But identity is not really a source of conflict. For example, Nova expresses some frustration that others are insensitive about her hearing, and Tam does have to correct one of the Nanas initially about using the correct pronouns for them. That doesn’t mean there’s never any identity-related friction. All of these facets of identity are presented as integral parts of the characters, but not as anything that needs to be explained or justified to the reader. Nova and Tam are both Chinese-American, Nova’s maternal grandmothers (one Jewish and one Chinese) are in a loving queer domestic partnership, Nova wears hearing aids, and Tam is nonbinary and uses they-them pronouns.

In addition to giving me all of those pumpkin spice feels, another thing I enjoyed about this graphic novel is its matter-of-course approach to diversity. I’m not sure if the book is expressly set in New England, but boy-o did it make me miss New England falls!! Anyone wanna go apple picking? I could practically feel the chill, clear fall air and dreamy moonlight of autumn looking at the landscape scenes. It is clear that a lot of care went into developing the palette, which manages to be both consistent and to transmit the mood of each scene perfectly. The colors of this graphic novel are gorgeous. Everything about this book screams COZY FALL: witchcraft, a magic-filled bookstore, benevolent ghosts, the mid-autumn festival (hence the titular mooncakes), Halloween decorations, adorable and Very Good black cats, and vivid outdoor scenes- Mooncakes basically fills up a “fall trope” bingo board all by itself! Truly they are Very Good black cats. Mooncakes gets a giant thumbs up from me for atmosphere.

Nova finds Tam, and Nova and her family take Tam in to help them harness their wolf powers and defeat the demon. Tam is trying to defeat a local demon who has possessed a horse (unlike most of the rest of this book, the six-legged demon horse is truly nightmare fuel).

Mooncakes tells the story of Nova, a teen witch, and her childhood friend Tam, a werewolf, who is back in town after a several-year absence. I’m not sure that much about it will stay with me, but it was a good use of a leisurely autumn lunch break. This YA graphic novel is very sweet and perfect for fall. Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBTQIA, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult

Mooncakes graphic novel