Published: 2020
Series: A Twisted Tale #8
Author: Liz Braswell
Illustrator: N/A
Genres: Fantasy, Retelling, Fairy Tales, Fiction, Romance, Adventure
Audience (Grade Levels): Grades 7-12
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 Stars)
Goodreads Link: Straight on Till Morning
Triggers: None noted
Review By: Sara Tripp
Publisher’s Summary:
What if Wendy first traveled to Neverland… with Captain Hook? Sixteen-year-old Wendy Darling’s life is not what she imagined it would be. The doldrums of an empty house after her brothers have gone to school, the dull parties where everyone thinks she talks too much, and the fact that her parents have decided to send her away to Ireland as a governess-it all makes her wish things could be different. Wendy’s only real escape is in writing down tales of Never Land. After nearly meeting her hero, Peter Pan, four years earlier, she still holds on to the childhood hope that his magical home truly exists. She also holds on to his shadow.
So when an opportunity to travel to Never Land via pirate ship presents itself, Wendy makes a deal with the devil. But Never Land isn’t quite the place she imagined it would be. Unexpected dangers and strange foes pop up at every turn, and a little pixie named Tinker Bell seems less than willing to help. But when Captain Hook reveals some rather permanent and evil plans for Never Land, it’s up to the two of them to save Peter Pan-and his world.
Review:
In this enchanting retelling of Disney’s Peter Pan, Wendy takes center stage, offering readers a fresh perspective on the beloved tale with the spirited assistance of Tinker Bell. Wendy’s family, however, fails to appreciate her imaginative storytelling, viewing it as frivolous and indicative of her reluctance to conform to societal expectations of womanhood. Yet, Wendy’s heart yearns for adventure and exploration, rather than the confines of traditional domesticity. Having already assumed the role of caretaker for her brothers, Wendy embarks on a daring journey to Neverland, where she must rely on her own wits and courage to navigate its enchanting yet perilous landscapes and locate the elusive Peter Pan. Wendy discovers a reservoir of strength within herself, realizing that her storytelling prowess is an essential force in the magical realm of Neverland. As she confronts challenges and adversaries, Wendy’s resilience and determination shine brightly, illuminating her path towards self-discovery and empowerment. This captivating narrative serves as an inspiring ode to female independence and resilience, encouraging young readers to embrace their own sense of agency and adventure. Wendy’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of self-reliance and the enduring magic of storytelling. A delightful and empowering read for girls seeking to chart their own course and assert their independence, “Wendy’s Tale” is a timeless tale of courage, imagination, and the triumph of the human spirit.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- English Language Arts (Comparative Literature & Retellings): Have students read or analyze excerpts from J.M. Barrie’s original Peter and Wendy alongside this version. Discuss how altering the inciting incident (Wendy going with Hook instead of Peter) shifts the narrative trajectory, character arcs, and core themes of the classic story.
- Social Studies / Gender Studies: Examine the historical and societal expectations placed upon young women in Edwardian England, which are mirrored in Wendy’s struggle against traditional domesticity. Students can research the early 20th-century suffrage movement or changing roles of women during this era to contextualize Wendy’s desire for agency.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Focus on the themes of female empowerment, resilience, and self-reliance. Facilitate a classroom discussion or journal activity exploring how Wendy transforms her supposed “flaws”—such as talking too much or over-indexing on imagination—into vital strengths that help her navigate her challenges.
- Creative Writing Extension: Task students with writing their own “Twisted Tale” scene. Have them pick a well-known fairy tale or Disney property, change one major choice made by a secondary character at the start, and write a short piece showing how that single change impacts the entire plot.
