How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier

How to Ditch Your Fairy

Justine Larbalestier

Bloomsbury

2009

I think this book is 5 out of 10 because it was really, really cheesy. This book is about a girl in a world where everyone has fairies that help them out with things.  The girl, Charlie, has a fairy that helps her park or a “parking-fairy” who gives her or the car she’s riding in the best parking spot available. Charlie hates this fairy and spends the whole book trying to get a new one. The book was really predictable. I would read this to a 9 to 10 year old but no older then that because it would just be too easy and not very entertaining. This is a child’s book not a teen book. 

Reviewed by Anna 8^th grade

Crimson Thread by Suzanne Weyn

Crimson Thread
Suzanne Weyn
Simon Pulse
2008

Crimson Thread is a remake of the classic fairytale Rumplestiltskin.  This version takes place in 1880, and the princess is actually an Irish immigrant named Bertie trying to make ends meet and help support her family.  Her father likes to embellish his stories and presents her as an amazing seamstress to his employer – the owner of a very large textile company.  When her father promises that she can create a beautiful dress in one night, Bertie thinks all is lost.  However, she is saved by a dark handsome stranger named Ray – someone she’s heard she should steer clear of.  When Bertie asks how she can repay him, he asks for her first-born child.  As time goes on, Bertie will find out just how serious Ray is.  Suzanne Weyn has created a wonderful story that is similar enough to the original but different enough to be compelling and interesting.  The strength of her characters and the mystery of Ray keep the reader turning pages wondering what will happen next.
Reviewed by the Librarian, 100th Grade