She Strengthens

The Timeless Allure of Familiar Tales

As humans, we’re drawn to the same storylines regardless of how many times we’ve heard them. This phenomenon is evident in the world of books, where retellings – classic plot lines given a new spin – are experiencing a surge in popularity.

Roman + Jewel: A Fresh Take on Romeo and Juliet

Dana L. Davis’s YA retelling of Romeo and Juliet, Roman + Jewel, is a must-read. Set in the world of musical theater, the story follows Jerzie Jhames, a talented actress vying for the lead role in a hip-hopera inspired by Shakespeare’s classic play. With its diverse cast and contemporary twists, Roman + Jewel is a refreshing spin on a timeless tale.

The Girl in Red: A Darker Fairy Tale

For those who prefer their fairy tales with a darker edge, Christina Henry’s The Girl in Red is a post-apocalyptic take on Little Red Riding Hood. In this gritty, dystopian novel, Red isn’t a helpless damsel in distress, but a strong-willed survivor determined to take control of her own destiny.

Gods of Jade and Shadow: A Mesmerizing Fairy Tale

Inspired by Mexican folklore, Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Gods of Jade and Shadow is a dark, one-of-a-kind fairy tale set in 1920s Mexico. The story follows Casiopeia, a young woman who unwittingly awakens a Mayan death god, and their journey through vibrant landscapes and treacherous underworlds.

These Violent Delights: A Thrilling Urban Fantasy

Chloe Gong’s These Violent Delights is a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1926 Shanghai, with a supernatural twist. This urban fantasy is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh take on a classic tale, with its diverse characters, thrilling plot, and rich cultural setting.

The Queen’s Council: Rebel Rose

If Beauty and the Beast is one of your favorite classic tales, you’ll love Emma Therault’s The Queen’s Council: Rebel Rose. This new series reimagines Disney princesses as rulers in their own right, after the happily ever after. Rebel Rose follows Belle as she navigates the complexities of royal life in 1789 France.

Wench: A Retelling of the Serving Wench Trope

Maxine Kaplan’s Wench is a YA fantasy that subverts the traditional serving wench character trope found in old classic fairy tales. Tanya, a fierce and determined serving wench, takes center stage in this fast-paced, snarky, and feminist retelling that explores the meaning of home and self-respect.

SMASH IT!: A Humorous Othello Retelling

Francina Simone’s SMASH IT! is a contemporary YA retelling of Shakespeare’s Othello, with a humorous twist. Liv, the main character, is a relatable and lovable protagonist who decides to take control of her life and pursue her passions, even if it means stepping out of her comfort zone.

Seven Deadly Shadows: A Fast-Paced Fantasy Retelling

Courtney Alameda and Valynne E. Maetani’s Seven Deadly Shadows is a YA fantasy retelling of the “Seven Samurai” set in modern-day Japan. This high-stakes, action-packed tale follows Kira, a bullied high school student who enlists the help of seven powerful death gods to save Japan from destruction.

The Code for Love and Heartbreak: A Cute Contemporary Retelling

Jillian Cantor’s The Code for Love and Heartbreak is a super cute contemporary YA retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma. This story follows Emma Woodhouse, a genius coder who creates a matchmaking app for her school, only to discover that algorithms can’t always predict love.

A Thousand Ships: A Woman’s Epic

Natalie Haynes’s A Thousand Ships is a novel that reimagines the 10-year Trojan war from the perspective of the silenced women of that era. This “woman’s epic” shines a light on the women, girls, and goddesses at the center of the Western world’s greatest tale, offering a fresh and illuminating perspective on a classic story.

Ladies of the House: A Modern Spin on Sense and Sensibility

Lauren Edmondson’s Ladies of the House is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, set in contemporary times. The story follows Daisy and her younger sister Wallis as they navigate public scandal, dwindling savings, and physical threats, all while maintaining an incredible bond despite their differences.

Sing Me Forgotten: A Gender-Bent Retelling of The Phantom of the Opera

Jessica S. Olson’s Sing Me Forgotten is a YA retelling of The Phantom of the Opera, with a gender-bent twist. This lyrical and atmospheric story follows Isda, a young woman with the ability to see and manipulate memories through song, as she navigates the lavish world of opera and falls in love with Emeric.

The Great Gatsby: The Graphic Novel

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby, has been adapted into a graphic novel by Fred Fordham and illustrated by Aya Morton. This new format offers a fresh perspective on an American classic from the 1920s, with an introduction by Scott Fitzgerald’s great-granddaughter Blake Hazard.

The Chosen and the Beautiful: A Magical Retelling of The Great Gatsby

Nghi Vo’s The Chosen and the Beautiful is a captivating debut novel that reimagines The Great Gatsby from the perspective of a queer, Vietnamese-American Jordan Baker. Set in an alternate Jazz-Age New York, this magical retelling is a sexy, decadent, and coming-of-age story that’s sure to enchant readers.