Snow White

A parent would reach for this book when their middle schooler has outgrown traditional fairy tales but still craves the comfort of a familiar story structure, or when a child is ready to explore darker, more complex visual storytelling. This reimagining moves the Snow White myth to Jazz Age New York City, replacing magic with the grit of the Great Depression. It speaks deeply to themes of resilience, the search for belonging in a cold world, and the courage it takes to stand up to powerful, manipulative figures. While the story is familiar, the execution is sophisticated. Matt Phelan uses a muted, cinematic watercolor palette and very little dialogue to convey a sense of loneliness and mounting tension. It is an excellent choice for a child who appreciates atmospheric mysteries or historical settings. Parents will find it a perfect bridge for reluctant readers who find dense prose intimidating but are emotionally mature enough for a noir-inspired tale about survival and justice in a harsh urban environment.