Fairest

Levine, Gail Carson. Fairest. Harper Collins, 2006. ISBN-10: 0-06073409-4

Plot Summary
Found abandoned in one of the inn's rooms when she was a baby, Aza is raised as one of the innkeepers' own children. Except Aza is far far uglier than the rest of her family. She is stocky, tall, with strange hair and a pale face. In a land of singers, her talented voice wins her friends. Because Aza can throw her voice like a ventriloquist, the land's new queen (who can't sing) wants to use Aza's voice as her own. Aza can't refuse the powerful queen but she feels dishonest, and the queen's volatile temper makes Aza fear for her life. The queen has made a lot of enemies at court, following the advice of her advisor- a strange mirror that gave the queen her beauty. Aza also seeks beauty from the mirror and the queen is upset that Aza is now the "fairest". Like the story of snow white, the queen will do anything to remain the fairest in the land, even kill.

Critical evaluation
Although set in the same land as Levine's Ella Enchanted, Fairest does not equal the first book in humor or interest. Certainly, portions of the book are delightful, including the scenes set at the inn. And the queen is a much more interesting character in this version than in other versions of Snow White. However, the relationship between the prince and Aza, was unsatisfactory, especially considering that the relationship between the prince and Ella is so well developed in Ella Enchanted. The prince falls for Aza immediately and without reason, then he is alternately distrustful and friendly to Aza until he decides to marry her after only a few months. Also, the books few allusions to Lucinda, the fairy godmother in Ella Enchanted will amuse those who have read the previous book, but will add nothing to new readers. Overall, I would only recommend this book if readers are clamoring for more fairy tale adaptations.

Readers Annotations
It's a good thing Aza can sing, because she is really really ugly. There are even rumors that she's part ogre. But her voice wins her friends and admirers, especially queen Ivi who uses Aza's voice as her own. When Aza finds the queen's magic mirror, which is the source of her beauty, and uses it to make herself beautiful, the queen's jealousy puts Aza in grave danger.

Information About the Author
Gail Carson Levine is known for her adaptations of fairy tales, most famously her retelling of Cinderella, Ella Enchanted, which one a Newberry Honor.

Genre
Fantasy
Fairy tale retelling


Curriculum Ties
Fairy Tales

Booktalking Ideas
From the point of view of the mirror

Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 5-8

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas
none

Why Book Included
I always enjoyed Ella Enchanted and wanted to see if this book was on par.