Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Reform or relapse?

Things at Fairy Tale Reform School are great. Rumpelstiltskin has been ousted, and everyone is buzzing about the fact that Beauty and Prince Sebastian (aka the Beast) have joined the teaching staff. Everyone, that is, except Gilly, who can't seem to focus on anything but Anna. How is it that her beloved sister somehow went bad and joined up with Rump? And why doesn't anyone seem to care? Sure, the Royal Court says they're working on it, but they've got exactly nothing to show for it.

But when new-kid Jack joins FTRS with tales of his own family being snatched by Rump, Gilly knows she's in good company. Jack wants answers, just like Gilly. And if the Royal Court can't get the job done, then maybe it's time to break some rules...

304 pages, Hardcover

First published March 6, 2018

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Jen Calonita

96 books3,231 followers
Hi Goodreads!
I'm Jen Calonita, a MG and YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).

I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!

I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls, it's companion book, Summer State of Mind and the Belles series.

I've been writing middle grade too and am having so much fun with my series Fairy Tale Reform School! The fourth book in this series about a school run by former villains is called Tricked and will be out March 2018. Ever wonder what it would be like if your parents got a job with someone like Taylpr Swift? My other middle grade series, VIP, follows super fan Mackenzie Lowell as she tours with her favorite band, Perfect Storm.

I promise to give book updates here, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or my website. I hope I hear from you!

xo
Jen

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,336 (44%)
4 stars
1,000 (33%)
3 stars
546 (18%)
2 stars
84 (2%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
3,318 reviews36 followers
January 24, 2018
I love this series! So much fun! It's so entertaining to read the twists on fairytales and the Fairytale Reform School was just too fun! Love the character Anna. She is one strong girl! Great series for 3rd to 6th graders, but fun for anyone who enjoys fairytales! This is book 4 in a series, read them in sequence, in my opinion.
I received a Kindle ARC in exchange for a fair review from Netgalley.
Profile Image for Robyn.
2,170 reviews133 followers
June 26, 2021
WHAT? This is a middle school book, that cannot be, that cannot be! I am grandma age and I love this, so surely it was written for grandmas! Right?

I grew up on fairy tales so it seems only fitting that this should be for grandmas! Why oh why do the ankle bitters get all of the good stuff? After all, what is better than the idea of a Fairy Tale REFORM school? And who doesn't love the idea that Rumpelstilskin is actually an evil guy that has been ousted but has stolen several women and a cow? Gilly is on her way to save the day, but could Anna actually be evil already and not want or need saving?

Entertaining, engrossing, funny, and fun... is there a better description for my new genre Grandma books?

5 stars

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Kayla.
1,636 reviews65 followers
March 15, 2018
*NOTE: This a review of the entire series.*

Even though I'm 27, every now and then I like to read a middle-grade novel. There's something magical about a good middle-grade book. I love getting swept up in a story of good versus evil, where the good guy always wins in the end. It just leaves you with a warm and cozy feeling. I was looking through the books on my Kindle and saw that I owned all of the Fairy Tale Reform School series, and decided to binge read it. I loved it. I flew through the entire series in less than a week.

I think the FTRS series is one of the best middle-grade series I've read recently. It reminded me a lot of Harry Potter, if Harry Potter had fairy tale creatures in it. There are many similarities, such as a constant change of professors, moving hallways, and a school setting. However, FTRS series isn't a Harry Potter copycat. It takes those tropes, and turns them into something completely unique and fun to read about. I loved trying to figure out how the kids were going to solve their problems. Just when I thought the books were getting predictable, it would take a completely different. route and surprise me all over again.

At first, I thought the series should have ended after the second book. I thought that there was no way the author could keep the series interesting without jumping the shark after the way book two ended, but I was completely wrong. She shocked me with how well she continued the story with the addition of Rumplestiltskin and the Stiltskin Squad. It kept things fresh, and got me re-interested in the storyline all over again. The very subtle political references had me cracking up laughing. My only complaint is that books three and four were a bit slow at times, but I think that's because the reader is introduced to so many new characters and plot mechanics. Everything changes, and with that comes a lot of world building.

I loved the FTRS series so much. It's one of my favorite middle-grade series I've ever read. Possibly one of my favorite series in general. I thought Switched was the last book in the series because it's the last book shown on Goodreads, but I hope it isn't. Switched left a lot of unanswered questions. I hope the author writes at least one more book in the series so we can get answers. I am looking forward to the spin-off series, Royal Academy, which comes out in late 2018. I can't wait to immerse myself back into this world, and hopefully see some more of my favorite characters. I recommend this series for anyone who wants to read a great middle-grade series with some fun fairy tale and fantasy elements.
Profile Image for RoRo.
298 reviews78 followers
July 5, 2021
4.5 stars


I am in love with this series!!

I feel like this series and the Land Of Stories have things in common which is why I love them both so much!! Gillian is a good MC and Anna just makes this book better in so many ways!!
I love how all of these books are so action-packed too!!

Hope you all have a happy and healthy day!

BYE!!
26 reviews
December 19, 2017
Switched is an excellent addition to the Fairy Tale Reform School series. This book is perfect for fans of Descendants who love fairy tale mash-ups and reformed villains. Building on the last installment, Gilly and her friends must try to save Gilly's sister and defeat Rumpelstiltskin. With fast-paced action and obstacles that try to break friendships, this is a must read.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
2,181 reviews37 followers
October 29, 2019
Things are looking up at Fairy Tale Reform School. Rump/Mr. Stiltskin has been deposed as headmaster and Flora is back in charge. A new curriculum is being added for students who want to continue to work on their transition from FTRS into the larger world. The royals have donated a new library to the school that could give the one at Hogwarts a run for its galleons. And the new librarian is Beauty! While the princess is in charge of the fairies who work in the library, her husband will be teaching the new course and their daughter will also be attending FTRS.

Imagine what it would be like to have Beauty and the Beast for parents. What sort of results would you get in the genetics department? Half of each? More beastly or more beautiful? And how will Allison Grace fit in with the other students when she has always been home-schooled? It's hard enough being the new kid when you have some experience with schools, but combine lack of experience with high profile parents and it can be very intimidating.

Allison Grace isn't the only new student. Jack, of beanstalk fame, has recently been arrested and sentenced to the school. He claims he was only stealing because Rump had taken his mother and his cow and left him to fend for himself. Gilly immediately sympathizes with him since her sister Anna is still with the Stiltskin Squad, but Jax doesn't trust him. Is he jealous, or does he see something that Gilly doesn't? And why is Kayla's mother acting so strange? She keeps going on about a book that she has to find. Sounds like she needs to talk to Beauty.

As a librarian, I was especially happy for the library to be a part of the tale this time. One of the things students may learn in the FTRS library is "the difference between a book you can trust and a book you can't...What if a villain wrote the book under another name and you had no idea who the author really was?" And I identified with Beauty, who tells the students, "I don't just love books, I need them the way some people need air." I'm sure that I will not be the only reader to agree with her.

Author Jen Calonita has once again created a fast-paced tale with plenty of action, humor and gentle truths about friends, families, and growing up. Highly recommended for middle grades and up. Visit the Enchantasia website to find out more about the world of Gilly and her friends.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Mindy.
321 reviews35 followers
October 28, 2017
This is actually the first I've read in this series but I will be going back and reading the first three. This was really cute while also being a funny, unique twist on a twisted fairy tale, moral stories included. I do have a soft-spot for fairy tales but they're a difficult thing to do really well. I loved the humor all of the side characters bring into this though. This is also a great title for kids who are beginning reading longer chapter books while still having the action to keep them involved in the book so kids (and adults) don't get bored. The only reason this wouldn't receive a 5-star rating in my mind is because there were parts that got a tiny bit cheesy or predictable but they were pretty few and far between, it's mostly just me nitpicking. This is definitely a series I will be reading from here on out!

I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for T.J. Burns.
Author 83 books45 followers
May 15, 2019
Oh, ya! Another fun and exciting ride with Gilly and friends! Some new characters, many new challenges, and a few exciting and suspenseful new twists give our lovable old gang a run for their fairy tale money! My 10-year-old daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the latest installment of our favorite fairy tale series!

I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Jabberwocky via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sharon Tyler.
2,815 reviews38 followers
February 22, 2018
Switched is the fourth book in the Fairy Tale Reform School series by Jen Calonita and is currently scheduled for release on March 6 2018. . It is helpful to read this series in order, although the action is reasonably self contained, the relationships and backstory add a great deal to the story as a whole.

Things at Fairy Tale Reform School are great. Rumpelstiltskin has been ousted, and everyone is buzzing about the fact that Beauty and Prince Sebastian (a.k.a. the Beast) have joined the teaching staff. Everyone, that is, except Gilly, who can’t seem to focus on anything but Anna. How is it that her beloved sister somehow went bad and joined up with Rump? And why doesn’t anyone seem to care? Sure, the Royal Court says they’re working on it, but they’ve got exactly nothing to show for it. But when new kid Jack joins FTRS with tales of his own family being snatched by Rump, Gilly knows she’s in good company. Jack wants answers, just like Gilly. And if the Royal Court can’t get the job done, then maybe it’s time to break some rules.

Switched is a lot of build up, for what I felt was very little action. New characters were introduced and lots of introspection, second guessing, and angst on Gilly's part were the main points of the book. I like that we got to meet AG (Allison Grace or daughter of Beauty and the Beast) and Jack of Beanstalk fame and I liked the way their characters fleshed out. I loved the magical library and Beast's character, but wanted more time with each. I felt like too much of this book was getting the new characters into place, and getting Gilly to where she needed to be (mentally, emotionally, and physically). Once the climax hit, I felt like it all happened way too quickly and easily. I just wanted more, but I am not sure what, so I cannot even point to the moment that let me down. I think I just had such high expectations that there was no way the reality of the book could match my anticipation.

Switched is a lot of what I expected, but a little less. It was still a fun read with a good deal of characters insight, but I felt like it was lacking the tension and compelling nature of the previous books.
Profile Image for Carla.
6,800 reviews158 followers
May 15, 2018
This was another wonderful adventure with Gilly and the other students at Fairy Tale Reform School. In this story, the new library is opened. The books are magical and many are off limits without special permission. Prince Sebastian (aka The Beast) and his wife Beauty are in charge of the library with the help of many fairies. Their daughter also comes with them and she and Gilly become friends. Anna, Gilly's sister is still missing and Gilly is obsessed with finding and rescuing her. Jack, another new student also becomes friends with Gilly. They have a very similar background and both have family members with Rumpelstiltskin. When Gilly gets the chance to head up to Cloud City where she is hoping to rescue her sister, she takes up. All her friends join her in this adventure. Will things turn out the way they hoped? Will they rescue Anna and Jack's family? Will they capture Rumpelstiltskin?

There is an undertone about bullying in this story as well as judging people by their appearance, title etc. There is also some discussion about trust, which is an issue in everyone's lives, not just children. There is a lot more magic in this book and not as much figuring out puzzles, but that does not matter in this story. This book is another great addition to this series for middle grade readers. I would recommend reading these books in order as there is often cliffhangers as there is in this one. I am looking forward to reading Misfits, the next in this series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Profile Image for Rebecca Armstrong.
194 reviews43 followers
March 4, 2018
Find my full review on Uptown Oracle.

POSITIVES
+ Good topics to teach kids. E.g. Bullying and friendships.

+ Enjoyed the premise

+ Fast pace throughout

NEGATIVES
– Predictability

– Didn't get on with MC

I received Switched by Jen Calonita from the publisher via Netgalley. This is an unbiased and honest review
Profile Image for Liv Z.
21 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2020
This book was amazing! It was filled with excitement, adventure, and mystery. The main character Gillian (Gilly) Cobbler, is on a quest to fine her sister who turned evil due to a villains promises, but gets tricked along the way.
Profile Image for Favour.
250 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2018
I've always been pretty indifferent about this series, and this time wasn't any different. I mostly just wish Jax would admit to liking Gilly already.
Profile Image for Denae Christine.
Author 4 books168 followers
March 5, 2019
Reader thoughts: Why did I think these books would get better? The first one was the only one worth reading. I just keep hoping that Gilly and her friends will show more intelligence.

Beauty kept this book from being 1 star, I think. She was the only one who really acted like she cared and knew what it was like to work at a reform school.

(Anyone who works at any school should realize that piling on extra homework as a punishment is never going to get students to change their behavior. Throwing students in detention for every misdemeanor only makes them bitter. Yelling at them in front of the class is also a terrible teaching method.)

The rest of the adults are so dumb. They say, "Don't touch the books." And then they are all surprised that someone touches a book, and it nearly destroys the school. Why did no one make Gilly apologize? They just gave her detention!! She's like, "Well, it was an accident," even though it wasn't, and she never apologized. Even the Beast apologized for shouting at her, and he shouldn't have had to.

Why didn't the adults use magic spells against the pirates and giants? They used almost no magic spells the entire book.

Gilly and her friends aren't much smarter either.

Jack and Jax had names that were too similar. Any time the narrator used the words "Jack says" or "Jax says," I had trouble hearing the difference.

Writer thoughts: But the covers are so pretty! I think I (and maybe others?) keep reading these books because the covers are so lovely. Who cares if the story itself is dull, predictable, and has uninteresting characters who act rather stupidly, we judge the book by the cover!

Actually, I really think this is true. There are plenty of wonderful stories out there with sub-par covers that should have been better received and weren't. Dragon and Thief is certainly one of them. The Spirit Thief and The Princess Pawn and Dragon Slippers are a few more that had stories WAY better than their covers.

Authors, learn from this! Get amazing cover artists!
Profile Image for Jan farnworth.
1,526 reviews130 followers
February 25, 2018
Jan's Review
This is one of my favorite middle grade series i am way beyond that age group but it thoroughly enjoy all the twists and turns.  This one i think is my favorite as it centers on Beauty and the beast.  Fairy Tale Reform school gets a new library and some new professors.  The description of the library is on point.  I so want to visit it and check out the magical books.   It also follows more the tale of Rumpelstiltskin and his attempt to take over FTRS.  I always thought the back story for Rumple would be very fascinating to read.   
If your thinking this is the end to this series it not and the very end gives you a small snippet of a new series that i am sure will delight just as much as this one does.  It a quick read and will fulfill your child like imagination in anyone who love fairy tales 
Profile Image for Eugene Hung.
7 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2018
From my older daughter, age 11.5 years:

"In my opinion, Jen Calonita’s latest book, Switched, is a hit. This new addition to her Fairy Tale Reform School series provides many new plot twists and dives deeper into the mystery of Rumpelstiltskin while adding several interesting new characters. I enjoyed the storyline of the book, however, I have to point out that unlike the other FTRS books, it is somewhat of a transition book and does not have as much of a concrete resolution at the end as the other books. Overall, it has a good theme and is a book that I could read again and again."

From my younger daughter, age 8.5 years:

"I thought Switched was great! I love the surprises and spins on fairy tales. Gilly and her friends are easy to relate to, and there was fun in every part. Clearly, you should read this book."
Profile Image for Jess Macallan.
Author 3 books113 followers
February 26, 2018
This is such a fun middle-grade series and a different take on fairy tales. Gilly is a thief-turned-hero, and while she isn't great at following directions, she is a great friend with a big heart. Beauty and Beast are new characters, and their daughter, AG, plays an important role. Readers will love the introduction and magical library. The characters are fun to get to know, and it's a book you'll want to read with your kids, although I highly recommend you start at the beginning of the series. The core themes of this book are the importance of friends and learning how to accept and appreciate what makes you different. I look forward to the next book in the series!

I received an e-copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for April.
2,901 reviews14 followers
April 16, 2018
Gilly is fairly obsessed with getting her sister back from Rumplestiltskin. She is impatient with the royals and those in change of fairytale reform school.
A new boy Jack comes to the school. The way is was thrown into school is much like Gilly's story. This makes her vulnerable to the story he tells. Beauty and the Beast are new teachers at the school and they have a daughter Gilly's age. Gilly becomes her friend.
Gilly still has some growing up to do. She is impulsive and gets carried away with her own plans.
I hope there are more books to come but the way it ends leaves you wondering especially since the author is starting a new series focusing on the Royals Academy.
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,606 reviews21 followers
August 7, 2018
This is the 4th book set in the Fairy Tale world of Enchantasia, where the main setting is Fairy Tale Reform School-- students who have misbehaved are sent away to a boarding school to learn how to appropriately re-enter society. I enjoyed continuing with this series after the last book was unresolved. But this one was not as much about adventure, but more on the campus of FTRS. Gilly does a lot of soul-searching here, and meets her fatal flaw. I will continue on with this series, but #3 was my favorite so far. As a librarian, I loved seeing the addition of Beauty, the Beast, and their daughter to the cast.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,440 reviews154 followers
February 26, 2018
*thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

4 stars.

What a cute fun read! If you like middle grade fantasy and fairytales then this is definitely a series to grab. I'm hoping that this is not the last in the series as I really enjoyed it. It was great fun reading about my favourite fairytale characters and meeting some new ones too.
9 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2018
I loved Switched, each page was filled with excitement and drama I absolutely loved it! I have to say that Jax is my favorite character because he's so pure and brave at any costs. Jax and Gilly have such a strong friendship and it's hard not to love everything about them. I can't wait for book 5 because I never want the excitement to end. This series is so creative and it never ceases to amaze me.
Profile Image for Genevieve.
1,169 reviews7 followers
January 24, 2022
I really adore this series. In this one Gilly Cobbler is trying to rescue her sister and her friends are always ready to help. The story line is fantastic with twists and turns and not knowing who can be trusted and who is a villain or who is just confused. I love all the characters and all the teachers who are former villains. This is a wonderful series and once I start a book I can't put it down.
1,157 reviews11 followers
October 19, 2017
Switched should appeal to students in grades 3 through 8. It is a fun, imaginative tale of good versus evil. The main character, Gilly, is perfect. She is brave and resourceful and oh, so flawed. As I read Switched, I thought of multiple ways I would use it with middle school students.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Wensday.
130 reviews
November 3, 2017
This is a great series and book 4 keeps up with the other 3. In book 4 we meet up with those we know and get introduced to some new characters. This book seemed a bit short, maybe I just didn't want it to end and I can't wait for the next book to come out.

I received this ebook from NetGalley for my honest review.
Profile Image for Clara.
61 reviews
March 28, 2021
*3,5 stars*

I had not touched this book for so long, so I vaguely remember what happened, but from what I recalled and read of the ending, I liked it, although it’s starting to get a little redundant (it is the fourth book of the series) The best thing though is that I like the characters more and more after each books :)
5 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2018
Okay, I have read EVERY SINGLE ONE of these books in the series!!! This one I think will nock your socks off!! My jaw dropped three times during the book!! THREE TIMES!!!!! I think that is just crazy!! First you should read the other ones first!!
Profile Image for Kayla 2.
4 reviews
April 13, 2020
I loved this book! I’m a huge fan of the Fairy Tale Reform School series and I request everyone to read it! There were many twists and turns in this book, and I was very surprised at what happened in the end. The whole series is amazing, and I can’t wait for the last book of the series, Cursed!
Profile Image for Jillian.
333 reviews23 followers
June 16, 2018
Fun series delaney and I started when she was younger and we just love coming back to these books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.