Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
What if Wendy first traveled to Neverland with Captain Hook? Liz Braswell’s Straight on Till Morning puts a feminist spin on a classic Disney tale. Shifting the focus to Wendy Darling’s resilience, imagination, and quest for agency away from Edwardian societal constraints, this empowering young adult fantasy is an excellent addition for middle and high school readers who love subversive retellings driven by female independence.
True royalty isn’t defined by a glass slipper. When Cinderella is unable to prove her identity to the Grand Duke, she flees her abusive home to work as a humble palace seamstress. Stepping straight into a dangerous political conspiracy against the crown, this resilient heroine must use her wits and strength to save an entire kingdom.
A darker, breathtaking twist on a classic tale! What if Rapunzel’s mother drank from the destructive Moondrop flower instead of the healing Sundrop? Stranded in her tower with silver-gray hair that possesses the terrifying power to hurt rather than heal, this Rapunzel must overcome Mother Gothel’s severe psychological gaslighting to reclaim her autonomy and true strength.
Dive into a world of endless possibilities! Disney animator Claire Keane’s Little Wonder delivers a gorgeous, undersea love letter from a mother to her growing child. Filled with lush, intricate illustrations that tell a story all their own, this soothing read-aloud encourages early elementary students to face new challenges with grit, flexibility, and a deep sense of wonder.
Beauty is only skin deep, but the Beast’s curse goes much further. We discover the “why” behind the monster. Guided (and manipulated) by the eerie Odd Sisters, the Prince’s journey from vanity to bitterness is a dark reimagining of a classic.