How To Ditch Your Fairy

If you're looking at trends in teen literature of the last few years, you can't deny that fairies/faeries/faerys are BIG. They come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities--flawed and humanesque in the works of Melissa Marr (Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange), good versus evil faeries in Herbie Brennan's Faerie Wars, dark and wild in Holly Black's realm (Tithe, Valiant, Ironside), and fluffy and dim-witted in the world of Harry Potter.

Well, late 2008 brought us another take on the concept of "fairy" in How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier. The novel takes place in a world that isn't, according to the author's note, "Australia or the United States of America but in an imaginary country, perhaps a little in the future, that might also be an amalgam of the two." Specifically in a city called New Avalon "the greatest city in the world" according to the residents, who never would want to leave...why would you when, as you in learn in school, New Avalon is graced with the highest mountains, the deepest oceans, the most famous artists, the best sports stars...you get the idea. But best of all, here in New Avalon people have their own personal fairies--unseeable charms that help you excel at something. There are loose-change fairies, good hair fairies, never-drop-a-ball fairies...but 14-year old protagonist Charlie (Charlotte Adele Donna Seto Steele) has a fairy she hates--a parking fairy. Charlie can't drive yet, but she is constantly being used by family and classmates to get prime parking spots. Why couldn't she have gotten a shopping fairy like her best friend she wants to know? And though there is no scientific proof that you can get rid of your fairy, Charlie sets out to do just that.

When I saw the cover of this book, I thought it was going to be a fluffy bit of romance, nothing more (I know, I know...never judge a book...). I'm glad I went ahead and read it because there's more going on here than that. Yes there is a romantic interest with a boy from outside New Avalon, but when an all-the-boys-like you fairy starts making trouble, some interesting ethical questions arise. Plus, his outsider status allows him to speak for the reader and ask why are all you people so arrogant? Larbalestier also likes to play with language and the New Avaloners have a whole range of words that outsiders don't use (you may find yourself turning to the glossary yourself on occasion). There's also interesting tension built around the prestigious sports school that Charlie attends, where life is regimented and rule-driven...and all the kids love it?

All told, this fairy tale is a modern story of love, friendship, and choices with elements of science fiction sprinkled throughout--and a tale with several subplots left unfinished so be looking for a sequel to come. Fans of Maureen Johnson and E. Lockhart will especially want to check this out.