The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer offers an engaging fairy-tale adventure that appeals to middle-grade readers with its imaginative plot and relatable protagonists. While praised for its creativity and humor, some critics find the writing style simplistic and the pacing uneven. Nevertheless, its charm and entertainment value make it a popular choice among young readers.

Fans of The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer will likely enjoy stories like Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley. Readers who appreciate blending fairy-tale elements with modern adventures, strong sibling dynamics, and clever reinterpretations of classic tales will find this series enchanting.

In The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer, twins Alex and Conner Baily are transported into a fairy-tale world through their grandmother's book. They embark on an adventure to collect magical items for the Wishing Spell, their only way home, while encountering beloved fairy-tale characters. Their journey is complicated by the Evil Queen, who also seeks the spell for personal reasons.

Adventurous / Fantastical / Exciting / Playful / Heartwarming

- The Wishing Spell is the debut novel of Chris Colfer, who is also known for his role as Kurt Hummel on the television show Glee.
- The book is the first in the Land of Stories series, which combines fairy tale elements with a contemporary adventure, showcasing Colfer's passion for storytelling from a young age.
- Chris Colfer was inspired to write The Wishing Spell by his grandmother, who encouraged his creativity and love for fairy tales.

**Alex Bailey**  
One of the protagonists, Alex is a smart and organized girl with blond hair kept neatly with a headband. She has a close connection to fairy-tale characters and follows rules closely.

**Conner Bailey**  
The second protagonist, Conner is Alex’s twin, known for his popularity and willingness to bend rules. He is honest and often provides unique solutions to problems.

**Evil Queen/Evly**  
The story's antagonist with a complex backstory. She has faced years of grief and is motivated by the desire to free someone she deeply cares for.

**Froggy**  
A character cursed into a frog form, he lives in isolation until meeting Alex and Conner. His journey involves overcoming his shame about his appearance.

**Snow White**  
A classic fairy-tale character Alex and Conner encounter, known for her pale skin and dark hair. Her actions illuminate the complexity of her past experiences.

**Cinderella**  
Another fairy-tale character Alex and Conner meet, she is known for her elegance and newfound sense of humor. Her story highlights unexpressed aspects of her personality.

**Goldilocks**  
A character on the run due to her encounter with the bears. Her story has been shaped by unexpected events from her past.

**Jack**  
A young man known from the beanstalk tale, he finds himself in a love situation complicated by external feuds. He represents a spin on the traditional prince archetype.

**Red Riding Hood**  
A very pretty young woman who tries to gain Jack's attention. Her character challenges the notion that beauty alone leads to success.

**Sleeping Beauty**  
A fairy-tale character dealing with the aftermath of her sleeping curse. Her dedication to her kingdom and its people is evident.

**Mira**  
Both a love interest of the Evil Queen and the Magic Mirror. Mira’s role affects the dynamics of the queen's story.

**Alex and Conner’s Mom**  
A pivotal influence in Alex and Conner’s lives, she is seen as a hardworking single parent who molds her children's personalities.

**Fairy Godmother/Grandma**  
Connects the real world and fairy-tale world, setting the stage for significant events. Her actions have long-lasting consequences.

**Alex and Conner’s Dad**  
Though deceased, he influences the story through his journal and past actions related to the Wishing Spell. His history is integral to their journey.

Chris Colfer

Middle grade

Novel

The Land of Stories

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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The Wishing Spell Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 2

The Wishing Spell Prologue-Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-4

The Wishing Spell Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-6

The Wishing Spell Chapters 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Wishing Spell Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-11

The Wishing Spell Chapters 10-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-14

The Wishing Spell Chapters 12-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-18

The Wishing Spell Chapters 15-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-21

The Wishing Spell Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-24

The Wishing Spell Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Wishing Spell Character Analysis

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Themes

The Wishing Spell Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Wishing Spell Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Wishing Spell Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Wishing Spell Essay Topics

The Wishing Spell

Before You Read

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