Book Review:Welcome to New Avalon, where everyone has a personal fairy. Though invisible to the naked eye, a personal fairy, like a specialized good luck charm, is vital to success. And in the case of the students at New Avalon Sports High, it might just determine whether you make the team, pass a class, or find that perfect outfit. But for 14-year-old Charlie, having a Parking Fairy is worse than having nothing at all-especially when the school bully carts her around like his own personal parking pass. Enter: The Plan. At first, teaming up with arch-enemy Fiorenza (who has an All-The-Boys-Like-You Fairy) seems like a great idea. But when Charlie unexpectedly gets her heart's desire, it isn't at all what she thought it would be like, and she'll have resort to extraordinary measures to ditch her fairy. -goodreads.com
Book Trailer:
My Review:
Honesty, I had never paid this book any attention until TJ from Book Love Affair promoted and gave away a copy on her blog. Furthermore, TJ gave Liar, another book by Justine Larbalestier a fabulous review (found here). Now, when TJ gives out a fab review, I listen. She has wonderful taste in books, and if she gives a book a good rating, I know it's worth reading. Well, after reading The Dead-Tossed Waves, I needed a lighthearted pick-me-up (it's a good book, just depressing). So I went to the bookstore and picked up a copy of How to Ditch Your Fairy to flip through. I sat down with the book, and before I knew it, I was 20+ pages in. I put the book in the "to buy" pile and picked it up again as soon as I got home.
Justine Larbalestier has a wonderful lighthearted tone, with a touch of sarcastic humor in How to Ditch Your Fairy. The main character, Charlie, is a fourteen-year-old girl who is more into clothes and boys than concerned with parking, which is what her fairy is famous for. I loved reading the story through Charlie's eye's and watching her make goofy preteen decisions. I enjoyed the interactions between her best friend Rochelle and her crush Steffi. I also delighted in the interactions with characters Charlie didn't like such as Danders Anders and Fiorenze Stupid-Name. What impressed me most about this book is the world Larbalestier created, New Avalon. I enjoyed learning New Avalon's lingo and customs, which are both interesting and original. Ultimately, this is a delightful coming of age tale that will entertain readers of all ages. I highly look forward to reading more of Larbalestier's work!
Favorite Quote:
"Danders lurched to a stop in front of us. 'You car later,' he said without bothering with any prepositions or hi or how goes it or I'm really sorry I attempted to kidnap you." (p. 135)
Cover Art Commentary:
I love the cover of this book! It's colorful and fun, with a pinch of dry humor just like the story! :)
Overall Rating:
