They considered the cast of the novel to be well written, and praised its diversity, which includes a trans woman and characters "coded as black—all, refreshingly, presenting with a realistic variety of skin tones and hair colors and textures.

Commenting on the art style, Mozer says the choice for an "anime-esque panel structure and imagery" helped create a lighter atmosphere for the story, despite the complex themes Snapdragon deals with.

"[3] Télérama's review of the book compared its setting to The Goonies movie and the Stranger Things show, but noted Snapdragon differs from those media in its tone, as fantasy is not its main focus, and for happening in a more modest neighborhood.

They also compared its art style and themes to that of The Witchy Boy, and ended by saying Leyh was able to create a "sensitive and benevolent story" about choices and second chances.

[4] Snapdragon was on the American Library Association's 2021 Great Graphic Novels for Teens list, figuring among its top ten titles.