Fairest

Book: Fairest
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Audience: grades 5 to 8
In a Nutshell: Snow White retold with an ugly but beautiful heroine

Aza was left as a baby on the doorstep of a kindly innkeeper and his wife, who have raised her as one of their own. She knows two things about herself: she has a beautiful singing voice, and she is the ugliest person she knows. In the kingdom of Ayortha, singing is an integral form of expression in every part of life. Aza has another talent: she can throw her voice and imitate anyone, a unique skill she names 'illusing'.

The king's beautiful, foreign new wife, Ivi, is not a good singer, and she knows it. So she takes Aza on as her lady-in-waiting and threatens dire consequences if Aza does not sing for her at the many public functions where it's expected. Life in the castle surrounded by beauty and elegance is humiliating for self-concious Aza, but she quickly becomes friends with Prince Ijori, the king's nephew, then more than friends. When King Oscaro is seriously injured in an accident, Ivi takes power and, led by a mysterious 'advisor' (in her magic mirror), she quickly brings Ayortha to the brink of revolt against her. Aza is forced to flee, and during her exile she learns some very surprising truths about herself.

This is an enthralling, charming Snow White retelling set in the Ella Enchanted world. The songs woven throughout and spelling styles for different countries and creatures build the world and the atmosphere nicely. Aza's self-loathing and struggle with concepts of beauty ring true, and the ending is very satisfying without falling into the syrup. Highly recommended for fairy tale fans.