Ever After High: The Storybook of Legends

Gr 5–8—Ever After High is where the offspring of fairy-tale characters go to train to be the next generation of Cinderellas, Prince Charmings, and Red Riding Hoods. Second-year students are expected to sign the Storybook of Legends on Legacy Day, cementing their destiny in the fairy-tale world. Raven Queen, daughter of the Evil Queen in "Snow White," has no desire to emulate her mother, who isn't just evil, but super-evil. She'd much rather sing in a band, hang out with her friends, and, most of all, have a future that she has some control over. Apple White, on the other hand, can't wait to start working toward her Happily Ever After. Despite their differences, Raven and Apple become roommates and even friends, but if Raven refuses to sign the Storybook, it might mean the end of not only their story, but also of the fairy tale world… or would it? This mash-up of Grimm and high school angst is fun and frothy, filled with silly, clever riffs on pop culture (which will make the story dated in a few years). Still, Raven is a strong, proactive girl who fights not only for herself, but also for all the denizens of Ever After High who don't have fairy-tale endings to look forward to.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library