THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD & EVIL - SOMAN CHAINANI

Grade 6-10 - Sophie, a self-absorbed princess wannabe, and Agatha, the strong-willed social outcast that always wears black, are two best friends who couldn’t be more different. When rumors of the mysterious School Master start to run wild in their small village, Sophie can’t wait to be taken to the School for Good and Evil and finally become a real princess. Not eager to lose her only friend, Agatha vows to protect Sophie. Instead of thwarting the kidnapping, both girls are swept away to start new storybook lives. However, when the pair find their assumed fortunes switched, can they remain friends in a world that demands they become enemies? Crafted with incredible wit and charm, Chainani takes readers into a fantastical world that takes classic fairytale tropes and turns them on their heads. He delves deep to explore issues surrounding gender roles, fitting in, and the gray area between good and evil. While there are a few scenes that slow the overall pace, each moment is nonetheless constructed with thoughtfulness. This novel expresses a maturity beyond its middle-grade marketing, asking readers to examine their own insecurities and question what it means to be human. 

VERDICT: Addressing contemporary identity and social issues in this fun, fairytale setting makes this a great addition to any collection.