“Being a fairy godmother is not about making dreams come true. It's about making sure people don't screw up their own lives.”
— Savannah's godmother, Chrysanthemum, explains the true nature of their job.
Archivist's Choice
My Fair Godmother
Janette Rallison (2009)
Genre
Fantasy / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
320 min
Key Themes
See below
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When a cell phone-wielding fairy godmother messes up a prom wish, a heartbroken sophomore lands in a medieval quest, turning classic fairy tales into a scramble for a prince, a prom, and survival against trolls and dragons.
Synopsis
When sophomore Savannah Delano's boyfriend dumps her for her older sister, she wishes for a true prince to take her to prom. Chrissy Everstar, a 'Fair' Godmother more interested in pop culture than magic, answers her wish. Chrissy's magic quickly backfires, sending Savannah back to the Middle Ages as Cinderella, then as Snow White, with bad results. To fix her mistake, Chrissy sends Tristan, a boy from Savannah's class, back in time to make him Savannah's ideal prince. Savannah, feeling responsible, follows Tristan into the past. Together, they navigate a world of trolls, dragons, and the Black Knight, all while understanding their growing feelings. They eventually uncover the Black Knight's identity and join a grand tournament before Chrissy brings them back to their own time, just in time for prom, where Savannah realizes her true prince was with her all along.
Reading time
320 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Humorous, Lighthearted, Romantic, Whimsical
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy humorous, lighthearted takes on classic fairy tales with a touch of modern teen romance.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer serious fantasy, complex world-building, or plots without magical mishaps.
Plot Summary
The Breakup and the Wish
Savannah Delano, a high school sophomore, is upset when her boyfriend, Brent, breaks up with her at the school dance. He immediately starts dating her older sister, Ashley. Heartbroken, Savannah goes to the girls' bathroom and wishes for a true prince to take her to the prom. Chrissy (Chrysanthemum) Everstar, a 'Fair Godmother' in training who struggles with magic, overhears this wish. Chrissy, wanting to prove herself, decides to grant Savannah's wish, starting a series of magical mistakes.
Cinderella's Misadventure
Chrissy, trying to send Savannah to a time where she might find a prince, accidentally sends her into the story of Cinderella. Savannah finds herself in a medieval setting, wearing a tattered dress, with a wicked stepmother and two stepsisters. She has impossible chores and is treated badly. Chrissy provides a magical gown and glass slippers for a ball, but Savannah struggles to fit in. The prince is boring, and Savannah's attempts to escape her stepsisters and the prince lead to her losing a slipper and causing a scene, proving this is not the 'true prince' she wanted.
Snow White's Ordeal
After the Cinderella failure, Chrissy tries again, sending Savannah into the Snow White story. Savannah wakes up in a forest, running from a huntsman sent by a jealous queen. She finds shelter with seven dwarves, who are at first suspicious but eventually accept her. Savannah, with her modern ideas, finds the dwarves' living conditions challenging. The queen's poisoned apple plot happens, but Savannah's knowledge of the story helps her avoid the first attempts. However, she eventually succumbs, only to be 'rescued' by another unappealing prince, making her realize these fairy tale princes are not what she had in mind.
Tristan's Transformation
Frustrated by Savannah's inability to find a prince in the fairy tale worlds, Chrissy tries a new plan. She thinks the problem is Savannah's modern expectations. Chrissy observes Tristan, a quiet boy in Savannah's class, known for his love of medieval history and fantasy games. Chrissy decides Tristan has the 'raw material' for a prince. Without his permission, Chrissy magically sends Tristan back to the Middle Ages, hoping to make him the ideal prince for Savannah, finally fulfilling Savannah's wish.
Savannah's Return to the Middle Ages
Back in her own time, Savannah notices Tristan's sudden absence from school. When Chrissy reveals her plan to turn Tristan into Savannah's prince, Savannah is horrified. She feels guilty and responsible for Tristan's situation, knowing he is unprepared for a real medieval world. Despite Chrissy's warnings, Savannah insists on being sent back to the Middle Ages to find and rescue Tristan. Chrissy reluctantly agrees, sending Savannah into a truly authentic and dangerous medieval setting, without a pre-written fairy tale to guide her.
Encounter with the Black Knight
Savannah arrives in the Middle Ages and quickly finds Tristan, who is disoriented but resourceful due to his historical knowledge. They soon meet the Black Knight. He is a skilled warrior, handsome, and at first seems to be an enemy, challenging them. However, his intentions are unclear, and he sometimes offers cryptic advice or unexpected help. Savannah is both wary and interested in the Black Knight, who seems to have a hidden agenda and a mysterious connection to their situation.
The Troll and the Dragon
As Savannah and Tristan travel through the medieval landscape, they face genuine threats. One challenge is a troll guarding a bridge, demanding riddles or tribute. Tristan's quick thinking and knowledge of folklore help them overcome this. Later, they face a fierce dragon. They use their combined wits and courage, along with some unexpected help, to either avoid or confront the beast. These encounters force Savannah and Tristan to rely on each other and build their individual strengths.
Unraveling the Mystery
Throughout their journey, the Black Knight continues to appear, sometimes hindering, sometimes helping. Savannah and Tristan start to suspect there is more to him. They learn he is involved in a local political struggle and is trying to protect the innocent from a tyrannical lord. The Black Knight's true identity is revealed to be a local nobleman, Sir Reginald, who fights for justice. His aloof manner gives way to a more honorable and protective nature, especially towards Savannah, creating a complicated dynamic.
The Grand Tournament
The medieval adventure ends at a grand tournament. The tyrannical Lord uses the tournament to gain power, and Sir Reginald (the Black Knight) plans to use it to challenge him and restore justice. Tristan, encouraged by Savannah and Sir Reginald, decides to participate, using his knowledge of medieval combat tactics from his games. Savannah, using her modern wits, also helps expose the Lord's treachery and aids Sir Reginald's cause. The tournament becomes a battle of skill, wits, and justice.
The Return and Realization
After the medieval conflict ends, Chrissy finally brings Savannah and Tristan back to their own time. They return changed by their experiences, having faced danger and found their own strengths. Savannah realizes her initial desire for a 'true prince' was superficial and that true heroism and love come in many forms, often from unexpected places. She sees Tristan in a new way, appreciating his intelligence, courage, and kindness. Tristan, in turn, has gained confidence and a deeper understanding of himself.
Prom Night and New Beginnings
With prom approaching, Savannah no longer cares about finding a 'prince' in the traditional fairy tale sense. She has grown past her initial desires. She and Tristan have formed a strong bond through their shared adventures. While the immediate romantic outcome is left open, Savannah approaches prom night with new confidence and maturity. She understands that true love is about genuine connection, shared experiences, and accepting people for who they are.
Principal Figures
Savannah Delano
The Protagonist
Savannah transforms from a girl seeking a superficial 'prince' to a mature young woman who values genuine connection, courage, and self-worth.
Chrissy (Chrysanthemum) Everstar
The Supporting
Chrissy learns the importance of careful magic and understanding the true needs of her charges, growing slightly more competent by the end.
Tristan
The Supporting/Love Interest
Tristan gains confidence and proves his courage and intelligence, transforming from a quiet 'nerd' into a genuine hero.
The Black Knight (Sir Reginald)
The Supporting
His true honorable nature and identity are revealed, showing him to be a protector and a force for good in his own time.
Ashley Delano
The Mentioned/Minor Antagonist
Remains largely static, serving primarily as a plot device to initiate Savannah's journey.
Brent
The Mentioned/Minor Antagonist
Remains static, serving as a catalyst for the plot.
Themes & Insights
The Reality vs. Fantasy of Love
This theme explores the contrast between idealized fairy tale romance and real-world relationships. Savannah begins by wishing for a 'true prince' from a storybook, only to find the actual fairy tale princes disappointing. Her adventures in the Middle Ages, especially with Tristan and the Black Knight, teach her that true love and heroism are found in courage, kindness, and shared experiences, not in titles or magic. The book shows that genuine connection is messy but more fulfilling than a perfect fantasy. For example, she realizes Tristan's intelligence and loyalty are more 'princely' than any literal prince's charm.
“"Maybe true love wasn't about finding a prince, but finding someone who would face dragons with you."”
Self-Discovery and Maturation
Savannah's magical journey is one of self-discovery. At first, she is insecure and defines herself by external things, like having a boyfriend or going to prom with a 'prince.' Through her trials in the fairy tale worlds and the dangerous Middle Ages, she learns to rely on her own wit, courage, and resourcefulness. She gains confidence, develops a stronger sense of self-worth, and understands that her value does not depend on others' perceptions or magic. Her growth is clear as she moves from wanting to be rescued to actively participating in her own rescue and Tristan's.
“"I didn't need a fairy godmother to save me. I just needed to save myself."”
The Nature of Heroism
The novel redefines what it means to be a hero. Savannah at first imagines a hero as a charming, sword-wielding prince, but she discovers heroism in unexpected places. Tristan, initially a 'nerdy' classmate, shows his heroism through his intelligence, strategic thinking, and loyalty when facing danger. The Black Knight, while fitting a more traditional heroic mold, also shows that true heroism involves fighting for justice and protecting the innocent, not just winning tournaments. The story emphasizes that courage, intelligence, and kindness are more heroic qualities than superficial charm or strength alone, challenging common fairy tale stereotypes.
“"A true prince wasn't just about a title or a fancy costume. It was about courage, and kindness, and knowing how to get out of a dragon's way."”
The Power of Choice and Agency
While Chrissy's magic often controls Savannah's circumstances, the story champions the importance of choice and personal agency. Savannah, tired of being a passive recipient of Chrissy's misguided magic, actively chooses to go back to the Middle Ages to save Tristan. She makes decisions, takes risks, and uses her modern knowledge to influence outcomes, rather than simply following a pre-written fairy tale script. This theme shows that even when circumstances are forced upon a person, their choices and actions define their destiny and lead to true empowerment.
“"This wasn't some storybook where I just waited for a prince. This was real, and I had to choose."”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Magical Wish Granting
A literal wish by Savannah sets the entire plot in motion.
Savannah's desperate wish for a 'true prince' after being dumped acts as the primary inciting incident. This classic fairy tale trope is subverted by Chrissy's incompetence, leading to misinterpretations and unintended consequences. The wish drives the initial magical interventions and sets the stage for Savannah's journey, forcing her to confront the reality of her desires versus the fantasy she initially imagined. It's a catalyst for both the fantastical elements and Savannah's personal growth.
Incompetent Fairy Godmother
Chrissy's magical blunders and modern sensibilities drive much of the comedic and plot development.
Chrissy Everstar's 'fair' (not very good) magical abilities and her modern, somewhat ditzy personality are a central plot device. Her mistakes, such as sending Savannah into the wrong fairy tales or accidentally transporting Tristan, are the direct cause of Savannah's escalating adventures and challenges. Her presence adds humor and constantly raises the stakes, as her attempts to help often make things worse before they get better, forcing Savannah to rely on her own wits rather than magic.
Fish-out-of-Water Scenario
Savannah and Tristan are repeatedly placed in unfamiliar and anachronistic settings.
This device is used extensively, first with Savannah in the Cinderella and Snow White narratives, and then with both Savannah and Tristan in the authentic Middle Ages. Savannah's modern sensibilities and lack of understanding of medieval customs create humorous and challenging situations. Tristan, while knowledgeable about history, still faces the shock of its reality. This contrast between modern and medieval highlights the absurdity of fairy tale expectations and forces the characters to adapt and innovate, using their contemporary knowledge in unexpected ways to survive.
The Black Knight's Identity Mystery
The enigmatic nature of the Black Knight creates suspense and a temporary romantic diversion.
The Black Knight's mysterious identity and ambiguous intentions serve as a source of suspense and intrigue throughout the medieval segment of the story. His initial appearances suggest he could be either an ally or an antagonist, keeping both Savannah and the reader guessing. This mystery also introduces a brief romantic tension for Savannah, before she realizes her true feelings for Tristan. The eventual reveal of his true identity as Sir Reginald and his honorable motivations resolves this subplot and reinforces themes of heroism and justice.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Sometimes the right path is the one you make for yourself, not the one someone else laid out for you.”
— Savannah reflects on her own choices versus the 'destiny' Chrysanthemum tries to push on her.
“It’s hard to be a good person when you’re constantly being tempted to do bad things, especially when those bad things involve a cute guy.”
— Savannah struggles with her feelings for Tristan and the moral implications of her fairy tasks.
“True love isn't about magic spells or perfect looks. It's about seeing someone for who they really are, flaws and all, and still wanting them.”
— Savannah's evolving understanding of love, moving beyond superficial enchantments.
“You can't force someone to love you, no matter how much magic you use. It just doesn't work that way.”
— A crucial lesson Savannah learns about the limitations of her fairy powers in matters of the heart.
“Some curses are harder to break than others, especially when they're self-inflicted.”
— Chrysanthemum's observation about the human tendency to create their own problems.
“Having power doesn't make you important; how you use that power does.”
— A guiding principle for Savannah as she learns to wield her new abilities responsibly.
“It’s amazing how much trouble you can get into when you’re just trying to do the right thing.”
— Savannah's frequent exasperation with the unintended consequences of her good intentions.
“Sometimes the best way to help someone is to let them figure things out for themselves, even if it means they make mistakes.”
— Chrysanthemum's wisdom about fostering independence.
“Fairy tales are never as simple as they seem in the books. There's always more to the story.”
— Savannah discovers the messy reality behind the idealized versions of classic fairy tales.
“You don't need magic to be brave. You just need to decide that some things are worth fighting for.”
— Savannah's realization about her own courage, independent of any supernatural aid.
“Just because something is traditional doesn't mean it's right or that it can't be changed.”
— Savannah challenges the rigid rules and expectations of the fairy godmother world.
“It's hard to save someone from themselves when they're determined to be their own worst enemy.”
— Chrysanthemum's struggles with her 'clients' who resist her help.
“Even the most magical plans can go terribly wrong when humans and their messy emotions get involved.”
— A recurring theme as Savannah's attempts to fix things often backfire due to human unpredictability.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
After her boyfriend dumps her for her sister, Savannah Delano wishes for a true prince for prom. Her not-so-competent Fair Godmother, Chrissy, accidentally sends Savannah back to the Middle Ages, first as Cinderella and then as Snow White, leading to a series of misadventures with familiar fairy tale plots gone awry.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
