The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

I don't feel like this book should qualify as YA fiction as the genre stands today. Themes in YA novels are more complex nowadays than what's included in this book. That doesn't make it any less of an exciting adventure to read, but I'd recommend it more for an elementary school student than a junior higher.

That being said, what book isn't fun to read when it takes you on an adventure among well-known fairy tale characters? Alex and Conner, twins who've recently lost their dad in a tragic car accident, are turning 12. Their grandma hands them down a book of fairy tales read to them as young children. The kids are struggling with all the changes to their lives since their father's death and the book gives them something familiar to hold onto. Alex especially clings to the stories - reading them doesn't make her feel so alone.

That's when the magic kicks in and suddenly the twins are transported to a world where fairy tales are real. The Charming brothers have almost all found their princesses and Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel all have kingdoms to look after. The twins are trapped in this world and must collect a series of items to enact the Wishing Spell so they can return home.

Along the way, the twins meet many iconic storybook characters, learn more about the land they've fallen into, and uncover secrets and themselves and their family. It's a fast read because the story doesn't really ever slow down, and it's a fun read because you already know most of the characters and can kind of guess where the story is heading.

Would I recommend an adult pick this up for a quick read like I did? Not really. But, reading it with or to your favorite third grader sounds like a wonderful activity.