Books like 'Cursed'
Readers who enjoyed Cursed by Jen Calonita also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy action / adventure retellings children fairy-tale female-mc alpha-mc friendship myths
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Of Witches and Wind by Shelby Bach
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn this second book in a series that Kirkus Reviews calls a “fast-paced combination of middle school realism and fairy-tale fantasy,” it’s up to Rory to save the Ever After School—and deal with her father’s fiancée.After taking part in a successful real-life fairy tale, Rory Landon is now an Ever After School veteran...Categorized as:
children fairy-tale friendship myths retellings action-adventure book children-books -
Of Sorcery and Snow by Shelby Bach
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRory might be starring in her own fairy tale, but there’s more danger than happily-ever-after in this third book in a series that Kirkus Reviews calls a “fast-paced combination of middle school realism and fairy-tale fantasy.”Life at Ever After School has become familiar for Rory. She’s been on two quests, she’s a great sword fighter, and she has terrific friends... -
Walt Disney's Pinocchio (A Little Golden Book Classic) by Steffi Fletcher
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe beloved tale of a wooden puppet who longs to become a real boy is as appealing now as when it was first released in 1940. The beautiful, vintage illustrations in this Little Golden Book retelling will charm children and collectors alike... -
The Sandman: The Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie by William Joyce
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe Man in the Moon has a problem.Most nights, he beams down at the children of Earth, providing them with an inextinguishable nightlight that keeps nightmares at bay...Categorized as:
children fairy-tale friendship myths retellings action-adventure book children-books -
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The School for Good and Evil: The Ever Never Handbook by Soman Chainani
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWelcome to the School for Good and Evil! The greatest of heroes and villains have come through our classrooms before they ventured into the Endless Woods to find their stories . . . and now you will join their ranks.Use this handbook as a guide to help you navigate through your years at school... -
Cinderella by Ruth Sanderson
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsDreams come true with a little hope and a wave of a fairy godmother's wand. But will the prince find Cinderella after her ball gown turns back into rags? This classic tale is retold by Ruth Sanderson with the very youngest of readers in mind... -
The Jolly Pocket Postman by Janet Ahlberg, Allan Ahlberg
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEveryone's favorite postman finds himself in Alice's Wonderland, knee-high to a Mad Hatter, but nothing can stop the Jolly Postman from completing his mail route as he travels through the Emerald City with Dorothy and other fairy-tale favorites...Categorized as:
children fairy-tale retellings action-adventure book children-books classics fiction -
The Half Upon a Time Trilogy: Half Upon a Time; Twice Upon a Time; Once Upon the End by James Riley
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt's a fantasy come true: all three books in the hilarious fractured fairy tale trilogy by James Riley, available together in a box set!This complete boxed set of the Half Upon a Time trilogy tells the story of Jack, as in, son of the infamous Jack who stole the magic beans from the giant... -
Outlaws by Jen Calonita
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWANTED: ROYAL ACADEMY OUTLAWSThings are not looking great for Princess Devin Nile. In the past 24 hours, she and her four best friends have gotten kicked out of school, banished to the Hollow Woods, and declared as outlaws. (That's what happens when you accuse the Headmistress of Royal Academy of being in league with villains.) But Devin's not about to go down without a fight... -
Descendants: Mal's Spell Book by Tina McLeef
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFor fans of Descendants, this spell book, which formerly belonged to Maleficent before she passed it on to Mal, is full of comments, notes, and inside jokes between Mal and the other villains' kids. Laugh and cry along with Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos as they find their way in the world of Auradon Prep... -
The Curvy Tree: A Tale from the Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe debut picture book from #1 New York Times bestselling author Chris Colfer Once upon a time, there was a little girl who didn't quite fit in... -
The Sandman and the War of Dreams by William Joyce
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAcademy Award winner William Joyce’s Guardians recruit Sanderson ManSnoozy, the sleepy legend also known as the Sandman, to their cause in this fourth chapter book adventure.When the Man in the Moon brought together the Guardians, he warned them that they would face some terrible evils as they strove to protect the children of earth... -
Once Upon a Time: A Story Collection by Shannon Hale
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsRead these exclusive introductions to all your favorite characters to find out what their lives are like at home! A new chapter is about to begin at Ever After High, and all the students are preparing to start their Legacy Year...Categorized as:
children fairy-tale friendship myths retellings action-adventure anthologies children-books -
The Books of Bayern Box Set by Shannon Hale
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe first three books in the highly acclaimed Books of Bayern series are now available in a beautiful boxed set. It all began with the retelling of a Grimm's fairy tale in The Goose Girl, and now the world of Bayern is rich with fairy tales all its own. Fans will be delighted with this package that features their favorite Bayern characters as well as a sneak peek of the newest book: Forest Born... -
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Tricked by Jen Calonita
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThings are changing at Fairy Tale Reform School.At least, that's what Gilly's heard through the Enchantasia rumor mill. Word is, notorious trickster Rumpelstiltskin has taken over management from Headmistress Flora, and he's locked down the school tighter than the Pied Piper's pants. Not that this news concerns Gilly...Categorized as:
children fairy-tale female-mc friendship myths retellings action-adventure audiobook -
Artemis the Loyal by Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIt's time for the annual Olympic Games, and the four goddessgirls are not happy! It's boys only--and the girls at MOA are not pleased. Led by Artemis, Athena, Persphone and Aphrodite, the ladies of Mount Olympus hatch a plan to get Zeus to open up the games to everyone... -
Sky Raiders Free Preview Edition: (The First 10 Chapters) (Five Kingdoms) by Brandon Mull
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn a world that lies between reality and imagination, a “fanciful, action-packed adventure” awaits (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Come and claim it in this first book of the Five Kingdoms series, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series... -
Abby in Oz (Whatever After Special Edition #2) by Sarah Mlynowski
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAbby's not in Smithville anymore!When Abby -- plus her three best friends -- land in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, they are ready to follow the Yellow Brick Road to find their way back home. But they'll have to acquire some brains, heart, and courage along the way to avoid the Wicked Witch of the West . . -
Unseen Beauty: a beauty and the beast retelling by Amity Thompson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCompelled by magic to bring Beauty to the Beast, can she end the enchantment without breaking her heart? Fairy-cursed to invisibility, sixteen-year-old parlor maid Claudette craves recognition. Sick of cleaning the same unused rooms in the Beast’s castle, she’s had enough of playing by the rules... -
The Mystery Princess: A Retelling of Cinderella by Melanie Cellier
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDaria has spent her whole life caring for others. So when she's rescued by traveling merchants while fleeing for her life, she's more than happy to work for them in return for her safety.But danger follows her, as does Prince Percy. Daria thought she'd left the complications of balls and royalty behind her, but she can't hide as a servant forever--not when whole kingdoms are in peril... -
Petite Rouge by Mike Artell
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen her grand-mère comes down wit' de flu, this Cajun Little Red knows what she has to do. With her witty cat, TeJean, she sets off in a pirogue to bring Grand-mère some gumbo. Who should she meet upon the way, but that big ol' swamp gator, Claude! Mean ol' Claude may want to gobble up Petite Rouge, but she and TeJean have a better idea... -
The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier, Sonia Sanchez
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year* "The Little Red Hen gets an appealing girl-power update...Young makers of all genders will be inspired." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred reviewRuby's mind is always full of ideas.One day, she finds some old boards and decides to build something... -
Switched by Jen Calonita
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe fourth installment in the beloved Fairy Tale Reform School series where the teachers are (former) villainsReform or relapse? Things at Fairy Tale Reform School are great. Rumpelstiltskin has been ousted, and everyone is buzzing about the fact that Beauty and Prince Sebastian (aka the Beast) have joined the teaching staff... -
The Enchanted Collection Box Set: Ella Enchanted, The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsElla EnchantedHow can a fairy'sblessing be such a curse?At her birth, Ella of Frell was the unfortunate recipient of a foolish fairy's gift—the "gift' of obedience. Ella must obey any order given to her, whether it's hopping on one foot for a day and a half, or chopping off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not tamely accept her fate... -
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Princess Before Dawn by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPrincess Annie's beloved kingdom is threatened to be overtaken in the seventh book in the Wide-Awake Princess series.Annie's beloved home Treecrest has become a favorite destination for all sorts of magical beings. One new set of guests are particularly strange, and they are ready to take over a new hunting ground. Annie and Liam turn to their only friends who can help, Francis and Zoe... -
The Practical Princess and Other Liberating Fairy Tales by Jay Williams
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe practical princess is not your regular wimpy princess. In fact, she couldn't be more different: no swooning, getting saved from dragons, or being whisked off by handsome princes. She knows what she wants and just how to get it...Categorized as:
children fairy-tale female-mc retellings action-adventure animals anthologies children-books -
Cassie Comes Through by Shana Muldoon Zappa, Ahmet Zappa
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsStarf! The day Cassie has been dreading since she first arrived at Starling Academy is here. She has been chosen to make the journey to Wishworld for the next Wish Mission. Lady Stella, the headmistress, assures her she's going to do a starmendous job. Cassie is so sensitive and perceptive she'll be a natural! But her mission is even harder than she feared.Everything just seems all wrong...Categorized as:
children friendship myths retellings action-adventure audiobook boarding-school book -
Beyond the Pawpaw Trees: The Story of Anna Lavinia by Palmer Brown
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt all began on a lavender blue day—the kind of day when anything can happen. It was on such a day that Anna Lavinia’s father saw a double rainbow and went chasing after it. And it is on such a day that she and her cat, Strawberry, set off on their journey beyond the walled garden where the pawpaw trees grow, to a place where the buttercups bloom pink and the laws of gravity don’t always apply... -
Dragon Games - Based on the Movie: The Junior Novel, Book 1 (Ever After High) by Stacia Deutsch
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter being set free from her mirror prison, the Evil Queen comes up with a wickedly hexcellent plan to infiltrate Ever After High. Can she finally convince her daughter, Raven Queen, to accept her fairytale destiny and join her in being evil? Meanwhile, a new litter of baby dragons is born, and before long the Dragon Games are back at Ever After High... -
Tigerlilja by Erin Michelle Sky, Steven Brown
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe origin of Peter Pan and Tigerlilja, a companion novella to the Tales of the Wendy series.One, cursed by accident. The other, cursed by destiny. But losing everything isn’t always the end. Sometimes, it’s just the beginning... -
The Little Mermaid by Jerry Pinkney, Hans Christian Andersen
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn this captivating reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's classic, Caldecott medalist and bestselling artist Jerry Pinkney conjures a poignant friendship story and an epic tale of redemption -- the definitive new version for our time. Melody, the littlest sea princess, is not content just to sing in the choir of mermaids like her sisters...Categorized as:
children fairy-tale friendship myths retellings action-adventure book children-books -
Snow White Lucks Out by Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSnow White might be jinxed -- but at least she has the other grimmtastic girls to count on!Once upon a time, in faraway Grimmlandia. . .No matter how many lucky charms she wears, Snow White can't catch a break. She's especially worried that her stepmom, Ms. Wicked, is a member of the E.V.I.L. Society. Snow and her friends Red, Cinda, and Rapunzel are trying to stop E.V.I.L...Categorized as:
children fairy-tale myths retellings action-adventure book children-books coming-of-age -
Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Book? by Lauren Child
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHerb never imagined the dangers when he decided to scribble on and cut up his book of fairy tales. Drawing mustaches on the characters, pasting telephones into the rooms, and cutting out Prince Charming and the royal thrones had seemed like good fun. But then Herb never imagined he'd fall into the book one night... -
Peter in Blueberry Land by Elsa Beskow
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPeter is looking for blueberries for his mother's birthday but he can't find a single one. Suddenly he feels a light tap on his shoe, and a strange and magical adventure begins.This is one of Elsa Beskow's best-known and best-loved books... -
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The Door Before by N.D. Wilson
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDiscover fascinating new worlds and reluctant heroes worth cheering for in the prequel to the bestselling and highly acclaimed 100 Cupboards series!Whether If you ve read "100 Cupboards" and can t wait to learn where the cupboards came from or whether you are new to the series, The Door Before delivers an action-packed fantasy where friendships are forged, dark forces are challenged, and the... -
Little Red Gliding Hood by Tara Lazar, Troy Cummings
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLittle Red Riding Hood straps on ice skates in this fractured fairy tale! A figure-skating enthusiast, Little Red has worn out her skates and must win a pairs competition to earn new ones. But who will be her partner? The Dish is already skating with the Spoon, and Hansel has Gretel. You won’t believe what big eyes, sharp teeth, and furry paws her partner has . . -
CJ's Treasure Chase by Jessica Brody
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCJ is the daughter of Captain James Hook. She's fierce. She's swashbuckling. And she has big dreams. . . like finding the treasure she's known about since she was a little girl stranded on the Isle of the Lost. When CJ sneaks out of Auradon Prep with her best friend, Freddie, they go on a wild chase to find it...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc friendship myths retellings action-adventure book children-books -
Waking Beauty by Leah Wilcox
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEveryone knows Sleeping Beauty has to be woken with a kiss, except Prince Charming. Every time the fairies watching over her try to tell him, he interrupts with his ideas of how to wake her... -
Wished by Jen Calonita
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe fifth installment in the beloved Fairy Tale Reform School series where the teachers are (former) villainsBe careful what you wish for…With big-time villains Rumpelstiltskin and Alva still on the loose and the citizens of Enchantasia on high alert, things at Fairy Tale Reform School have been a little...stressed... -
The Gingerbread Man by Jim Aylesworth, Barbara McClintock
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA new rendition of a beloved classic by award-winning author/illustrator team Jim Aylesworth and Barbara McClintock... -
The Tortoise and the Hare: An Aesop Fable by Janet Stevens
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTortoise proves he is a formidable opponent in this comic adaptation of a classic tale... -
Descendants Junior Novel by Walt Disney Company, Eric Geron
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsMal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos are the offspring of some of the most terrible villains of all time. They're offered a chance to leave the Isle of the Lost, where they have been imprisoned all their lives, and go to prep school in the idyllic kingdom of Auradon with all of the 'good' kids. There, they must choose whether or not to follow in their parents' evil footsteps...Categorized as:
children fairy-tale female-mc myths retellings action-adventure anthologies audiobook -
Super Slug of Doom: A Super Happy Magic Forest Story by Matty Long
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Super Happy Magic Forest is once again thrown into disruption and chaos when Blossom the unicorn accidentally releases the super slug of doom from his hibernation beneath an ordinary rock. Can our five reluctant heroes -- Hoofius, Blossom, Twinkle, Trevor, and Herbert -- once again save their beloved forest from slimy, sludgy, yucky evil? We sure hope so. . -
Multiplying Menace: The Revenge of Rumpelstiltskin by Pam Calvert
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRumpelstiltskin is back! This time he's making mischief with his multiplying stick. Can Peter unlock the secret of the stick in time to save the kingdom? Whimsical illustrations bring fun to multiplying whole numbers and fractions... -
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Medea the Enchantress by Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPrincess Medea and a boy named Jason go on a quest for the Golden Fleece in this twenty-third Goddess Girls adventure!Jason and Princess Medea are on a quest for the golden fleece, a symbol of kingship, that’s hanging from a limb of the great oak tree. But a huge sleeping serpent guards the fleece—and is the one (scary!) barrier for Jason and Medea... -
The Secret Footprints by Julia Alvarez
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Dominican legend of the ciguapas, creatures who lived in underwater caves and whose feet were on backward so that humans couldn't follow their footprints, is reinvented by renowned author Julia Alvarez. Although the ciguapas fear humans, Guapa, a bold and brave ciguapa, can't help but be curious--especially about a boy she sees on the nights when she goes on the land to hunt for food...Categorized as:
children fairy-tale friendship myths retellings action-adventure book children-books -
Rapunzel by Chloe Perkins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe classic story of Rapunzel gets a fresh twist in this vibrant Indian spin on the beloved fairy tale!Once upon a time, there was a girl with long, long hair, who lived in a tall, tall tower... The classic tale of Rapunzel gets a fresh twist in this third book of a brand-new board book series, Once Upon a World... -
Cinderella The Great Mouse Mistake (Disney Princess) by Ellie O'Ryan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCinderella's mouse friend Gus gives her a pretty bouquet of roses. Unfortunately, Cinderella gets in big trouble because he picked the flowers from Lady Tremaine's garden. Cinderella takes Gus into town to replace the rosebush, but she doesn't realize that it's the day of the village fair... -
Convol the Cold-blooded Brute by Adam Blade
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTom and his companions have arrived in a strange new land -- Tavania. Wizard Malvel's evil magic has enraged six terrifying new Beasts. To restore harmony, Tom must first face Convol the Cold-blooded Brute in a deadly desert duel.. -
Hit the Road, Helen! by Kate McMullan
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen Paris and Helen decide to hit the road together, it means more trouble than they can imagine for both themselves and the people of Troy. But who says Helen is entirely at fault? Sure she had a face that launched a thousand ships . . . but she also had a little interference from the meddling god of love and his mother, Aphrodite. Think you know the truth behind the Greek myths? Think again...
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