Best Fairy Tale & Folklore Adaptations Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

The Lunar Chronicles Boxed Set is a collection of Marissa Meyer's #1 New York Times-bestselling series, featuring retellings of classic fairy tales set in a futuristic world of cyborgs and evil queens. The set includes Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Fairest: Levana’s Story, Stars Above, and Winter. Readers follow the story of a teenage cyborg, Cinder, who rebels against the evil Queen Levana with the help of Scarlet, Cress, and Winter. This collection is a fantastic mashup of science fiction and fairy tales that will keep readers entertained from start to finish.

When You Wish Upon a Star: A Twisted Tale is a captivating and thrilling book that twists the classic Disney story of Pinocchio into an enthralling tale. The story follows the Blue Fairy, who defies fairy law and grants Geppetto's wish to have a child, leading to a chain of dramatic events. The book is part of the A TWISTED TALE series, which reimagines Disney stories in new and exciting ways. This book is perfect for teens and young adults who love dark and twisted fairy tales. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good twist on a classic tale.

The Little Mermaid: Against the Tide is an original novel by J. Elle, inspired by Disney's upcoming live-action movie. The story follows Ariel and her sisters as they work together to rescue their abducted sister, Mala, and uncover the truth behind their mother's death. Elle's writing style is engaging and accessible for young readers, with themes of sisterhood, leadership, and loss. The book is a great addition to the Children's Spine-Chilling Horror Books category, with its thrilling and mysterious plot. Overall, The Little Mermaid: Against the Tide is a must-read for fans of the classic fairy tale and those excited about the upcoming movie.

The 5th installment in the A TWISTED TALE series, Part of Your World, explores an alternate reality where Ariel never defeated Ursula. After five years of Ursula ruling Prince Eric's kingdom on land and Ariel becoming the voiceless queen of Atlantica, Ariel discovers that her father might still be alive. She returns to a world and a prince she never imagined she would see again. Liz Braswell, the author of this book, has written several other books in the series, including A Whole New World and As Old as Time. Part of Your World is a unique and exciting addition to the series, perfect for fans of fantasy action and adventure books for teens and young adults.

The 13th installment of the New York Times best-selling series, Almost There-A Twisted Tale, explores the consequences of Tiana making a deal with the notorious Dr. Facilier. In this new reality, Tiana's deepest desires are realized, but she soon realizes that her hometown is growing increasingly eerie, with new threats cropping up in unlikely places. Tiana must work alongside Naveen and Charlotte to set things right, or risk losing everything she holds dear. Farrah Rochon's YA debut is a must-read for fans of fairy tale and folklore adaptations, offering a unique twist on a beloved classic.

The 12th book in the A TWISTED TALE series, "What Once Was Mine" by Liz Braswell, reimagines the classic fairy tale of Rapunzel. In this version, Rapunzel's mother drinks a potion from the wrong flower, giving Rapunzel dangerous magical powers. She is locked away in a tower for her own safety and cared for by Mother Gothel. When she finally escapes and embarks on an adventure with two thieves, she learns that there is more to her story than she ever knew. This book is a great addition to the series and provides a fresh take on a beloved fairy tale.

The tenth book in the New York Times bestselling Villains series, "Fire and Fate," explores how Hades turned from god to villain. As ruler of the Underworld, Hades is not content with his role and grows more vengeful with each passing day of being treated as a villain. When he discovers he wasn't invited to the celebration of his nephew Hercules' birth, he cuts a new deal with the Odd Sisters. But as a god, this deal has the potential to rewrite more stories than just his own. Serena Valentino's unique style of storytelling earns critical acclaim in both the comic and horror domains, making "Fire and Fate" a must-read for fans of the Villains series and those looking for a fresh take on mythology.

The 9th book of the Villains series, Never Never-Villains, tells the story of James Bartholomew, also known as Captain Hook, and his journey to return to Neverland. With the help of magic and the Odd Sisters, he may get his wish. However, returning to Neverland comes at a price. This fast-paced and immersive story is full of adventure, magic, and themes of trust and betrayal. Serena Valentino's unique style of storytelling brings readers into a world filled with terror, beauty, and extraordinary protagonists. Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who loves a good adventure story with a twist.

The 10th book in the A TWISTED TALE series, Unbirthday, is a darker retelling of Disney's Alice In Wonderland. Alice, now 18, is a curious and aspiring photographer who finds herself on a mission to stop the Queen of Hearts' tyrannical rule and to find her place in both worlds. The book is full of eerie and familiar characters from Wonderland, making it a unique and thrilling read for fans of the original story. Overall, Unbirthday is a great addition to the series and a must-read for those who enjoy fantasy action and adventure books for teens and young adults.

The 7th installment of the A TWISTED TALE series by Disney-Hyperion, "Conceal, Don't Feel", explores the possibility of Anna and Elsa never meeting each other. After the sudden death of her parents, Elsa becomes the sole ruler of Arendelle and starts to uncover mysterious powers that reveal fragments of her forgotten childhood. Elsa sets out on a dangerous journey to break a curse and find the missing Princess of Arendelle. This book is a must-read for fans of the Frozen franchise and those who love fantasy action and adventure books for teens and young adults.