Over My Dead Body

June 27, 2022
Boo’s bewitching debut celebrates found family via a fantastical mystery centering a teenage witch’s troubling disappearance. Noreen, a student at the Younwity Hidden Institute of Witchcraft, was last seen entering the demon-infested Untamed Woods that border the school days before Samhain, when the border between the living and the dead is weakest. When she’s declared missing, white, freckled Abby recruits professor’s daughter Goldie, who is Black; closest friend Enver, who is white; and Asian-cued roommate Violet, in her search for clues about Noreen’s disappearance. But their inquiry leads to consistent dead ends, and classmates
continue preparing for the institute’s yearly Samhain celebration as if nothing has changed, tanking group morale. Though they encourage Abby to let
the administration handle the case, she refuses to give up, especially when further investigation uncovers ancient and sinister school secrets. Atmospheric lighting renders hazy sunsets and mystical night skies, autumnal color palettes evoke an appropriately witchy aesthetic, and expert character design portrays a racially diverse cast featuring varied body types. Boo capably juggles the mystery’s intrigue with interpersonal drama, such as previously antagonistic relationships revealing hidden romantic yearning, in this eerie mystery that sits well within the magic school canon. Ages 14–up. Agent: Britt Siess, Britt Siess Creative Management. (Aug.)■

June 15, 2022
Foundling witch Abigail risks everything to find her missing friend. Legend at the Younwity Hidden Institute of Witchcraft says that 100 years ago, a monstrous demon took a student who had entered the Untamed Woods. Now Noreen, one of Abby's dearest friends, is believed to be missing in these same forbidden woods. With preparations for the Samhain festivities underway and the Coven supposedly looking for her, most students are quick to dismiss Noreen's disappearance save for Abby and a few of her close friends. After breaking curfew and doing unsupervised magic, the young witches get into trouble, prompting her friends to give up searching, but Abby is convinced Noreen can be saved and persists in her search. Her investigation reveals secrets and truths about the century-old legend that might help her find Noreen. Spooky, mysterious, and also full of heart, this graphic novel is an enchanting story of friendship and found family. Each witch has a familiar--an animal companion with its own personality--that adds to the depth and charm of the story. Seymour, Abby's familiar, is a Sphynx cat who suffers from anxiety. The luminous, full-color illustrations are striking and vibrant, adding to the magical, mystical feel. Abby presents as White, with pale, freckled skin and brown hair; her classmates and teachers are diverse in race as well as gender identity and sexual orientation. An exciting fantasy full of mystery and witchcraft. (Graphic fantasy. 13-18)

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September 30, 2022

Gr 8 Up-Abigail, a student at the Younwity Hidden Institute for Witchcraft, has woken up late for the morning's assembly. Upon arrival, she finds that one of her closest friends, Noreen, has vanished overnight, having last been seen heading into the Untamed Woods. While most students are able to leave the search in the hands of The Coven, the united group of teachers at the school, Abby knows she must intervene. Abigail works together with her friends Goldie, Enver, and Violet to try and solve this magical mystery-only to find that it goes deeper and has similar circumstances to the last time a student went missing. Award-winning French Canadian author and illustrator Boo uses a full palette of colors to show off her unique digital illustrative style, a strong comparison to modern animation. She puts the cast of characters to the forefront here, allowing both her expertly written dialogue and the vibrant diversity of the students to give off the true magic of this tale, rising over even the spells and rituals they perform. VERDICT This graphic novel about a witchy school will resonate with fans of spooky season and is a great story about the power of friendship helping to solve a mystery. A wonderful addition to Halloween collections that will continue to be checked out long after the season is over.-Adam Fisher

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