Step into the enchanting world of Fairy Tale Reform School, where villains turn into teachers and a young thief becomes an unlikely hero! Jen Calonita’s middle-grade fantasy series flips classic fairy tales upside down, blending humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure. Follow Gilly Cobbler, a spirited 12-year-old, as she navigates a magical reform school run by former baddies like Cinderella’s Wicked Stepmother and the Big Bad Wolf, all while uncovering plots that threaten the fairy-tale kingdom of Enchantasia.
Since its debut in 2015, this series has charmed tweens and fairy-tale fans with its clever twists, relatable characters, and a playful take on what it means to be good or evil. Ready to dive into a world where happily-ever-after gets a rebellious makeover?
How Fairy Tale Reform School Began
Jen Calonita, a New York Times bestselling author known for her Secrets of My Hollywood Life series, dreamed up Fairy Tale Reform School while tapping into her love for fairy tales and Disney magic. A former entertainment journalist, Calonita wanted to explore what happens to villains after their stories end. Inspired by the idea of redemption, she crafted a school where former villains reform young troublemakers, blending her knack for witty dialogue with a magical setting. The first book, Flunked, hit shelves in 2015, kicking off a six-book adventure that’s since won hearts and award nominations.
The Heart of Fairy Tale Reform School
The series follows Gilly Cobbler, a clever thief who steals to feed her family but lands at Fairy Tale Reform School after getting caught. In Flunked, Gilly meets friends like Jax and Kayla and discovers the school’s heroic mission hides darker secrets. Charmed ramps up the action as Gilly faces Blackbeard and a villainous plot by Sleeping Beauty’s nemesis, Alva. Tricked introduces Rumpelstiltskin’s takeover, challenging Gilly’s courage, while Cursed, the final book, sees her battling a curse threatening Enchantasia.
Calonita weaves themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the gray line between good and evil. The whimsical setting of Enchantasia, filled with talking mirrors and magical creatures, feels like a vibrant mash-up of Harry Potter and Once Upon a Time. Gilly’s spunky narration and the series’ fast-paced, humorous style make it a hit for readers aged 10–13, while its deeper questions about destiny resonate with all ages.
Why Fairy Tale Reform School Resonates
Fairy Tale Reform School has carved a niche in middle-grade fantasy by reimagining fairy-tale tropes with modern flair. Fans love Gilly’s rebellious spirit and the series’ empowering message that anyone can shape their own destiny. With over a million copies sold across Calonita’s works, the series has earned praise for its action-packed plots and diverse cast, including ogres, fairies, and pirates. Its 2018 Louisiana Readers’ Choice nomination for Flunked highlights its appeal, and readers of all ages adore its fractured fairy-tale charm.
The series’ legacy lies in its ability to spark imagination, encouraging young readers to question stereotypes and embrace their inner hero. Its blend of humor and heart keeps it fresh, making it a timeless pick for fairy-tale fans.
- Publication Years: 2015–2020
- Number of Books: 6 (Flunked, Charmed, Tricked, Switched, Wished, Cursed)
- Awards: Flunked nominated for 2018 Louisiana Readers’ Choice Award
- Target Age: 10–13 years
Grab Flunked and dive into Fairy Tale Reform School’s magical, mischievous world today!