At Midnight

September 15, 2022
Fifteen short stories refashion tales both familiar and obscure. In this multigenre anthology, which opens with a nod to the mutability of fairy-tale narratives, the act of transformation is as central to how each story is constructed as what is being told. Whether by magical means, through physical appearance, or otherwise, the contributors--well-known YA authors including Anna-Marie McLemore, Stacey Lee, Alex London, Malinda Lo, and more--depict the arrival of change and how it is received. In Gita Trelease's "In the Forests of the Night," set in colonial India, the Indian and White narrator discovers a chilling secret about a tiger hunter's trophies. The trans protagonist of H.E. Edgmon's "Mother's Mirror" finds self-affirmation and love despite parental rejection. A planet's vainglorious ruler tries to escape Death in "The Emperor and the Eversong" by Tracy Deonn. Other themes include deception, desire, and vengeance, explored in stories that range in tone from the sinister undercurrent of Melissa Albert's original fairy tale, "The Sister Switch," to the cheerful recounting of clever trickery in Darcie Little Badger's "Coyote in High-Top Sneakers." Diversity in ethnicity, gender, and sexuality is represented in the cast, which includes a teen hacker with a carefully guarded name, a hijabi known only as Red, and genderfluid merfolk. The stories draw upon perennially intriguing themes, presenting tales in genres from fantasy and historical fiction to horror in a collection sure to please a broad range of readers. Timely and timeless. (about the original authors) (Anthology. 13-18)

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Starred review from October 17, 2022
This expansive fairy tale anthology edited by contributor Adler (Home Field Advantage) comprises 14 reimagined fairy tales by Tracy Deonn, Malinda Lo, and Anna-Marie McLemore, among others, plus one “new fairy tale” by Melissa Albert. “Say My Name,” Adler’s “Rumpelstiltskin” retelling, features a genius teenage hacker who uses her skills to secure her best friend a spot in a coding competition. H.E. Edgmon’s rendition of “Little Snow White,” “Mother’s Mirror,” follows a transgender high schooler seeking freedom from their mother’s oppressive ideals. After learning his parents can’t afford their mortgage, an Apache teen teams up with a talking coyote to save his house in Darcie Little Badger’s “Coyote in High-Top Sneakers,” inspired by “Puss in Boots.” In Albert’s original fairy tale, “The Sister Switch,” a college student’s plans to break up with his girlfriend and date her best friend are foiled by the sudden appearance of a mysterious immersive theatrical experience. Intersectionally diverse and globally inclusive—stories take place across time in locales such as British-occupied India, Russia, New York City’s Chinatown, and suburban U.S. neighborhoods—this simultaneously whimsical, adventurous, and bone-chilling genre-spanning collection smartly riffs on the referenced source material to explore contemporary values. The original fairy tales conclude. Ages 12–up.

October 15, 2022
Grades 7-12 While the fairy-tale theme might seem overplayed when it comes to adaptations, this anthology is well worth checking out. Edited by the talented Adler, who also contributes her own version of "Rumpelstiltskin," the stories take classic tales in creative, new directions. Anna-Marie McLemore applies their command of the ethereal and magic realism to The Nutcracker, imbuing it with modern elements and a lovely queer romance, while Darcie Little Badger turns "Puss in Boots" into "Coyote in High-top Sneakers." Tracy Deonn, Stacey Lee, Malinda Lo, and Rebecca Podos are some of the other accomplished authors taking on such familiar stories as "The Nightingale" and "The Little Matchstick Girl" as well as the lesser-known, like "Frau Trude." Quite helpfully, Adler includes the original fairy tales at the end of the book, making it easy for readers to familiarize themselves with these stories and better appreciate the fresh interpretations they've been given here. This anthology does not shy away from uniqueness, boldness, or diversity--elements embraced by each of these stellar writers in their own beautiful way.

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Starred review from December 1, 2022

Gr 9 Up-Adler brings together numerous YA authors to spin inclusive updates on some classic fairy tales. From "The Little Mermaid," to "Rumplestiltskin" and "The Little Match Girl," each tale is envisioned in new ways to include diverse and LGBTQIA+ characters. Each story has a unique twist and writing style that makes it hard for readers to put down this compilation. Classic fairy tales are often reused for retellings, but Adler's compilation of short stories is extremely refreshing and inclusive with wonderful writing. The included 15 tales will delight and surprise readers with their fresh takes on classics. The inclusion of the original tales is also helpful for those who want to compare, or are unfamiliar with the originals. Contributing authors include Malinda Lo, Darcie Little Badger, Anna-Marie McLemore, Rebecca Podos, Alex London, Melissa Albert, and more. VERDICT Highly recommended for YA collections. For teachers, there are various possibilities for great lesson plans and open discussions.-Maeve Dodds

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