My Writing and Reading Life: Jen Calonita, Author of Flunked

Jen Calonita | The Children’s Book Review | March 18, 2015

JEN CALONITA has interviewed everyone from Reese Witherspoon to Justin Timberlake, but the only person she’s ever wanted to trade places with is Disney’s Cinderella. She’s the award-winning author of the My Secrets of My Hollywood Life series. Jen lives in Merrick, New York with her husband, two sons, and their Chihuahua, Captain Jack Sparrow.

FLUNKED, the first book in the middle grade Fairy Tale Reform School series

I’ve always had a soft spot for villains in fairy tales. Why can’t they turn over a new leaf? In my story, the former wicked stepmother, the evil queen, the big bad wolf and the sea siren open up a reform school for delinquent children—but are they as reformed as they claim to be? Hmm….

I’m particularly fond of my gargoyles. I won’t say too much so I don’t spoil the surprise, but my son Tyler helped me come up with a big scene with them and it’s my favorite in the book.

If Panera Bread would like to put a plaque over my favorite booth, I’m game. I spend a lot of time writing there!

A notebook. I carry one everywhere. You never know when inspiration will strike!

I love, love, love Children’s Book World in Haverford, PA—they always know exactly what book my kids will like and the store reminds me of Meg Cabot’s in You’ve Got Mail. I’m also quite fond of my local Carle Place Barnes and Noble because the staff is amazing and they’re so great about helping me set up events and get into local schools to share the good word about books.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. So good, so juicy, so fun. I can’t put it down!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It’s my favorite book in the whole series.

Meg Cabot. Her Princess Diaries books inspired me to tackle YA and I love how she can make you laugh. Same goes for Sophie Kinsella. A book that puts a smile on my face is my favorite kind.

Steven Kellogg because he was the first author I ever met when I was in elementary school and I was in awe when he signed his book, Molly Moves Out. I keep it on a book shelf with my own books I’ve written.

Cammie Morgan from the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter. That feisty little spy could get us in lots of trouble. The fun kind!

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By Jen Calonita

Publisher’s Synopsis: Would you send a villain to do a hero’s job?

Flunked is an exciting new twisted fairy tale from the award-winning author of the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series. “Charming fairy-tale fun.” -Sarah Mlynowski, author of the New York Times bestselling Whatever After series.

Gilly wouldn’t call herself wicked, exactly…but when you have five little brothers and sisters and live in a run-down boot, you have to get creative to make ends meet. Gilly’s a pretty good thief (if she does say so herself).

Until she gets caught.

Gilly’s sentenced to three months at Fairy Tale Reform School where all of the teachers are former (super-scary) villains like the Big Bad Wolf, the Evil Queen, and Cinderella’s Wicked Stepmother. Harsh. But when she meets fellow students Jax and Kayla, she learns there’s more to this school than its heroic mission. There’s a battle brewing and Gilly has to wonder: can a villain really change?

“Fairy Tale Reform School is spellbinding and wickedly clever. Gilly is smart, spunky, and a hilarious narrator, and I cannot wait to read about her next adventure!” -Leslie Margolis, author of the Annabelle Unleashed novels and the Maggie Brooklyn mysteries

Ages 10-13 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky | 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1492601562

Available Here: 

Discover more middle grade books like Flunked, by Jen Calonita, by checking out our reviews and articles tagged with Jen Calonita, Middle Grade Books and be sure to follow along with our Writing and Reading Life series.

Tags: Ally Carter, Fairy Tale Reform School Series, Fractured Fairy Tales, Jen Calonita, Liane Moriarty, Meg Cabot, Middle Grade Books, Sophie Kinsella, Steven Kellogg

Category: Ages 9-12, Author Interviews, Chapter Books, Fairy Tales

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