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26th out of 63 books
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My Very UnFairy Tale Life
by
Anna Staniszewski (Goodreads Author)
"You know all those stories that claim fairies cry sparkle tears and elves travel by rainbow? They're lies. All lies." Twelve-year-old Jenny has spent the last two years as an adventurer helping magical kingdoms around the universe. But it's a thankless job, leaving her no time for school or friends. She'd almost rather take a math test than rescue yet another ma
...more192 pages
Published
November 1st 2011
by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
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I didnt expect much of this book i was just searching net galley and the title and cover got my attention so i downloaded it and i actually loved this book . It is about this girl jenny she is a teenage adventurer ( she helps magical creatures and worlds ) she lives with her aunt because her parents dissappeared on one of their adventures . The main problem was an evil clown he put this magic silence spell and jenny has to defeat him.
The thing i liked about this book is that jenny ...more
The thing i liked about this book is that jenny ...more
http://librarytalker.blogspot.com/2011/1...
For years, Jenny has been an adventurer. With the help of her somewhat helpful gnome guide, Jenny has been traveling from world to world, helping to find the lost, rescue the stupid, and solve unsolvable problems.
But after one too many adventures that leave her scarred physically and emotionally, Jenny has had enough. It's quitting time. All she really wants is homework and some friends.
Unfortunately, the adventuring wor...more
For years, Jenny has been an adventurer. With the help of her somewhat helpful gnome guide, Jenny has been traveling from world to world, helping to find the lost, rescue the stupid, and solve unsolvable problems.
But after one too many adventures that leave her scarred physically and emotionally, Jenny has had enough. It's quitting time. All she really wants is homework and some friends.
Unfortunately, the adventuring wor...more
At First Sight: Jenny is an Adventurer, the person that goes about the magical kingdoms and helps them solve their problems. When she first started to adventure a few years ago, it sounded like loads of fun, but she now realizes that things rarely are what they seem.
Now her two former best friends seem to have forgotten her all together, her Aunt is more interested in animals than on her and she's tired of being chased by unicorns and having an unreliable gnome named Arthur for guide. ...more
Now her two former best friends seem to have forgotten her all together, her Aunt is more interested in animals than on her and she's tired of being chased by unicorns and having an unreliable gnome named Arthur for guide. ...more
As I read this book, all I could think was that a 4th or 5th grade me would LOVE this book! Real Kingdoms with all the fairytale creatures? Unicorns? Fairy's? Dragons? Talking frogs? Yes Please!! I think the clincher for me was the talking Gnome! (I have an odd place in my heart for Garden Gnomes!)
I think this book had everything a mid grade novel should have! A lovable main character who learns a lesson (the grass isn't always greener on the otherside) and spouts off good sayings (...more
I think this book had everything a mid grade novel should have! A lovable main character who learns a lesson (the grass isn't always greener on the otherside) and spouts off good sayings (...more
In the funny My Very UnFairy Tale Life, Jenny is a normal middle school girl, who also happens to lead a secret life as a fairy tale adventurer--she is sent to troubled fairy tale kingdoms to put out fires and help the fairy tale characters resolve their problems. Sometimes this involves danger (being chased by stampeding unicorns) and sometimes it involves imparting some simple wisdom to help the creatures help themselves (like "Waste not, want not" or "Can't we all just get alo...more
So so so funny :D
When I saw this on NetGalley I jumped at the chance to read it. The book starts with Jenny being chased by a herd of angry unicorns. I can tell you the imagery had me rolling about the sofa with laughter. The cross-over of the vast variety of fairy-tales used provided terrific imagery.
The third person narrative provides a means of layering the story. Not only was I immersed into Jenny's everyday life, I was able to identify with the fairytale elements an...more
When I saw this on NetGalley I jumped at the chance to read it. The book starts with Jenny being chased by a herd of angry unicorns. I can tell you the imagery had me rolling about the sofa with laughter. The cross-over of the vast variety of fairy-tales used provided terrific imagery.
The third person narrative provides a means of layering the story. Not only was I immersed into Jenny's everyday life, I was able to identify with the fairytale elements an...more
Jenny is a 12-year-old adventurer who has learned that the magical dimensions are not all they are cracked up to be, and not all fairytale creatures are cute and cuddly. Saving unicorns and talking frogs all the time has left her zip time for friends and family, and she wants out. Now, Jenny’s already wavering confidence is shattered by a creepy clown-wizard who has a problem with talking animals. QUIRKY!
Girly book lovers of all ages will enjoy Jenny’s adventures and the lessons she ...more
Girly book lovers of all ages will enjoy Jenny’s adventures and the lessons she ...more
My rating: 3/5 stars
Read the review in my blog!
May contain some spoilers
Jenny is a twelve year old girl. And what makes her special? She's an adventurer! She runs around helping magical creatures so everyone would just get along. She's been on the business for few years, originally taking the job because it sounded like fun.
But like many times, having fun may turn to something not-so-fun at some point.
This is a quick and fun read, but probably...more
Read the review in my blog!
May contain some spoilers
Jenny is a twelve year old girl. And what makes her special? She's an adventurer! She runs around helping magical creatures so everyone would just get along. She's been on the business for few years, originally taking the job because it sounded like fun.
But like many times, having fun may turn to something not-so-fun at some point.
This is a quick and fun read, but probably...more
Everything you heard about fairy tale creatures is wrong. And magic is overrated. The creatures who have it can't figure out how to use it to solve their own problems. For 3 years, 12 year old Jenny has had to cross the void from our world into theirs and do it for them. But when the magical Committee pushes her too far, shetells them straight: enough is enough.
My Very Unfairy Tale Life is a fun MG read. I love Jenny's preoccupation with how cheesy she sounds. And I love the new take ...more
My Very Unfairy Tale Life is a fun MG read. I love Jenny's preoccupation with how cheesy she sounds. And I love the new take ...more
I love the concept of this book! I mean, seriously, who didn't dream of being sucked into a fairytale world and helping out magical worlds as a parttime job? I sure did (ok, I'll admit I still do). And to have it then backfire and leave you wishing for a normal life, very interesting! And a good example of the grass is always greener and all that.
I thought Jenny was a good person, if slightly naive and not always reasonable. But hey, she's 12 and she's allowed to be all that. And she...more
I thought Jenny was a good person, if slightly naive and not always reasonable. But hey, she's 12 and she's allowed to be all that. And she...more
Things I enjoyed: The premise of this book I found quite enjoyable. A girl who travels to other worlds to help fairy tale like kingdoms solve problems. The situations were definitely unique, not like any others I've ever read. Jenny tendency to quote cliches is amusing, yet rather appropriate. I did enjoy the one world she visited that was ruled by a sheep, which I found ironic, since sheep tend to wander when left to their own devices. The various secondary characters that Jenny interacts...more
Originally posted here.
In the acknowledgements for her book My Very UnFairytale Life Anna Staniszewski describes it as her "wacky little book". It is indeed a whacky little book but in a way that is fun and not too ridiculous especially if you are of the age of the intended audience. Elementary school me would have loved this book with a fervent and fierce devotion.
You know all those stories that have fairy godmothers coming into change the lives of ordinary gir...more
In the acknowledgements for her book My Very UnFairytale Life Anna Staniszewski describes it as her "wacky little book". It is indeed a whacky little book but in a way that is fun and not too ridiculous especially if you are of the age of the intended audience. Elementary school me would have loved this book with a fervent and fierce devotion.
You know all those stories that have fairy godmothers coming into change the lives of ordinary gir...more
I wish I'd read this when I was in middle school -- I would have ADORED it. The blend of fantasy-world adventuring mixed up with the concerns of middle-school daily life would have spoken directly to my nine-year-old soul. The book reminded me a little bit of my all-time favorite book in fifth grade, which I think was called "The 7th Princess" or something like that -- a book I loved so much I wanted to live in it, and also be the book's author. That book inspired me not only to daydre...more
Fabulous tale for middle graders!
Jenny wants nothing more than a normal life, and yet she keeps getting pulled into adventures. Armed with her wit, her bizarre magical friends, and a pink golf ball, she fights to right magical wrongs.
I loved the creative twists and turns, and quirky characters in this must-read.
Can't wait to read a sequel! Let's hope Anna Staniszewski has more Jenny adventures up her sleeve!
Jenny wants nothing more than a normal life, and yet she keeps getting pulled into adventures. Armed with her wit, her bizarre magical friends, and a pink golf ball, she fights to right magical wrongs.
I loved the creative twists and turns, and quirky characters in this must-read.
Can't wait to read a sequel! Let's hope Anna Staniszewski has more Jenny adventures up her sleeve!
Jenny is a magical kingdom hero who's rather sick of the hero business. The story also involves talking frogs, bloodthirsty unicorns, psychotic clowns, and a sweet-addicted gnome sidekick. And yes, it really is that fun! I also loved how quirky it was, and not just plot-wise. While relatable, Jenny is also a completely unique, memorable character. When she needs to think, she practices miniature golf. As a hero, she finds herself saying the most cheesy lines imaginable. I was rolling my eyes alo...more
“You know all those stories that claim fairies cry sparkle tears and elves travel by rainbow? They’re lies. All lies. No one tells you the truth until it’s too late. And then all you can do is run like crazy while a herd of unicorns tries to kill you.”
So begins Anna Staniszewski's 'My Very UnFairy Tale Life'...
Whether your 13 or 30, this is a must read.
So begins Anna Staniszewski's 'My Very UnFairy Tale Life'...
Whether your 13 or 30, this is a must read.
Middle grade girls are going to LOVE this book! Oh, my gosh, this book is adorable! You will love Jenny and her magical friends (especially the frogs!) and Prince Lamb (too cute for words) and my favorite, her aunt. Jenny's aunt is priceless. She's always talking to ducks or trying to feed Jenny dog biscuits--I love her.
The humor in this story is constant throughout--from page one to the very last paragraph. One of the most playful aspects is Jenny's use of cliches, which work wonder...more
The humor in this story is constant throughout--from page one to the very last paragraph. One of the most playful aspects is Jenny's use of cliches, which work wonder...more
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I laughed til I cried. I did not expect to enjoy a book listed for young readers but I want more of this crazy adventuring girl. I feel ten years younger and would encourage all to read this small book and enjoy.
This was such a cute book! I was laughing out loud from the first sentence and the humor continued throughout the story. It does have its serious moments though which are very important to the characters and plot of the book. This book has a charm to it that I think would appeal to reluctant readers as well as kids just looking for a quirky, quick fairy-tale book. A great bridge book between say the Rainbow Fairies series and the Sisters Grimm series. I do have to say the villain, who is a clown...more
The first amazing thing about MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE is that it is a middle-grade novel actually written for middle-grade children. I love that! The book is the right length (195 pages), has the perfect blend of characters and clear plot development, and does not throw in snarky pop culture references or humor designed to go over the heads of MG-age kids. It is funny and well-paced. Jenny is an enjoyable main character and her exasperated inteactions with her sidekick, Anthony, are some o...more
Super cute, easy read. I enjoyed it. Read it in a couple of days.
Stephanie
marked it as to-read
OMG!! This sounds like a terrific book i can't wait to read it!!!
Super cute read! Review to come at a later date.
Fun book. Unique idea.
This book was such an adorable, fun filled, fast paced romp! Jenny, our adventurer, wants nothing more than to retire back to her normal life and leave the crazy world and characters of adventuring to someone else. But being dragged back in for one final adventure after a small break makes her realize- real life is boring! Do yourself a favor and take a little break from your own real life with this enchanting escape!
What a cute, witty, endearing story with a wacky edge that makes turning the pages so much fun!
Very cute story about independent, not-so-average Jenny who is called to save the day in fairy tale realms while balancing friends, school and life. It's a a quick read with fun dialogue and a great sense of humor. Appreciators of fantasy will enjoy this middle-grader read!
Jackie
added it
Another former student of mine breaks into the ranks of published authors. Congratulations, Anna, on penning such a wonderfully quirky book. You've got one of the most engaging opening paragraphs in middle grade fantasy!
Caroline Rose
added it
Fixing problems for uncooperative unicorns and being bossed around by a candy-popping gnome has Jenny fed up with her life as an adventurer in this completely original middle-grade fairy tale spoof.
Jason Jones
added it
Won this book on a good Reads giveaway. Very cute book. A very easy read that teens will enjoy. I passed the book along to my 14 yr old niece and she loved it as well.
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Anna lives near Boston, Mass. with her husband and their adorably insane black Lab. She's represented by Ammi-Joan Paquette of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Her debut novel, MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE, was published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky in November 2011. You can visit her at www.annastan.com or follower her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/annastanisz
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