Aphmau: Searching for Home

by Aphmau

Be careful what you wish for! Jump into  Searching for Home, the Minecraft-inspired, brand-new graphic novel from the #1 female gamer on YouTube, Aphmau!

Aphmau is the new girl in town, and after a rough first day at school—thanks, Stacy—she’s not sure anyone will come to her birthday party. Thankfully, the super cute and mysterious Aaron comes through and brings the party with him. But after Stacy sprinkles the cake with magic, Aphmau’s birthday wishes don’t only come true, they come to life! Soon Aphmau and her friends find that the world has become just like Aphmau’s video games! Will they be able to turn everything back to normal? Or will Stacy’s evil plan reign supreme?

Blow out the candles and put on your headsets in the action-packed, FIRST-EVER graphic novel adventure from beloved social media sensation Aphmau, with over 22 MILLION subscribers and over 23 BILLION views!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Comics, Gaming, Graphic Novels Comics

208 pages, Hardcover

Published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and fun read with the eldest. She really enjoyed the Minecraft-esqe themes and friend group running around trying to find the right kind of wish to save the day. Hoping for a sequel perhaps? We will see. My personal rating would be more 4.5.

[D.T. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this too erratic to enjoy; characters are introduced randomly, and the pacing was super fast. It reminded me of the stories you wrote as a kid, where suddenly dinosaurs are everywhere or the main character is a cat-princess with a secret twin sister.

But I’m also not the target audience, so kids may think differently, especially those familiar with the YouTuber.

[Tricia]

Another book for Abigail!

I honestly prefer Unico over this one, but it was still fun!!

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations where what drew me in to read this youth graphic novel. The artwork is beautiful, unique and rather adorable at times. The story is rather random but a fun light read. Even had several Gen Z slangs. lol (“I totally Ship them”.. hadn’t heard that one before lol 😂 ) Overall a enjoyable light read with vivid colors and cute drawings. :)

-Aphmau is a new girl at school and she wants to throw a bday party to make some new friends. One mean girl uses magic and they are thrown into a video game and have to find a way to get back home so we can see what her parents got her for her bday. :)

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super cute graphic novel. I loved the bright color palette as well as the art style. This was a quick and fun read the middle graders are sure to love.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.

[Kc Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up on Aphmau (Especially her My Inner Demons series) so when she dropped this book of COURSE I went and bought it. Yes, it was $20 but I just really wanted it. I LOVE the art style and I'm so glad she evenly displays her friends and her as the main character, but besides all the cute drawings. I'm not a big fan of the storyline (I've seen other people say this too) I'm aware it's targeted to children so it doesn't HAVE to make sense because to kids it's like "Aphmau! And bright colors!" Again love the art, but I don't like the story because; why is everyone bullying her just because she's new at the school? Sidenote: I think the fact she's an ultima could be explained better, and why is the villain a character we've never seen before? I don't know- This graphic novel left me with a lot of questions but, just as a fan I love that it exists. If you're a fan too, I suggest you spend the $20 and get it! But if you're looking for a real story line, then just stick to adult books/graphic novels.

[Deke Moulton]

DNF

Just putting this down after the first few pages. There’s just an extreme amount of over the top bullying and cruelty of like every single character. I understand that moving to a new school is stressful for a lot of kids, but it’s impossible to imagine an entire school bullying a random kid simply because she is new, including spitballs, tripping, bullying… and the main character just crying about how nice she is… it feels jarring to have a “perfect” character treated so terribly by everyone for no reason?? /just/ because she is new?!?!

I think other people might be willing to give it a chance, but just feels a little over the top, and I haven’t even gotten to the actual fantastic/not real elements of it. Then of course we run into a cute boy but are too tongue tied… random man sprays her with a hose… I was hoping for something original but can’t get beyond these tired tropes…


I really did like the incredibly cute and expressive artwork though.

[Punky Broomster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperPop for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!!

Aphmau:Searching for Home is a graphic novel following a young gamer girl who has just moved to a new city. She’s in a new school, looking for new friends, and it’s her birthday to boot! Things start off bad and get worse and she is bullied at school and then picked on at her party. When blowing out her birthday candles, Aphmau wishes she could be like the characters in her favorite video games. Be careful what you wish for! Some wishes aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be.

This was a cute little graphic novel. It was easy to read and beautifully designed. The art really popped off the page. I felt the story was a bit all over and hopped from scene to scene a little clunky but as it’s geared towards children, I don’t expect young ones to notice it so much. Overall I feel a strong 4/5 stars is where I am settling.

[Sophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character just moved to a new place and is getting ready for her birthday party. She invites her whole class, and people actually show up—but then one of the mean girls uses magic that belongs to her father to make the main character's wish come true. This wish turns her into a wolf and transforms the entire world into a video game! The art in this story is super cute and really brings the magical, wish-made world to life. It’s a fun and wild adventure with a great visual style!

[Chanda Scobee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Aphmau: Searching for Home" is an absolute joy! It's a perfect mix of magical chaos, Minecraft-inspired adventure, and middle school drama, all wrapped up in a bright and heartfelt graphic novel. Whether you’re a longtime Aphmau fan or brand-new to her world, this debut delivers something for everyone.

The story follows Aphmau, the new girl in town, as she navigates her first day at a new school and a birthday party that literally changes everything. When a sprinkle of magic hits her birthday cake, her video game dreams (and nightmares) start spilling into real life. With the help of her new friends and a super cute crush, Aaron, Aphmau has to save the day before Stacy’s evil plan takes over.

What I especially loved was how this book balances fast-paced fantasy with relatable middle school themes, like fitting in, finding real friends, and learning to stand up for yourself. The cast is wonderfully diverse, and the characters feel fresh, funny, and full of heart.

I found out about Aphmau through the Meemeows (adorable, collectible mystery plush cats- I started collecting last year!), and I'm not huge into Youtube or the games that Aphmau plays, so the graphic novel seemed the best way to get an introduction into that world. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the character of Aphmau and the world she lives in too. The Meemeows appearance in the story is pure fun and a treat for fans of the plush line!

The art is colorful, expressive, and easy to follow, which makes it a great pick for younger graphic novel readers. I would’ve absolutely loved this book at that age, and honestly, I still do! Full of friendship, magic, and gamer vibes, "Aphmau: Searching for Home" is a fantastic start to what’s sure to be a beloved graphic novel series.

[Escape Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow! I requested this book because my 5 & 7 year olds love Aphmau and are really getting into the comic book style reads.

I haven't personally been super into the show when they watch it, tuning out a bit and just making sure nothing inappropriate is said 😅 and because of that, I didn't know the characters much going into this read.

I know it might sound silly, but reading this book with my kids made my heart so happy. As soon as I started reading the character introductions my daughter was so happy and excited, and not just about the story, but because I was connecting to something they love through a media I love (books). We will absolutely be purchasing a physical copy when it's released.

The art is beautiful, the story is fun, and we NEED MORE APHMAU NOW! 😘

[Lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

NETGALLEY: Aphmau: Searching for Home covers Aphmau's trials at her new school. Aphmau faces bullying from a group of girls that eventually leads to the whole town being placed under an evil spell in order to harm Aphmau. Eventually, Aphmau and her friends free the town and Stacy, the bully, understands what she did was wrong. She is forgiven and the day resets. However, when the day resets, Aphmau remembers what had happened. Despite this, she still trips Stacy and is rude to her even though she understands the nuance around Stacy's life and motivations. It was an interesting way to end the story and somewhat destroys the character development that happened throughout the graphic novel.

[Monica G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part of this story was the fun twists and turns one experiences through all trials and errors the characters experience through the story. These parts of the book brought some good laughs. When reading the beginning of the story I felt the friendships were being built in a very rushed way BUT the conclusion of the story completely made that feeling go away. I look forward to seeing what other adventures this bunch goes into. The illustrations within the novel were exactly what is expected from anything connected to Aphmau, colorful, cute, and modern.

[Nic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5 stars? I feel mean, but I just can't give it 4. The art is cute, but the story feels haphazard, with random stuff happening all the time and a ton of characters introduced. It's also silly to the point of undermining any stakes, and sometimes the dialog is a little cringey, like it's trying too hard to be cool and funny. It's kind of fun in a zany, colorful way, and maybe it would work better as a cartoon movie or something.

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aphmau is the new girl at school, hoping to make new friends at her birthday party - but when one of the mean girls puts magic in her cake, she makes a wish that turns the town into a video game, where only her new powers can help the gang return their home to normal! Aphmau and Cacciatore deliver a colourful adventure that will decently entertain youth, though its bland characters and stale humour leave little for older audiences.

[Liv]

I understand that I am not the target audience for this book, but I was not a fan of it, regardless. The plot didn't make much sense to me, and although the kids I was reading it to seemed to enjoy it, they also had questions about what was going on. It also felt way too expensive for such a mid-level book (and calling it mid is me being generous). Sorry to be a hater, but I do be hating this one.

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute graphic novel. I absolutely loved the colorful art style. This was one of those stories that you just go along for the ride and have a good time while reading it. The story kind of jumps all over the place and felt random at times, but I still enjoyed it.

Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of the book.

[Joanie Whittemore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this so badly! I adore the Aphmau plushies..why wasn’t this graphic novel about the kitties?? Had to stop reading because the storyline didn’t really make sense, and like I said I wanted the kitties to be a focus. The artwork is beautiful though!

[Jessica Prichard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aphmau searching for home book review

This was an amazing book I love to watch Aphmau and the end was the best I’m not spoiling for those who have not read it yet but really good novel would I read it again definitely

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Aphmau though my children finding her gaming channel on YouTube. Also her little mystery meow boxes. This was a cute graphic novel, and the gaming aspect of this was fun. I like the story line that she created here. My kids are excited to read this one as well. I highly recommend this book.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this in a giveaway and really enjoyed it. The characters are all so detailed with their own break downs at the beginning. the story is fun and the art is beautiful. I was able to read it to my young kids and they really enjoyed the colorful art and silly cats.

[Allison Renner · Rating 3 out of 5]

My kid loves Aphmau’s channel and really enjoyed this book, so he recommended it to me. It’s really cute and I love books that escape into games/imagination. This one ended on a great cliffhanger and he’s eager to read more… I am, too.

[Courtney Floyd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up for the adorable illustrations and because a kiddo I babysit loves Aphmau. The story may be fine for kids, but it was all over the place and I couldn’t get halfway through. Illustrations are 15/10 though.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son is a huge fan of Aphmau so this was a no brainer to read with him. The story is fun and the art is wonderfully cute.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book EVER I LOVED IT SO UNIQUE

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Illustrations fantastic. Story is so-so. guessing MG and elementary Minecraft kiddos will love. just not for me.

[Scott Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for aph lovers

Great for aphmau lovers. I loved the book it was so good. Also I read it in 1 day and it only took 45 minutes

[Hannah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like it

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was like: Yeah, Aaron’s too cute to be true, Aph, come on, just make more books!!! You know, something like that. Too Good 👍!!!PLS MAKE MORE!!!!!!!!!

[Sawyer Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

good Book if you like APHMAU. It has my favorite game Minecraft.