A few days ago, I finished reading the graphic novel Snapdragon, written and illustrated by Kat Leyh and published in 2020.

The main character, Snapdragon, is a middle school kid navigating her world the best she can. Along the way, the readers meet those who populate that world–particularly her mother, her best friend, and an older woman who seems to be on the edge of society. After the older woman, Jacks, finds and nurses Snapdragon’s dog back to health, the two form a friendship that impacts both of their lives in significant ways.

The story is told with warmth and underscores the importance of friendship, curiosity, and the strength to be oneself.