Flunked

Flunked
By Jen Calonita
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2015, Youth Fiction, 263 p.
"Our Mission: To turn wicked delinquents and former villains into future heroes."(p.33) Is it truly possible that villains can be taught to be good? That wicked stepmothers can be kind? That a big bad wolf can, well, not eat people? At Fairy Tale Reform School they believe just that. Gillian Cobbler, on the other hand, doesn't want to go there. And she wouldn't have to steal in the first place if Princess Ella's Fairy Godmother hadn't stolen Gillian's father's glass slipper idea, and thus took all the business away from the Cobbler's. If that hadn't happened then Gillian would have no reason to try to find ways to help feed her five younger siblings. But now she's been caught and shipped off to reform school. In a school full of ex-thieves, trouble-makers, con-artists, and their formerly villainous teachers ( like the Evil Queen and Wicked Stepmother) trouble is bound to happen. The question is who has really been reformed - and who is really wicked?

This fantasy novel is a refreshing twist on the fairy tale spin-off genre. Those familiar with Grimm's Fairy Tales will find familiar characters with new roles. Exciting, heartfelt, and action packed this book will put readers under a spell. It also discusses friendship, loyalty, and the value of what's inside of a person. This book is the first in a series that is great for kids, teens, and even adults.