauty. But with the help of one of her only true friends there, and a new crush, she may be able to change that. This is a sweet, wholesome story about dreams, self-esteem, motivation, and pushing back against societal norms. The whimsical drawings are colorful and upbeat. While the plot is simple, it succeeds in capturing one teenage girl’s unmatched determination and her power to change a small part of her world. Tabi is Black and full-figured, and there is diverse representation from secondary and background characters throughout.