Spindle

Gr 6 Up—Following in the footsteps of Johnston's A Thousand Nights, this is a new spin on "Sleeping Beauty." Despite taking the perspective of Little Rose's potential savior, the story has a decidedly feminist slant, focusing on the princess's growth, power, autonomy, and eventual self-rescue. Johnston fleshes out the narrative with an adventuring party of two additional boys, a girl, and a malevolent female spirit manipulating a prince. Of particular note, this fairy-tale retelling describes characters as having dark skin. There are additional feminist touches, such as making spinning a creative (and gender-neutral) national occupation. The writing is a mix of stately prose and a conversational tone. The balance of fantastical elements and modern sensibilities, though awkward at times, will intrigue most middle to high school readers.