Publishers Weekly
11/27/2023
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 boyfriend, 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.)
School Library Journal
05/01/2024
Gr 9 Up—Stella and her best friend Nisha made a promise when they were children: they were going to pre-prom at Disneyland. Now that day is here. They were supposed to go as a foursome: Nisha and her girlfriend Allyson, and Stella and her boyfriend Cooper. Then Cooper broke up with Stella. Stella's not thrilled when a stranger crashes her pre-prom experience, but at least it means she's not the third wheel in her best friend's date. Unfortunately, she's met Reece before, and he witnessed her break-up humiliation. Stella does not believe in fairy tales or true love. While Stella and Reece are in Sleeping Beauty's Castle, they're transported back in time to the story. They arrive a week before Rose (Princess Aurora) turns 16. Reece is familiar with the story, thanks to his little sister; he's adamant they watch the story unfold without interfering. As Stella and Reece grow close to Rose, Phil, and Rose's three aunts (the good fairies), it becomes harder to stay impartial. The fairy-tale setting sets up the lesson for the main character: Stella needs to learn how to unplug and learn to live in the moment. Time-traveling to the 14th century allows her to disconnect from the world. This cozy read features a strong female friendship and an enemies-to-loves trope, shares a love of boy bands, and includes one nasty villain. Stella and Allyson are white, Reece is Latinx, and Nisha is South Asian. VERDICT Recommended. Grab this one for your Disney readers and for those who enjoy a great prom story.—Jennifer Rummel
Kirkus Reviews
2023-12-06
Once upon a time, two teens walked through a magical door at Disneyland.
Stella Griffin’s plans for a perfect prom night were ruined when her boyfriend publicly dumped her at a restaurant three weeks before the big event, resulting in an embarrassing—and messy—mishap involving their dishy waiter, Mauricio. Embittered about love but determined to make the most of the special night, the Type A junior, who reads white, is ready for her long-dreamed-about pre-prom Disneyland visit with best friend Nisha, who’s cued South Asian. But things take an awkward turn when Stella, decked out in her prom dress, discovers that Nisha’s girlfriend has invited along her new neighbor from Connecticut, hoodie-and-jeans-clad Mauricio “Reece” Suarez, who’s implied Latine. The two get off to a frosty start, but since it’s Reece’s first time at Disneyland, and his little sister loves the movie Sleeping Beauty, they tour the iconic castle, where they stumble upon a secret door that transports them into the Disney princess’ universe. Reece cautions Stella—who can’t remember any details of the movie—that they shouldn’t interfere with the storyline, although their arrival is a disruption in itself. Matson seamlessly weaves a modern-day opposites-attract story together with a familiar tale, adding more depth to the Disney characters and allowing the two contemporary teens to grow both individually and together. Despite running a bit longer than necessary, this is a fun and breezy read.
A charming twist on a Disney romance. (Romance. 12-18)
