Science Fiction and Fantasy

Fairest

by Gail Carson Levine

We had this book at home and I chose it because my daughter had read and enjoyed Ella Enchanted (by the same author) and had enjoyed this one as well. This is the story of Aza, who is ugly but has the gift of a beautiful voice. She is lucky to live in a kingdom where song is revered, but when she travels to a wedding, the newly married queen discovers Aza's voice and wants to use it for her own evil purposes. Aza must overcome her lack of confidence to save herself and her land. Loosely based on the story of Snow White. It is timely because it shows that one can overcome their looks and prove their value through their actions.