Parents' Guide to

Hooky: Volume 1

By Sage Kahn, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Magical hijinks and light peril in this fun, witchy webtoon.

Book Míriam Bonastre Tur Graphic Novel 2021
Hooky: Volume 1 book cover: Two child witches wearing black on a blue background with the book title between them

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

In HOOKY: VOLUME 1, 12-year-old twin witches Dani and Dorian miss the bus to magic school. Worried about what their parents will say, the twins go in search of a tutor, only to be inadvertently declared traitors to their own kind. Fleeing, they fall in with a group of misfits and soon find themselves caught in the middle of a war between the witches and the non-magical people of their kingdom. As they muddle through magical training and navigate newfound friendships, the siblings are torn between supporting their new, non-magical community and allegiance to their powerful witch family.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (2 ):

This fun and magical graphic novel has charming characters and enough action and story depth to keep the reader engaged. The manga style artwork in Hooky: Volume 1 is energetic and colorful, bringing the characters to life. As the scenes grow a bit more dangerous, the style and color palette shifts subtly, lending a visual sense of emotion to the dialogue. The hijinks that Dani and Dorian get mixed up in are fun and lighthearted, which helps balance the more serious undertones of the plot, but it is the relationships between the twins and their group of friends that really makes this story shine.

As Hooky: Volume 1 was originally written as a series of shorter webtoons, the plot can have an episodic and repetitive feel. Character motivations and shifting allegiances are complex and can be confusing. While the characters have silly and shallow moments, each is charming in their own way. In true webtoon form, the book ends in a cliffhanger, with the story continuing over the next two volumes.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the war between the magical and non magical people in Hooky: Volume 1. How would you feel if you found yourself torn between family and friends?

  • How does being afraid to speak about your feelings affect the relationships between the twins and their newfound companions? What happens when characters are brave enough to speak up for what they want?

  • What do you think about the constant misunderstandings between the characters? How does their tenacity help their friendships grow?

  • Dani and Dorian have a strong sibling bond. How do they support each other as their situation grows more serious?

Book Details

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