Truth, Twists & a Touch of Magic: "Greta Ever After" Review + 5 Reasons to Read It
- Kim Bartosch
- Oct 18
- 4 min read
What do you get when you mix middle school mayhem, a mischievous magical clock, and a girl with big dreams of becoming a reporter? Melissa Dassori’s Greta Ever After is a delightful middle-grade debut that blends just the right amount of whimsy with a heartfelt message about honesty, friendship, and growing up.
Thank you to Christy Ottaviano Books and Melissa Dassori's for including me on this tour and the book. This book tour is sponsored by Toppling Stacks Tours. Be sure to scroll down to learn more at the book and win a copy for yourself.
Greta Starr isn’t your average middle schooler—she’s got dreams bigger than her school’s newspaper beat. Stuck covering boring fluff, Greta longs to report real stories that matter. That wish starts to look possible when she receives an enchanted cuckoo clock for her twelfth birthday. The clock's tiny wooden dancer, Lulu, doesn’t just twirl—she comes to life. With Lulu’s help, Greta starts crafting a few feel-good “stories” that blur the line between fiction and truth. The results? Instant popularity and a whole lot of trouble.
Dassori does a great job of capturing that awkward, hopeful, often chaotic age where kids are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit. Greta is a spunky, witty protagonist—one of those characters who makes you grin with her clever thoughts and bold moves, even when she’s getting herself into trouble. Her family adds a lovely layer of warmth and comedy, especially her younger brother, who had me laughing out loud more than once. Honestly, he reminded me so much of my own son at that age—curious, chaotic, and absolutely hilarious.
The magic element of the cuckoo clock is charming and nostalgic. If you ever stared at a cuckoo clock as a kid, wondering if the little people inside might one day move—this book brings that childhood curiosity to life. Lulu is a mischievous little puppet with big energy, and her influence on Greta raises some interesting moral questions about truth, storytelling, and intention.
What makes Greta Ever After especially sweet is its message. It doesn’t shy away from showing that actions have consequences, and Dassori handles those moments with care. It’s a great read for middle-grade audiences (I’d say ages 8 and up) who are starting to navigate friendships, mistakes, and the power of their words.
That said, while the book is full of heart and fun, I did wish for a bit more originality in the overall plot. The story beats feel familiar, and a few more surprising twists would’ve elevated the tension. Still, that doesn’t take away from how enjoyable the journey is—and for younger readers, those classic beats might hit just right.
In short, Greta Ever After is a cozy, clever, and thoughtful middle-grade read. It's perfect for fans of books like Just Harriet or From the Desk of Zoe Washington, offering a magical twist on real-world growing pains. Whether you’re a young reader with a big imagination or an adult who remembers the magic of childhood wonders, this one is worth checking out.
📚 Top 5 Reasons to Read Greta Ever After
1. A Spunky, Relatable Heroine
Greta Starr is bold, witty, and full of ambition—exactly the kind of main character middle-grade readers love to root for!
2. Magical Cuckoo Clock Charm
Ever wondered if those tiny dancers in cuckoo clocks could come to life? This story brings that childhood curiosity to life with a sprinkle of magic.
3. Laugh-Out-Loud Family Moments
The family dynamics are hilarious and heartwarming—especially Greta’s little brother, who totally steals the show (and may remind you of your own kiddo!).
4. A Lesson in Truth and Integrity
Behind the fun and fantasy is a strong message about honesty, making mistakes, and learning how to be a good friend and storyteller.
5. Perfect for Ages 8 and Up
Sweet, clever, and easy to connect with—this book hits the sweet spot for young readers ready to dive into magical realism with real-world heart.
Final Thoughts✨
Greta Ever After has spunk, sparkle, and just enough magic to make you believe. A solid debut with a lovable main character and meaningful themes for middle-grade readers.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
About the book:
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Publishing date: August 19, 2025
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books
Synopsis:
In this modern-day fairytale, Greta struggles to make her mark until she succumbs to the mischief of an enchanted doll.
Greta Starr has one dream: to be a famous reporter. Unfortunately, she’s been assigned to write for the paper’s most boring beat, and she feels stuck. Then, on her twelfth birthday, Greta receives a mysterious cuckoo clock with a wooden dancer named Lulu inside. Every hour, the doll twirls in time with the music—until one night she comes to life. Lulu is infused with magic and mischief. With Lulu’s sly encouragement, Greta engineers a feel-good story to report, setting in motion a series of remarkable, if deceitful, happy endings at school that help Greta gain popularity. But when the truth threatens Greta’s friendships, she is confronted with very real consequences that Lulu’s magic can’t fix.
This coming-of-age story explores the blurred line between fact and fiction as Greta realizes the key to being a great reporter—and a great friend—is striving for truth, not perfection.
About the Author:
Melissa Dassori lives in New York City with her husband and three daughters, with whom she especially likes to enjoy books, travel, time outside and ice cream. Melissa’s middle grade debut, J.R. Silver Writes Her World, was published in 2022 by Christy Ottaviano Books/Little, Brown BYR. An assignment from her own fourth grade teacher inspired the story, although Melissa couldn’t conjure the same magical results that J.R. Silver can. Her next middle grade novel, Greta Ever After (Ottaviano/LBYR), will be out in August 2025.
Looks like a good read.
This looks like a great read. Thanks for sharing.
Great Review!