cover image Promchanted

Promchanted

Morgan Matson. Disney-Hyperion, $18.99 (384p) ISBN 978-1-368-09557-0

Two contemporary teens are whisked away to a fairy tale world in this pleasing enemies-to-lovers rom-com by Matson (The Firefly Summer). High school junior Stella Griffin is determined to enjoy her trip to Disneyland with her best friend Nisha and Nisha’s girlfriend, even if she’s now a third wheel after being abruptly dumped. She’s certain that not even the last-minute addition of new guy Reece will spoil her fun, despite his inexplicable grudge against her and his having witnessed her disastrous breakup. But then Stella and Reece are magically transported into the world of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, where their arrival jeopardizes Aurora and Prince Philip’s developing romance. To ensure that the story unfurls as it should, Reece hangs out with the prince while Stella befriends Aurora, a situation that forces Stella to let go of her micromanaging tendencies. By employing and expanding upon familiar moments from the source material, Matson renders the original tale’s characters as relatable, multidimensional teens who­—coupled with Stella and Reece’s antagonism—enliven this enjoyable romp. Most characters read as white; Reece has “golden-brown hair, brown eyes, and dark thick eyebrows.” Ages 12–up. Agent: Emily Van Beek, Folio Literary. (Mar.)

Correction: This review has been updated to reflect a character's gender.