Review: Wished

* Book 5 in the Fairy Tale Reform School Series *

Gilly and her friends are prepping for the next attack from Rumpelstiltskin. In fact, that's all anyone at school can talk about. Maxine's sick of it; she wants people to be happy.

In fact, when she discovers a genie's lamp, that's exactly her first wish. Suddenly everyone's happy fun and no one is worried, except Gilly. Now everything's out of control. Everyone's worried about putting on a musical and no one is worried about the school's defense.

Maxine knows that it's too much, but she's so tired of everyone being miserable all the time that she refuses to break the spell. Can Gilly convince her before it's too late?

My Thoughts: Another fun book in this series. I enjoyed the genie plot - and how wishes never quite turn out the way people expect. It's fun seeing my favorite characters again. I loved that Gilly didn't let others talk her out of her career choice simply because of her past - and that she had a chance to experience the job herself. I'm intrigued about her family history. I can't wait to see where this story goes next!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: High recommend this series for your school and public libraries.

Middle Grade Review: Switched

* Book 4 in the Fairy Tale Reform School series *

Gilly's still not thrilled with her schooling situation, she loves the new school idea. But she's not happy with one of her new teachers. Plus her sister is still missing.  She's finding it hard to concentrate when all she wants to do is save the day - again.

Even though the royal court swears they will take care of it, there is no news. Should Gilly strike out on her own and figure things out?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved the addition of the new royal family - the librarian and her husband. I loved learning about the library, it sounded amazing. I really liked A.G. and how Gilly helped her realize her true potential but also fit into the school. I felt terrible for Gilly for most of the book. I can't wait to see where the new spin-off series goes, because there are questions I need answered!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this series for your school and public libraries.

Middle Grade Review: Tricked

* Book 3 in the Fairy Tale Reform School series *

Gilly's graduated Fairy Tale Reform School, but nothing feels the same now that she's home. She hates cobbler school. She misses her friends. Something must change.

When she hears that Rumplestiltskin has taken over the school and made it worse, she's concerned. When Anna, her younger sister, gets taken to the school, Gilly wants to help her. But Anna seems content with her two new friends Hansel and Gretel.

Gilly decides she must act and save her sister. She gets herself thrown back into FTRS along with a few good friends. But this time, things are very different. Can she save the school once again?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - I liked how Gilly felt responsible for Anna and attempted to help her. I was happy seeing all my old favorite characters. The news ones, especially the magical animal pets, added some humor to the story. I enjoyed the Stiltskin Squad and their trickster habits. I loved the quest and how that worked out. I enjoyed meeting Little Red Riding Hood. The ending was lovely, luckily I had the next book in the series to read immediately afterwards.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A great series for school and public libraries, especially where mixed up fairy tales are popular. This series is an easy hand sell.

Tween Tuesday Review: Charmed

 * Book 2 in the Fairy Tale Reform School series *

Gilly's struggling with her new found fame after saving the school (with the help of her friends) - but the danger isn't over.

The Wicked One has a plan of her own. She wants to take over the kingdom, starting with the school. She's offering students the choice of joining her.

Gilly knows that she needs to keep her eye on things; something's not right. There's a mole inside the school. When she's asked to join the Royal Ladies in Waiting, Gilly has no interest, but maybe joining will give her some answers. Can Gilly and her friends save the kingdom again?

My Thoughts: Another fantastic story! I love Gilly and her friends, even though they fought for much of the book. I like how Gilly's head swelled a bit, but how she finally came back down to earth. I like the idea of the reluctant hero and how Gilly doesn't want to be a hero, but she's not about to sit on the side lines either. I love how she wants to take action against evil. I like the improvement in Gilly's family's life - how they had enough money for food and clothes.  I Loved Blackbeard. He was entertaining and a nice addiction to the already fun cast of characters.  A charming story; so looking forward to the next book in this series! 


Cover Thoughts: Really Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for all Children's Libraries - especially for patrons who can't get enough fairy tales!

Tween Tuesday Review: Flunked

* First in a new series *

Gilly steals to make things easier for her siblings. Five brothers and sisters often don't have enough to eat. The shoe making business has taken a hit.

When Gilly's caught, for the third time, she's forced to enroll in Fairy Tale Reform School.

The school believes that with a little training, everyone can change. But Gilly doesn't want to change. She only wants to escape the school as quickly as possible. Then she notices something strange is going on - can she help figure it out?

My Thoughts: I Loved this book and can't wait for more in this series.

 I really love Gilly. She's smart, she has a big heart, and she doesn't take grief from anyone. My heart broke for Gilly and her siblings and I hope she finds a way to make life better for everyone. I want to learn more about the shoes that her father makes. I love that she was able to make friends, especially with Jax.

A few favorite moments:
I loved it when Gilly flew on Pegasus. 
I loved reading the Happily Ever After Scrolls
I loved figuring out the identity of the villains.  
I quite enjoyed Miri.
 I loved the gargoyles coming to life (even if they're not nice). 
I liked the prediction from Madame Cleo and watching it come true. 
I love that Gilly made her choice and stuck with it after learning the truth. It shows her courage and her sense of doing what's right. 

Cover Thoughts:
Source: Purchased
Fun Fact: I FINALLY got to meet Jen Calonita after loving her books for years.

Final Thoughts: A superb start to a new series that's entertaining, fun, and smart. I can't wait to find out what happens next. If you like fairy tales, be sure to snatch this one up.