They're my mama's favorite flower!
Favorite flower, hm? I like that.
All right, Snapdragon.
My name's Jacks and I got a deal
for you.
I'll keep them possums here. But
you gotta take care of 'em.
I'll even show you how ...
But in exchange for helping you,
you's got to help me with my ... "
This debut graphic novel mixes fantasy with a realistic tale of a young girl who meets her town's resident 'witch', described as missing an eye because she fed it to the devil, eating animals killed on country roads, and casting spells. Snapdragon meets said 'witch' when Snap's dog is lost and she finds it after climbing rickety stairs and making her way to the woman's house. Good Boy is found healed and happy. Snap is relieved and wants the woman to know she believes none of the rumors. Their second meeting is the result of Snap's finding abandoned possum babies and looking for help to care for them.
Jacks (said witch) is nothing like the image people have of her. She promises Snap to teach her about the babies. To have Snap pay it forward she enlists her help with the work she does collecting roadkill and using the bones to build skeletal remains. The skeletons are then sold to interested patrons on the Internet. It isn't long until Snap discovers Jacks does have some magic powers. She uses it to send her roadkill's souls back to nature. Snap wants to know if she, too, has any magical prowess.
The characters are wonderful. They are beautifully created, with a firm connection through identity. Snap is outspoken, unafraid to be herself. Her best friend Louis likes wearing skirts, loves nail polish and wants to be called Lulu. Both are bullied at school, but rise above the clamor to support each other. Snap's mom is single and working, while also going to school. Life for them is not easy, but better without her mom's abusive ex-boyfriend (he does make himself known a few times). Learning more about Jacks reveals a connection to Snap's grandmother. Jacks' story is very complicated and truly her own.
Through this heartfelt, compelling book, readers meet a cast of worthy characters whose love and friendship power the action from start to finish. The graphic artwork is energetic and lively, filling the tale with details that maintain that action and offer clear emotional perspective.
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