This week I would like to do an article on a very interesting book called, Ever After High the storybook of legends written by Shannon Hale. Some of you Watotos may recognize this book as a TV show. It is very exciting. First I will introduce you to the setting, some main characters, and the plot of the story.

The setting is a high school (boarding school) for the next generation of fairy-tale characters. They go to the school to fulfill their destinies as modern day Snow white, Prince charming, Pinocchio, and more! During their first year of high school, every student needs to sign the storybook to promise that they will become the next generation. Everyone believes that if you don’t sign it, you will disappear forever.

These are the main characters. An example is Snow white’s daughter. We all know the story of snow white and the seven dwarves. Well, snow white had a child who she named apple white. They looked very alike except that Apple had blonde hair instead of black. They do not always have to follow their parent’s footsteps. Prince Charming had two sons but one knows its destiny and the other doesn’t. Also, Prince Charming even has a daughter! Pinocchio had a daughter too. There are many other examples of some kids whose image don’t exactly follow their fairy tale.

Anyway, this was Legacy year. That means on Legacy day they sign the storybook of legends and officially promise to fulfil their destiny or they will go poof. Apple white is so excited to fulfill her destiny as the next snow white!!! She is in the same story as Raven. The whole school is a fan of her because of her beauty inside and out. She’s kind and pretty. But she is somewhat offended of how people just see her as pretty and can’t see that she is a good worker and would be a good queen. She is a roommate with her best friend Briar Beauty (daughter of sleeping beauty). She doesn`t dare think about rebelling against the book or she will go poof. One student in particular, Raven Queen, did not believe it. She was a rebel. She was the daughter of the evil queen but she didn’t want to be evil. She was very nice. In fact she got in trouble often by her mother for doing or saying something nice. In elementary school, she got picked on a lot for being the daughter of the evil queen. Her mother got put in prison. She fulfilled her destiny, but she wanted to be the best villain and tried to take over more stories. The headmaster of the school managed to catch her. Since then, Raven was 100% sure she didn`t want to be evil. Raven did not want to sign the book even though the legend says she will disappear. Although in elementary school she was made fun of, people seemed to be scared of her in high school. They probably think she is as evil as her mother. Raven does have friends though. She is so excited that her roommate is her best friend Maddie Hatter (daughter of the mad hatter)!! Her start to the day was rough but it was looking up!

Raven is so shocked to find that Apple is now her roommate. Apple switched rooms with Maddie because they share the same story so they should share the same room. In fact, she even decorated Raven’s side of the room it make it look scary. Apple thought Raven would appreciate it, but she doesn’t know that Raven doesn’t want to. It`s going to be a long year.

As legacy day nears by, the girls and boys take their classes. Last year they got to choose, but now they take classes according to their fairy tale. Raven is not happy because she takes villain classes and can`t take music which she loves. Apple now suspects that her roommate doesn`t want to sign the story book of legends. She is devastated because her story can`t happen without a villain. She hatches a plan to convince Raven that she has to sign.

Raven is determined to of find proof that she cannot sign the book. She wants her own happily ever after and not be forced into an unhappy life. Apple spied on Raven and confronted her. Raven was mad but let her help. So the two, went on a long Journey to find more evidence. Their trip was full of ups and downs. It starts awkward between the two girls but soon they are talking a lot. When the quest is over, Raven has no other choice but to sign the book. She is sad, she still doesn’t want to.

Legacy day comes. Believe it or not there are some other rebels in the audience. For example Ashlynn Ella (daughter of Cinderella) is in love with the Huntsman but love outside of a fairy tale is strictly forbidden. I will not tell you what happens next although it is very interesting. I definitely recommend this book, to everyone of all ages. It is full of wacky characters, fun stories, silly people, a devious plot and more things that had me intrigued. This is the first book of the series. I will tell you that at the end of the book, the whole school divides into two groups against each other, Rebel and Royal.

From this book is to stand up to what you think is right. Persevere through the tough times and put your brave face on. Fight for the right to be free and choose your own happily ever after. I think the TV shows based on this book are not as the book itself. I really like the descriptive words in this book, but sometimes I do not like how the author doesn’t thoroughly explain something. Please take the time to read this amazing book. Thank you for reading!

Maxine Mutasingwa.