Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Snowy fun and frenemies in 3rd graphic novel installment.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As SNOW AND SORCERY opens, the neighborhood kids confront new challenges to their snowfort construction. The Copycat, the Necromancer, and Mr. Millionaire are new kids who want to join in, but longtimers like Jack the Sorceress are suspicious. Most of the kids are also grappling with issues at home, including a grandpa with memory challenges and a mom needing to adust her housing situation thanks to changing finances. Each member of the Cardboard Kingdom has a way they might help -- the Cardboard Kingdom, and their friends.
Is It Any Good?
This imagination-fueled romp in the snow is also really thoughtfully constructed for middle grade readers to reflect on friendship, and what it means to follow or lead. Snow and Sorcery's chapters are narrated from different kids perspectives written by seven other contributing authors, which could get confusing, but Chad Sell's lively, expressive art pulls the threads together in a satisfying, unified way. Frequently funny and often heartwarming, Snow and Sorcery will appeal to a wide audience, perfect for any season.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Sword and Sorcery encourages imaginative play. Why is it fun to play make-believe with recycled costumes and cardboard scenery?
Why do some adults want girls to be quiet and well-mannered? How do the kids in this book react to that expectation? What do you think about it?
No matter which side they're on, kids in this book demonstrate many character strengths. Talk about the ways they work as a team, learn to communicate better, and show empathy.
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Friendship , Robots
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Graphic
- Publication date : November 7, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate