For the middle-grade reader who loves spunky heroines, magical mysteries, and fractured fairy tales, this book explores finding your place and choosing your own path.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels like an outsider or is struggling with being labeled as 'different.' This magical adventure is perfect for middle graders who feel like they don't quite fit in. The story follows Filomena, a girl who discovers she is the infamous thirteenth fairy from the Sleeping Beauty tale and is sent to a reform school for the children of magical villains. It thoughtfully explores themes of belonging, self-confidence, and friendship, all within a fun and fast-paced fantasy mystery. It empowers readers to question the stories they're told and to believe in their power to choose their own path, making it an entertaining and reassuring read.
The book deals metaphorically with themes of identity, stereotyping, and being labeled 'bad.' It directly addresses the idea of a predetermined fate versus free will. The approach is secular and focused on personal choice and questioning historical narratives. The resolution is hopeful, championing the idea that you are not defined by your family or the expectations of others.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for an 8 to 12-year-old reader who loves fantasy, fairy tale retellings, and 'magic school' stories. It will especially resonate with a child who feels misunderstood or is wrestling with social labels, providing a powerful narrative about embracing what makes you unique.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed; the book can be enjoyed without prior context. It may open up conversations about the importance of hearing all sides of a story and the concept that 'history is written by the victors.' A parent notices their child expressing frustration with being pigeonholed or saying things like, 'Everyone thinks I'm shy, but I'm not!' or 'I feel like I don't belong with my friends.' The child is feeling the weight of others' expectations.
Age Experience
Younger readers (ages 8-9) will primarily enjoy the magical setting, the adventure, and the fun friendships. Older readers (ages 10-12) will better appreciate the nuanced themes of social justice, challenging authority, and the moral complexity behind the classic 'good vs. evil' dichotomy.
What Makes It Special
While many books fracture fairy tales, this one stands out by focusing entirely on the perspective of the supposed 'villains.' It combines the popular 'magic school' trope with the 'villain's kid' premise, creating a fresh take that directly questions the established narratives and power structures of traditional fairy tales.
Read plot summary
Filomena Jefferson-Cho, a girl who has always felt out of place in North Pasadena, discovers her true identity: she is a fairy, specifically the notorious Thirteenth Fairy from the Sleeping Beauty story. She is whisked away to the School for Malignants, a boarding school for the descendants of famous fairy tale villains. There, she befriends other 'villain kids' and begins to question the official version of the fairy tales she's always known. She and her new friends uncover a conspiracy that suggests the 'heroes' may not be as good as they seem, forcing Filomena to choose her own destiny.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Filomena is told she's destined to be the 'Thirteenth Fairy' who curses the princess. Do you think people's futures are set, or can they choose their own path? How does Filomena try to change her story?
2
The School for Malignants is for the children of famous villains. Do you think characters like Jack, Alina, and Basil are truly 'bad'? What makes someone a villain in a story?
3
Filomena finds her first real friends at her new school. How did her friendships with Jack, Alina, and Basil help her figure out who she really was and what she wanted to do?
4
The book suggests that the fairy tales we know might not be the whole truth. Why do you think the 'good' fairies might have wanted to change the story of what really happened to Princess Aurora?
