The 12 Best Teen and Young Adult Fairy Tales and Folklore Adaptations Books
Book RaiderWhen it comes to escaping from reality, no genre does it better than fairy tales and folklore - especially when they're given a contemporary spin. It's like sprinkling a Dash of 21st-century glitter on age-old enchantments, making for a bewitching blend of old and new. Call it teenage rebellion or young adult audacity, but flipping time-tested tales on their heads, these books serve up seemingly familiar fables with a dash of surprise that leaves you guessing till the very end.
Let's be honest, we already know how Cinderella got her prince and that Rapunzel's hair is the stuff of salon dreams. But imagine Cinderella as an intrepid detective, or Rapunzel leading a rebellion against a tyrant king. Doesn't that get your bewitched heart racing? That's exactly what these splendid authors have done; spinning unique, contemporary tales out of classic fairy tales and folklore, making them must-reads for every teen and young adult needing an escape from the mundane tick-tocks of everyday life.
Spinning Silver
by Naomi Novik
Why Spinning Silver is on this list: It's not everyday that you get to read a book which can be seen as a beautiful modern twist on the classic Rumplestiltskin tale. It's a frosty, iced confection of a book, that adeptly weaves traditional folklore with the freshness of contemporary young adult fiction.
Spinning Silver isn’t just about magical transformations, debt collection and turning silver into gold. It’s also the story of three brave girls: Miryem, Wanda, and Irina. Miryem's dad is a moneylender but he's too kind-hearted to collect his debts, so Miryem steps in to save her family from poverty. Meanwhile, Wanda is trying to pay off her father's ever-increasing debts. Lastly, there's Irina, a duke's daughter with a secret that could be her doom or her salvation. The stories of these three girls stand tall like icicles on a winter's day, interweaving into a tale that is every bit chilling as it is captivating.
What readers like: Readers love the smart and brave female characters who defy norms and expectations. You will be blown away by how Novik masters the art of storytelling with her intricate plot lines and deliciously frosty setting. The mix of Jewish folklore and fairy-tale bounded by a refreshing twist of fantasy will have you wishing the story never comes to an end.
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The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
by Christopher Healy
Why The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom is on this list: Fairytales are known to revolve around damsels in distress, being saved by daring princes. But what if the princes were clueless and needed a guide to save their kingdom? This fresh spin on classical fairy tales makes 'The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom' a perfect fit for this list.
This book is a hilarious take on the untold stories of the so-called 'Charming Princes'. This isn't just a single fairytale; it tells the intertwined stories of four prince charmings from different fairy tales who bumble their way into an unexpected adventure, devoid of any magical assistance. It's a story full of charm, wit, and a whole lot of misfit bravery.
What readers like: Readers love the book's humor and unforgettable character quirks. They appreciate how it gives the often overlooked princes a chance to shine in a funny and heartwarming journey. The plot twists and hilarious incidents that occur when these unlikely heroes band together make the readers keep turning the pages.
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Poison
by Sarah Pinborough
Why Poison is on this list: It's not your grandma's Snow White! Poison is a twisted take on a classic fairy tale that feels perfectly suited for teens and young adults looking for a new spin on old folklore.
Poison is a thrilling and dark reimagination of Snow White's tale with well fleshed-out characters, a dash of intense romance, unexpected twists and a sprinkling of dark humor. It explores aspects of a fairy tale we always accepted but never questioned, delightfully subverting it.
What readers like: Readers have praised this book for its engrossing, fast-paced plot with a modern sensibility, and a loveable heroine who's wildly different from the Snow White you remember. Also, the wicked queen is seriously wicked; she's a character you love to hate.
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Princess of the Midnight Ball
by Jessica Day George
Why Princess of the Midnight Ball is on this list: Any list of memorable young adult fairy tales adaptations has to include Princess of the Midnight Ball. It's a truly engrossing retelling that brings a fresh but faithful perspective on a classic story, woven with elegant threads from folklore.
This isn't your average princess story. Sure, there's the handsome soldier, but the heroism doesn't start and end there. Far underneath the grandeur and glamour of the royal balls, our titular princess and her eleven sisters step into a reality that's far from a fairytale. Here, they're forced to dance till their feet are bloody, every night, at the command of an ancient curse. Will they ever find a way to break free or will their midnight shoes continue to tell their sorrowful tale? I guess you'll have to dive into the book to find out.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the relatable characters, unexpected twists, and the replenishing blend of the sinister and romantic. Perceptive readers have found a lot to love in the careful details and the way George retells the traditional tale, making it personal and new. Plus, the enchanting writing doesn't hurt either.
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Cinder
by Marissa Meyer
Why Cinder is on this list: Cinder is a unique take on the classic Cinderella story, but with a futuristic twist to it. This makes it a perfect fit for our list of best Fairy Tales and Folklore Adaptations for teens and young adults.
In this book, Cinderella is a cyborg - yeah, you read that right. Welcome to New Beijing, a place where humans, androids, and the occasional dysfunctional cyborg like Cinder live. Cinder, our main girl is a gifted mechanic with a mysterious past. When she finds herself wrapped up with the handsome Prince Kai, her life is turned upside down. With an intergalactic struggle and a deadly virus on the line, Cinder gets way more than she bargained for. How's that for a modern fairytale?
What readers like: Readers love the clever blend of classic fairytale elements with an exciting science fiction twist. They appreciate the intricate, fast-paced plot and the relatable, dimensional characters. And of course, there's the thrill of a dangerous conspiracy and the forbidden romance, which for some reason, always gets readers hooked. If you enjoy stories with a refreshing twist on the classics, this book might be your new favorite read.
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Forest of a Thousand Lanterns
by Julie C. Dao
Why Forest of a Thousand Lanterns is on this list: If you are into the cherished tale of Snow White, with a wicked Eastern twist, then bingo – this book is your golden opportunity. It sprinkles the classic fairy tale with Asian folklore, giving it a fresh, exotic spin that will keep you glued to the pages.
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns takes you on a journey of Xifeng, a captivating girl who holds a petrifying destiny in her heart. Born with a gift for dark magic that forces her to chose between being a wealthy queen or staying a humble peasant, she struggles and fights her way up to the imperial court of the Chinese-inspired kingdom. The catch? To attain her destiny, she must unleash the ravenous, serpent demon living within her. Talk about teenage drama!
What readers like: Fairy tale and folklore enthusiasts rave about the book’s rich storytelling, filled with magic, love and dark sacrifices. The character development takes readers on an emotional roller coaster, leaving them rooting for the wicked yet relatable Xifeng. Fans also love the unique twist on Snow White, where the evil queen is actually the protagonist. Plus, the vibrant and atmospheric setting based on ancient China gives the book a flavor quite unlike your run-of-the-mill adaptation.
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A Curse So Dark and Lonely
by Brigid Kemmerer
Why A Curse So Dark and Lonely is on this list: Fairy tales lovers, wait till you hear what our good old 'Beauty and the Beast' had to go through in this book. It's a stellar folklore adaptation that flips this classic tale on its head, hitting its young adult readers right in the feels.
Prince Rhen, cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year, thought that he could escape his fate through a beautiful lady's love. Until Harper Lacy showed up. She's not your typical damsel - living with cerebral palsy, she's tougher than most. Harper gets sucked from the streets of modern-day Washington, D.C. into the prince's cursed kingdom. It's filled with monsters and tragic magic that blurs the line between friend and foe. Can they break the curse together? It's not your grandma's 'Beauty and the Beast', that's for sure.
What readers like: Readers rave about its nail-biting plot twists, the strong female protagonist who's battling her disability, and the mixer of monster-ridden worlds and romantic twists. Most readers find it hard to put the book down. It's got that juiciness mixed with a bit of darkness and love, that’s perfect for reading past your bedtime - not that we’re encouraging that.
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Beastly
by Alex Flinn
Why Beastly is on this list: This is a fresh, modern take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, so it snugly fits into our fairy tale and folklore adaptations. Plus, it's set in hip, contemporary New York, so it's like stepping into an enchanted story happening right next door.
In 'Beastly', our snobbish protagonist, Kyle, is not exactly prince charming. After messing with the wrong witch at his school, he's transformed into a beast, and he has to find someone who loves him for who he is on the inside, not his looks. It's a journey about learning how to see beyond the surface. Lots of drama, magic, and maybe a lesson or two tucked in there. Not bad for a guy who started as the school's biggest jerk eh?
What readers like: Readers love how Alex Flinn has translated this fairy tale into a real, relatable high school setting. The engaging characters, humor, and heart-touching moments make it a winner. The whole package unwraps the truth that pretty isn't everything, and love goes much deeper than looks.
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The Never Tilting World
by Rin Chupeco
Why The Never Tilting World is on this list: On the hunt for a captivating tale of fairy magic and mythology woven into a unique new universe? Behold, 'The Never Tilting World' steps up to the plate. This book pulls from common folklore themes while also incorporating remarkably original elements. Top it off with context relatable to teen and young adult readers, this book is a dead ringer for our list.
Imagine a world that stops turning, one half in constant daylight, the other in eternal night. Amidst this chaos, on opposite ends of their world, two young goddesses awaken to their powers. Unknown to each other, Haidee, a goddess of the day, and Odessa, a goddess of the night, undertake perilous journeys. They traverse dangerous lands filled with madness, myths, and magic, aiming to heal their fractured world. But when they discover their bond and the dark secret behind their world's disaster, they must question everything they've known.
What readers like: Readers rave about Rin Chupeco's effortless weaving of complex mythology into an engrossing narrative. They love the strong, relatable female protagonists, their emotional journeys, and the intense, heart-pounding adventure. Add to this the dash of romance, the stunning world building and you've got yourself a book that keeps you stuck to your seat, turning page after page.
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Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
by Grace Lin
Why Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is on this list: This book mixes a delicate recipe of Chinese Folklore with the fairy tales we all know and love, creating the perfect fairy tales and folklore adaptations book for teens and young adults.
Welcome to a whimsical journey across mountains and moons, led by our determined little heroine, Minli. While living in the shadow of the Fruitless Mountain and trapped under the thumb of poverty, Minli dreams big. Inspired by the mystical tales spun by her father, she embarks on a journey to change her family's fate. Mysterious dragons, unanticipated allies, and an enthralling landscape come together in this folklore-inspired turntable. Relax and let the pages of this magical book transport you to lands far, far away - right from your cosy reading nook.
What readers like: Readers rave about the beautiful illustrations, engaging story-telling, and the loveable characters; but mostly, how they're transported to a universe where dreams and determination can shake mountains. Fans enjoy the clever integration of traditional Chinese folktales that are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it a delightful, page-turning read.
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Cruel Beauty
by Rosamund Hodge
Why Cruel Beauty is on this list: Imagine a classic fairy tale, but with a dark and enchanting spin on it, and that sums up Cruel Beauty. It's a fairy tale adaptation like none other, and its unique twist on 'Beauty and the Beast' fits perfectly for both teens and adults.
Cruel Beauty revolves around our protagonist, Nyx. Due to a foolish bargain made by her father, she has been betrothed to the evil ruler of their kingdom — who happens to be a demon. Despite her resentment, she's determined to break the everlasting curse he put upon their land. But what happens when she starts to fall for him? A confusing mix of beauty and brutality, Cruel Beauty will have you turning pages faster than you can pronounce 'Rumpelstiltskin'.
What readers like: Readers especially adore the gothic feel, detailed world-building, and Nyx's strong-willed personality. Not to mention, the unexpected love story and hairpin twists in the plot. They find the angsty romance and moral dilemmas perfectly balanced to provide a serious, yet juicy read.
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The House with Chicken Legs
by Sophie Anderson
Why The House with Chicken Legs is on this list: Sophie Anderson revisits fairy tales world and stitches them into a youth-friendly narrative, giving folks' legendary figure Baba Yaga and her magical house a different twist.
Twelve-year-old Marinka longs for a normal life where she can simply make friends and fall asleep without traveling to a new location every night. But normal isn’t an option, because her grandmother is Baba Yaga, the guardian of the gateway between the living and the dead. Marinka lives in a house with chicken legs and helps her grandmother guide spirits to the afterlife. Ambition, love, and coming-of-age are deftly addressed in this folklore tweak.
What readers like: Readers are fond of the mystical elements, the well-painted characters, and the bright punches of humor. They often rave about how the fantastic storytelling whisks them away on a magical journey, and leaves them reflecting on the importance of heritage, friendship, and our relationships with the living and the dead.
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