Tara O'Connor

What happens when Willow Sparks literally rewrites her fate?

The Altered History of Willow Sparks

Lynette Pedersen

Interesting premise, disappointing execution. The drawings were lovely, and the narrative style is actually pretty engaging. The problem is that the well-explored parts of the story are all pretty standard Mean Girls kind of stuff. The original part of the story could easily have been replaced with anything at all since there was very little explanation of the books, the magic, the process, etc. etc. The ending didn't really feel like much of a resolution either. It all felt too easy and too quick.

Maggie Gordon

The Altered History of Willow Sparks takes on the common trope of magical books that, when written in, can change your life. It doesn't deviate too much from the standard "be careful what you wish for" format, and there is definitely room for more character development. Actually, a lot more character development. But I also think this one is geared towards middle schoolers rather than young adult, so I can see why the book feels so compressed and hurried. The art is great. I picked this up because it reminded me of early Faith Erin Hicks, and there's a lot of fluidity to the graphics that brings the book to life. So, overall, not a standout, but not terrible. Probably a good addition to any library for younger folk.

Ken Yuen

Really liked the set up of the world. The implications could lead to some great stories.

I kind of wish the stereotypical bully wasn't a character in this. It felt like an unnecessary distraction from the stuff going on with Willy and Georgia. Maybe I'm just a little tired of teen drama motivated by bullies? At least the other two bully members turned out to be relatively normal.

I was a lot more interested in Willy and the consequences of her mucking around with her magic book. I think the story is best when it focuses on Willy just being a bad friend to Georgia. Other than that, some further exploration of Willy's powers would have been cool too.

Kind of wish the story didn't wrap up so neatly. It sort of feels like if you do something forbidden, there needs to be bigger consequences. I think we need some more back story in regards to Mr. Ages. Also, what is that guy doing? I can't tell if he's just laissez faire or an agent of chaos.

Lauren Sullivan

Willow, who everyone calls Willy, is your average high school nerd girl. She’s picked on by the popular kids (including a dodgeball incident that I cannot believe anyone could get away with in today’s schools), has a part-time job at the library, and generally wishes things were easier. After an incident at the town library, she discovers a whole hidden library full of books with the town’s residents’ names on them. Opening her own, she discovers that whatever she writes in the book comes true. Willy starts with little things, like wishing away her acne, and then, drunk with possibilities, adds a bit more each day. While other people at school notice something different about her, it’s her best friend, Georgia, that finally confronts her about it, and reminds her that there’s likely to be consequences.



If anything, it felt particularly short. I had a hard time getting emotionally involved with the characters because all we really got to see of Willy, really, before she finds the book was her being bullied. I also would’ve preferred something longer that explored the gradual ramifications of each change she made, rather than, day 1: she wishes away pimples, day 2: nicer clothes, etc. Some of the changes – like the loss of her friendship with Georgia and being accepted into the “popular kids” clique – were explored, but it felt like it was just on the surface. At the end of the book, it feels like things have returned to “normal,” but I would’ve liked to have seen her square off with the popular kids now that her changes have been removed. Otherwise, it feels like she didn’t really learn anything from the experience.

The art, itself, fits the story well. The characters are expressive, and the dialogue is concise, so the panels are uncrowded enough to let the art stand on its own. There’s also a really interesting behind-the-scenes section at the back of the book, including parts detailing the evolution of the art over the course of several years.

Overall, while I enjoyed this, it definitely left me wanting more from the story. Besides that, it’s still pretty solid, and I’m sure the teens it’s intended for will enjoy it!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Stefie 

3.5 stars.

I am so amazed with author’s drawing. She has been working on this book for 9 years, and with a lot of revision, she managed to create something beautiful :) 

I think the story is pretty simple. It’s not those type of book that have sudden plot twists. But if you know me, sometimes I like books like that.
This is a book about friendship, about learning from our mistake, and about being responsible with our own choices. 

It’s an enjoyable read! 

*I read this book digitally through Netgalley :)

The Altered History of Willow Sparks

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