Maleficent adapted by Elizabeth Rudnick

This book tells the story of the 2014 Disney film, and I gave it a rating of four out of five. You probably know the story of Sleeping Beauty, but this plot takes some unexpected twists and turns. Maleficent's faerie parents are killed by humans, but she still grows up with a kind heart and a love for nature. Her life takes a terrible turn when a young boy breaks her heart and later becomes king. She casts a sleeping spell on the king's daughter, Aurora, and later regrets this decision. Even she is not able to break the curse. The anger and evil have taken over, and only true love's kiss can bring about a happy ending.

This story shows Maleficent as a kind, trusting character whose happiness is ruined by the greed of others. However, even at her worst moments, the seed of kindness still lives within her. She does some terrible, mean things, but she sees bits of herself within Aurora. This creates an internal conflict that Maleficent battles throughout the book. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I enjoyed this version of the classic fairy tale.