Tricked

February 1, 2017
After her sister is arrested and hauled off to Fairy Tale Reform School, 12-year-old Gilly Cobbler seizes the opportunity to return to her alma mater only to find it changed under its new management.With Rumpelstiltskin at the helm, FTRS is suddenly a whole lot less enjoyable than it used to be. Rather than concerning itself with the reformation of troubled fairy-tale characters, the new regime seems more focused on creating better villains. The white shoemaker's daughter is determined to protect her sister, but when she and her friends discover a jar of magical beans, they focus on getting to the bottom of Rumpelstiltskin's true plans for the school and for all of Enchantasia. Hoping to upend his schemes, they enter into a deal with the infamous trickster. But to be successful, Gilly will need to stop trying to please everyone else and begin figuring out who she wants to be. Mermaids, fairies, trolls, and princesses abound in this creative mashup of the Grimms' most famous characters. This whimsical tale is a surprising mixture of fable, fantasy, and true coming-of-age novel. Magical problems are enhanced by real-world lessons on prejudice, bullying, and self-image. The whimsical Grimm reboot continues. (Fantasy. 9-12)

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March 1, 2017

Gr 5-8-Two months after being pardoned from Fairy Tale Reform School (FTRS), Gilly is not only bored at Jack of All Trades but also worried about her younger sister Anna, who has become restless and started searching for excitement in all the wrong ways. Anna is soon sentenced to FTRS, which is now under Rumpelstiltskin's control. Gilly and Jax, determined to learn why Headmistress Flora would abandon her post, plead with the new leader for Anna's release and discover that FTRS has changed, superficially, for the better. But more appealing classes can't hide new rules that eliminate visitation days and protection spells that isolate the school and all who live there. Misbehaving on purpose to return, Gilly and her friends begin a quest to unseat Rumpelstiltskin and take back FTRS. The third title in the series, this adventure continues the story and themes from the first and second. Calonita tackles bullying, selfishness, trust, friendship, loyalty, responsibility, and courage while delivering an entertaining and often humorous fantasy flight. The appealing cover design will draw the attention of potential readers, and the balance of action, humor, and fantasy will keep them absorbed. VERDICT Recommended for fans of Soman Chainani, Shannon Hale, and Shannon Messenger.-Kerry Sutherland, Akron-Summit County Public Library, OH

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