{My Thoughts} – Gillian Cobbler is a twelve year-old girl that belongs to a rather big family that is living in a very small boot. Her father helps make shoes and she and her siblings attend trade school so that they too can learn the art of shoe making. However, it seems that even though her father has a decent job he isn’t bringing in enough money to help support the entire family. Because of this Gilly and her siblings are forced to go without things. One of those being a decent meal. Gilly decides that she will help by stealing things from the Royals. She does this by tricking them, or just vanishing when she grabs something and they aren’t paying attention.

Gilly has been caught stealing twice before and now with this latest left on account of her sisters birthday she is in some hot water. Gilly has been assigned to attend the Fairytale Reform School where she is suppose to learn how to be a better asset to the village in which they live. Here her bad behavior is suppose to be changed into a more positive experience and only one can hope that it can be a successful experience.

While she is there she ends up getting herself involved in some chaos that is taking place. Eventually it becomes apparent that it is going to be up to her and a few of her friends that she has made since arriving at the school to figure out what is going on. Once they figure things out they have to figure out a way to stop the chaos if it is necessary at the time. Eventually, she is given the opportunity to go home and she decides to stay. Why would someone want to stay in a reform school? I guess you will need to read the book to find out what happens, but I can promise you that you will enjoy it as much as I had.

This book was really nicely written and I enjoyed all the fairytale tie ins that it included. I am a true lover when it comes to any and all things fairytale related and am always trying to track down more books to read. I love the various different retellings that are available and always enjoy when an author releases another. I enjoyed this book as did my eleven year-old daughter. We read it together, which is why it took a bit longer for me to post a review. She asked me what I was reading after I’d read the first chapter and then asked if we could read it together. Awesome mommy moment. She was so engrossed in the book and asking questions. We can’t wait for book two to come out! ( )

I picked this fairytale themed middle grade novel up at the height of my daughter's interest in fairytale retellings, thinking she might like it. She has not yet read it--but I do think she would enjoy it. I know I did.

Twelve year old Gilly would do anything for her family, and that includes stealing so her brothers and sisters have enough food. Her father's shoe business hasn't been doing so well since the fairy god mother started making glass slippers. Gilly is an excellent thief--at least until she gets caught and sent to the Fairy Tale Reform School run by Princess Ella's Wicked Stepmother. The teachers at the school are all former villains, now reformed. Remember the Big Bad Wolf, and the Evil Queen? Or the siren who tried to ruin the Little Mermaid's life? The promise of the school is to reform children who are on the path to villainy and turn them into heroes. But can villains really change?

It turns out reform school isn't at all what Gilly expected, and she quickly learns that not everything is quite what it may seem. Joined by her new friends, Jax and Kayla, among others, Gilly finds herself at the center of a wicked plan--and they the only ones who can put a stop to it.

Gilly is the kind of character I think my daughter would really like. She may be a thief, but it is hard not to understand why she does it. The Royals have everything and the commoners have hardly anything. Her family is poor and struggling. She loves her family and is very loyal to them. She is surrounded by friends with complex backgrounds of their own. There are funny moments as well as thoughtful ones, and plenty of action and suspense throughout the novel. Anyone who is familiar with the original fairytales may recognize some of the characters, and hopefully will enjoy this fresh take on them. I know I did. I especially was interested in the world building. Happily ever after for the ruling princesses and royal class clearly isn't a happily ever after for everyone else, and it is nice to see that side explored more. Not to mention, I enjoy a story in which unexpected heroes rise to the occasion. I am be curious to see where the author takes this series. ( )

Fun story, but the plot and scenes weren't always logical and this was a little too much like Harry Potter. Would be exciting for younger readers, though! ( )

Fluff. Enjoyable, slow, and for a younger reader than I. ( )

Cute series! ( )