Fractured Fairy Tales

Books for Readers in the Middle Grades

A fractured fairy tale is designed to be humorous by changing the story in an unexpected way, like altering a character, or adding modern language and events. Readers of all ages enjoy these tales regardless of grade level.

To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through our OPAC. Happy Reading!

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Crazy Jack by Donna Jo Napoli.
LP 735 or RC 50017.
The traditional tale is transformed into a coming-of-age story about risk taking. Here, an older Jack climbs a beanstalk, steals from a giant, and finds that his treasures have a different value back home. Throughout his struggles, Jack's loyalty to his mother and his true love, Flora, remains steadfast. For grades 6-9.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine.
BR 50727 or LP 247 or LP 50086 or RC 46186.
In this novel based on the story of Cinderella, Ella struggles against the childhood curse that forces her to obey any order given to her. For grades 4-7.

Just Ella by Margaret Peterson.
LP 717 or RC 50346.
This continuation of the Cinderella story opens in the palace, where Ella is learning to be a princess before her wedding. When she realizes how stifling court etiquette can be, Ella tells the boring prince she won"t marry him. But she must struggle to gain her freedom. For grades 6-9.

The Nearsighted Knight by Mary Francis Shura.
BR 390.
A comic fantasy on the familiar theme of a difficult princess and a questing knight, but the characters" peculiarities produce a rather unconventional fairy tale. For grades 4-6.

Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye.
BR 50640.
No prince could be found to marry this plain-looking princess, but that didn't bother Amy. She had other plans anyway--like running off for an enchanting adventure. For grades 4-6.

Rhyme Stew by Roald Dahl.
RC 39242.
Dahl presents delightfully wicked parodies of well-known nursery rhymes, folktales, and fairy tales, including "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” "Mary, Mary,” and "Hansel and Gretel.” For grades 6-9 and older readers.

A Small, Elderly Dragon by Beverly Keller.
BR 7458.
A fun-filled spoof on fairy tales. Blystfylyl, a dragon past his prime, is no longer interested in hurting anyone, especially the citizens of the chaotic kingdom of Minervia. But when a housing development threatens the peace and quiet of his lair, he has no choice but to create an uproar. Then an evil sorcerer turns Bly into a parrot and takes over the kingdom. For grades 4-7.

A Wolf at the Door: And Other Retold Fairy Tales.
RC 53007.
A collection of 13 tales by science fiction and fantasy authors. In "Hansel"s Eyes,” by Garth Nix, a blind, spider-like witch captures Hansel and Gretel in a computer game store. Other writers include Jane Yolen, Michael Cadnum, Gregory Maguire, and Patricia A. McKillip. For grades 6-9 and older readers.