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No Place for Fairy Tales
Yuriel's poor neighborhood in Monterrey, Mexico, isn't a place where fairy tales happen. Yuriel and his cousin Azul work each day doing laundry to help their family make a living. So when Azul, a trans teen, decides she wants to mark her transition to womanhood with a quinceañera, Yuriel is sure it's an impossible dream. They don't have the money, and besides, Azul's father would never support her transition. But as an openly gay artist in a traditional family, Yuriel sees how important this rite of passage is for Azul. As Yuriel risks everything to play fairy godmother to Azul, he realizes it's going to take a little bit of magic to pull off this once-in-a-lifetime quinceañera.
200 pages, Paperback
Published February 16, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 23, 2023
A poor neighborhood in Mexico. Two queer cousins, one gay, the other trans. A story written in verse.
Just like Edd Tello’s debut Only Pieces, No Place for Fairy Tales is a hi-lo YA story, which means it’s for struggling readers like dyslectic teens. And even if it’s stripped from all frills, the writing is so vivid and descriptive that it felt like I was actually there in Mexico, together with Yuriel and Azul. You have a huge talent when you can write such a powerful and important story with so few words!
Yuriel is the narrator of this story, but the actual main character is Azul, Yuriel’s trans cousin. I felt Azul’s want to have a quinceañera like every other fifteen-year-old girl, and I felt the love of Yuriel and his parents for Azul seep through the pages. Azul’s story made me smile and wipe a tear away once in a while. Edd, I’m a fan of your books and I really would love to see your writing in an adult book. I think it would be beautiful too!
I received an ARC from West 44 Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Just like Edd Tello’s debut Only Pieces, No Place for Fairy Tales is a hi-lo YA story, which means it’s for struggling readers like dyslectic teens. And even if it’s stripped from all frills, the writing is so vivid and descriptive that it felt like I was actually there in Mexico, together with Yuriel and Azul. You have a huge talent when you can write such a powerful and important story with so few words!
Yuriel is the narrator of this story, but the actual main character is Azul, Yuriel’s trans cousin. I felt Azul’s want to have a quinceañera like every other fifteen-year-old girl, and I felt the love of Yuriel and his parents for Azul seep through the pages. Azul’s story made me smile and wipe a tear away once in a while. Edd, I’m a fan of your books and I really would love to see your writing in an adult book. I think it would be beautiful too!
I received an ARC from West 44 Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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June 9, 2024
Adding line breaks
to every
other
word
does not
a novel in verse
make
to every
other
word
does not
a novel in verse
make
January 19, 2023
No Place for Fairy Tales is an amazing book that follows two queer teens: Yuriel and his cousin Azul living in a poor Mexican neighbourhood.
The story talks about some of the struggles faced by queer people and really brings to light how community is an important part of everything.
The book was easy to read and simply a breath of fresh air that I couldn't put it down once I started. This was my first time reading Edd Tello's books and I didn't know what to expect from his writing, but he truly didn't disappoint.
I got this copy as an ARC from West 44 Books and NetGallery in exchange for an honest review.
The story talks about some of the struggles faced by queer people and really brings to light how community is an important part of everything.
The book was easy to read and simply a breath of fresh air that I couldn't put it down once I started. This was my first time reading Edd Tello's books and I didn't know what to expect from his writing, but he truly didn't disappoint.
I got this copy as an ARC from West 44 Books and NetGallery in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2023
"There are no thorns to cut. Some flowers just BOOM on TOP of them. Azul is one of those flowers."
In his sophomore novel, which is written in verse just like his first one was, Edd Tello tells us about Azul, a trans Mexican girl who wants to have a quinceañera party; and her cousin Yuriel, who desperately wants to act as a fairy godmother and help his cousin celebrate her fifteenth birthday.
This was an extremely soft, touching read, which I suspect is a distinctive trait of Edd's works. While one may think that it's just about the cousins' quest to set up the quinceañera party for Azul, this story actually addresses many more topics. From domestic violence to forced migration, we explore different issues surrounding the life of a Mexican family who nonetheless manages to come together for Azul's sake. I loved the way Edd didn't need extensive paragraphs to make a point, as well as how he managed to capture the complexity of issues such as verbal abuse or homophobia in just a few verses.
If you haven't read Edd's works yet, what are you waiting for!?
In his sophomore novel, which is written in verse just like his first one was, Edd Tello tells us about Azul, a trans Mexican girl who wants to have a quinceañera party; and her cousin Yuriel, who desperately wants to act as a fairy godmother and help his cousin celebrate her fifteenth birthday.
This was an extremely soft, touching read, which I suspect is a distinctive trait of Edd's works. While one may think that it's just about the cousins' quest to set up the quinceañera party for Azul, this story actually addresses many more topics. From domestic violence to forced migration, we explore different issues surrounding the life of a Mexican family who nonetheless manages to come together for Azul's sake. I loved the way Edd didn't need extensive paragraphs to make a point, as well as how he managed to capture the complexity of issues such as verbal abuse or homophobia in just a few verses.
If you haven't read Edd's works yet, what are you waiting for!?
April 8, 2023
I received this book as an eARC via Netgalley. This does not influence my opinion.
This was such a good read.
I loved both Azul and Yuriel, but would have liked for the book to go into depth about their characters a bit more.
I also liked how the parents learned to be more accepting of their children and more loving, it shows that this is possible at all, no matter how bad things are at the beginning. It is important to note though that nobody should feel obligated to forgive past hurts.
I loved how supportive Yuriel’s parents were of Azul, but it felt like they were only focused on her and not supporting their son enough.
The scene where Azul’s father finally comes around made me tear up. But before that I was just as angry as Yuriel.
The way the community came together to support Azul was also extremely beautiful.
This book is written as a novel in verse. I really enjoyed the writing style.
There is also a glossary at the beginning, which can be very helpful. I’m a big fan of glossaries in books. :D
All in all a great book.
This was such a good read.
I loved both Azul and Yuriel, but would have liked for the book to go into depth about their characters a bit more.
I also liked how the parents learned to be more accepting of their children and more loving, it shows that this is possible at all, no matter how bad things are at the beginning. It is important to note though that nobody should feel obligated to forgive past hurts.
I loved how supportive Yuriel’s parents were of Azul, but it felt like they were only focused on her and not supporting their son enough.
The scene where Azul’s father finally comes around made me tear up. But before that I was just as angry as Yuriel.
The way the community came together to support Azul was also extremely beautiful.
This book is written as a novel in verse. I really enjoyed the writing style.
There is also a glossary at the beginning, which can be very helpful. I’m a big fan of glossaries in books. :D
All in all a great book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2023
Edd Tello’s second YA novel written in verse! I am so honored to have been able to review this eARC just I had for Only Pieces.
Ugh I loved this story simply because it felt like a fairy tale. Make no mistake though, this was No Place for Fairy Tales. The dynamic between Yuriel and his parents and Azul was amazing. We got to see such a fresh take on familias hispanas that I haven’t seen before.
You want a story that has drama y un poco de chisme? Then you may want to pick up this quick read!
Thank you NetGalley, Edd Tello, and West 44 Books for allowing me to read this eARC for an honest review!
No Place for Fairy Tales by Edd Tello releases February 2023!
Ugh I loved this story simply because it felt like a fairy tale. Make no mistake though, this was No Place for Fairy Tales. The dynamic between Yuriel and his parents and Azul was amazing. We got to see such a fresh take on familias hispanas that I haven’t seen before.
You want a story that has drama y un poco de chisme? Then you may want to pick up this quick read!
Thank you NetGalley, Edd Tello, and West 44 Books for allowing me to read this eARC for an honest review!
No Place for Fairy Tales by Edd Tello releases February 2023!
June 26, 2023
I devoured this book on the bus home from the ALA conference where I met the author. I love the novel in verse format and the 2 main characters, Yuriel and Azul. I felt like I was in their community in Mexico even though I've never been there and I was rooting for them the whole time. While I appreciate the author's desire to give his characters a happy ending, I felt like the pacing at the end was hastened to an unrealistic degree.
July 22, 2023
This is a wonderful verse (yes a poem) rendition about young LGBTQ teenagers who are neighbors in Mexico. Members of their families struggle with acceptance in various ways. Plus teenage crushes, parties, rebellion, etc. It's a VERY short read, so pull this one out as a palate cleanser between two thicker tomes ane rejoice in the simple joy of being accepted during an awkward age..
February 27, 2025
I didn’t read the back of the book, I just saw the pretty cover (:
January 25, 2023
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review.
It is not in fact a book or well it is not written like a novel but like a poem. Every chapter is written like a poem. It is beautiful. Poignant. And I sobbed the entire time. When I was a teen we did not have books like this. We did not have books that celebrated the lgbtqia plus community or even speak of them. I will be buying this book for my own teenagers.
This is a book from the perspective of a Mexican gay teen named Yuriel. He has a cousin Azul who is trans and wishes for a quincenera. It shows life in a small Mexican town. It shows Yuriel’s age and inexperience but also his experience. His mama calls Azul her Morena. His papa calls Azul his princesa. Azul’s mom accepts her loves but her father does not. It tells the story of how Yuriel and his family and their friends put together a party for Azul.
I honestly cannot stop crying. This is why representation matters. I can see how this book would be so powerful in a trans teens’ hands or in a gay teens. It is uplifting. I will be buying multiple copies of this book.
It is not in fact a book or well it is not written like a novel but like a poem. Every chapter is written like a poem. It is beautiful. Poignant. And I sobbed the entire time. When I was a teen we did not have books like this. We did not have books that celebrated the lgbtqia plus community or even speak of them. I will be buying this book for my own teenagers.
This is a book from the perspective of a Mexican gay teen named Yuriel. He has a cousin Azul who is trans and wishes for a quincenera. It shows life in a small Mexican town. It shows Yuriel’s age and inexperience but also his experience. His mama calls Azul her Morena. His papa calls Azul his princesa. Azul’s mom accepts her loves but her father does not. It tells the story of how Yuriel and his family and their friends put together a party for Azul.
I honestly cannot stop crying. This is why representation matters. I can see how this book would be so powerful in a trans teens’ hands or in a gay teens. It is uplifting. I will be buying multiple copies of this book.
Read
February 10, 2023Finally read @eddstello 's newest YA (about a trans girl in Mexico dreaming of a quince) and it's just 😍🌈👑😘. Did not disappoint.
If you read my review of Edd's first book (Only Pieces), then you already know how important I think his hi-lo books with @west44books are. I mean, queer Mexican books meant for high schoolers but at a second to third grade reading level? GIVE THEM TO ME.
There are so many English Language Learners (and just struggling readers in general) who could benefit from access to these queer Happily Ever Afters. I know book banning is a current obstacle in many states, but if you're not dealing with that, this is one that should be in your library or classroom.
Edson is currently running a giveaway for this book + a bunch of goodies over on their page (until 2/14/23, so if this sounds like your jam (especially if you're a teacher) head on over and check it out 💓.
If you read my review of Edd's first book (Only Pieces), then you already know how important I think his hi-lo books with @west44books are. I mean, queer Mexican books meant for high schoolers but at a second to third grade reading level? GIVE THEM TO ME.
There are so many English Language Learners (and just struggling readers in general) who could benefit from access to these queer Happily Ever Afters. I know book banning is a current obstacle in many states, but if you're not dealing with that, this is one that should be in your library or classroom.
Edson is currently running a giveaway for this book + a bunch of goodies over on their page (until 2/14/23, so if this sounds like your jam (especially if you're a teacher) head on over and check it out 💓.
January 30, 2023
This book made my heart melt.
It's written in HI/LO format and in verse, which makes it's an easily accessible book for those who struggle with reading. I was not familiar with this format and I absolutely adore it.
In No Place for Fairy Tales we follow Yuriel, a gay artist, who wants to make magic happen for his cousin Azul, a trans teenager, for who a quinceañera would mean the world. It doesn't seem like a possibility for Azul due to lack of money and a father that is anything but supportive of her coming out as trans. Yuriel protects her and stands up for her and vows to do whatever he can to make her fairytale come true.
A very important story about love, support and acceptance.
It's written in HI/LO format and in verse, which makes it's an easily accessible book for those who struggle with reading. I was not familiar with this format and I absolutely adore it.
In No Place for Fairy Tales we follow Yuriel, a gay artist, who wants to make magic happen for his cousin Azul, a trans teenager, for who a quinceañera would mean the world. It doesn't seem like a possibility for Azul due to lack of money and a father that is anything but supportive of her coming out as trans. Yuriel protects her and stands up for her and vows to do whatever he can to make her fairytale come true.
A very important story about love, support and acceptance.
January 31, 2023
My Ranking: 3 stars
***I received a digital copy from NetGalley *** I wanted to like this more. I’d really rank it 2.5 but I rounded it up to 3 because I really did enjoy the characters. I love Azul and Yuriel. This story takes you into their lives. One of which is gay, and the other is trans. It shows you the tribulations that they each go through. The characters are very down-to-earth and relatable. They have you rooting for them right from the first page. The characters are really the only saving grace this book had. I really disliked the verse style of writing. I felt like we were robbed of their true story because it was written in this shorthand writing style. I wanted more of the story and more detail.
***I received a digital copy from NetGalley *** I wanted to like this more. I’d really rank it 2.5 but I rounded it up to 3 because I really did enjoy the characters. I love Azul and Yuriel. This story takes you into their lives. One of which is gay, and the other is trans. It shows you the tribulations that they each go through. The characters are very down-to-earth and relatable. They have you rooting for them right from the first page. The characters are really the only saving grace this book had. I really disliked the verse style of writing. I felt like we were robbed of their true story because it was written in this shorthand writing style. I wanted more of the story and more detail.
February 2, 2023
4.75/5 stars! There was something so unique and special about this story of Azul finding her voice and affirming her transition in a small town in Mexico. His ability to make the reader feel like they are present was phenomenal. Additionally, this is a quick read, written in short prose format flowing from chapter to chapter. I found myself proud of Yuriel for defending his cousin and frustrated with Azul's father. But this was a beautiful way of expressing the potential cultural pressures experienced by Azul and Yuriel in this tale. Truly a special read with a unique voice; highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
February 8, 2023
Thanks to net galley for the arc. This cute short story written in a beautiful style was about a young boy yuriel and his cousin azulejo a trans teen. Saul wants to mark her entrance to womanhood with a quince. The problem lies with money of course and that axil’s father was not accepting of her life choices. They gather their friends together to ask for help planning this party and everyone was overjoyed to help. It was a cute quick read that really could be done in an hour or two. It was enjoyable I just wish it was a little longer or more detailed.
February 6, 2023
No place for Fairy Tales is a quick read told in prose, similar in style to The Ghost on Rose Hill through the eyes of a young queer artist about his cousin who is a trans woman. While it’s about Yuriel attempting to organize a quinceañera, it touches on many topics surrounding young queerness and coming out in a traditional family.
Although it only took me an hour or so to read this, I found it extremely touching and emotional. This book does contain mentions of homophobia/transphobia, but overall ends up having a very hopeful tone. I thought I would have a difficult time getting into more types of poetry but I really enjoyed this style of prose and story telling.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Although it only took me an hour or so to read this, I found it extremely touching and emotional. This book does contain mentions of homophobia/transphobia, but overall ends up having a very hopeful tone. I thought I would have a difficult time getting into more types of poetry but I really enjoyed this style of prose and story telling.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 19, 2024
A simple, direct ('straight-forward' seems like the wrong term) verse novel from the folks at West 44 Publishers. Yuriel is supporting his trans cousin, Azul, in pulling together a quince. There's a 'let's-put-on-a-show' dimension as the plot moves along, as well as a subsidiary romance. Central LGBTQ issues cast in fairly sweet, commonplace terms and school-appropriate language. A fast read that will appeal to its audience.
January 29, 2023
I received a free E-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review :)
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This was a sweet story which also packed a punch! I felt totally immersed in the setting, and enjoyed the mix of languages (the glossary at the beginning was much appreciated!)
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I really enjoy these "bite-sized" books in verse, and look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
.
This was a sweet story which also packed a punch! I felt totally immersed in the setting, and enjoyed the mix of languages (the glossary at the beginning was much appreciated!)
.
I really enjoy these "bite-sized" books in verse, and look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
October 29, 2023
Hearing Edd speak at AASL was a wonderful experience. I just finished this book, which is the first of his I read. It was such a beautiful read. It’s one that I know my students will be able to relate to and see themselves in. I look forward to reading more of his works and continuing to follow his work on uplifting marginalized voices so that I can help my students find their own voices.
July 17, 2023
Interesting story. It’s formatted as poetry, but I wouldn’t say it’s actually poetry. Just sentences spaced out a few words at a time in the shape of poems.
Still, it’s a full, satisfying story. More description would have been nice.
Overall, a good read.
Still, it’s a full, satisfying story. More description would have been nice.
Overall, a good read.
May 31, 2024
while nothing revolutionary, this was a heartwarming read. i would've liked a little more illustration on the various relationships between the characters. extra star because i could tell it was written with genuine love for queer teens
January 31, 2023
4.5*
this was such a bittersweet book. i love azul and think she deserves the world.
would recommend to friends.
tws: transphobia, deadnaming, misgendering, homophobia
this was such a bittersweet book. i love azul and think she deserves the world.
would recommend to friends.
tws: transphobia, deadnaming, misgendering, homophobia
April 3, 2024
This was a very quick read, of course. A Cinderella story (sort of) with a happy ending that made me cry a little.
May 8, 2024
Beautiful poetry and lovely book. Really felt for the characters.
February 8, 2023
Heartwarming queer YA novel-in-verse! The story is beautifully written, has a lot of heart and is full of lovable characters. The latine, trans and gay representation is superb and it will pull at your heartstrings!
October 2, 2024
🦇 Book Review 🦇
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
"There are no thorns to cut. Some flowers just BOOM on TOP of them. Azul is one of those flowers."
It doesn't feel like fairy tales can bleed into reality in Yuriel's poor neighborhood, but that won't keep him from trying to bring his cousin Azul's break of a quinceañera from coming true. Knowing it's an important rite of passage--especially for a trans teen in Mexico who lacks support from her father--Yuriel is ready to embody the role of her gay fairy godmother to bring a little magic into Azul's life.
No Place for Fairy Tales is a beautiful story of two queer cousins (one gay, one trans) as they navigate such an important rite of passage together. It's also a story of acceptance, love, and support; both from family and from one's community. This a Hi-Lo YA story, making it ideal for dyslectic teens and other struggling readers. There's a certain form of magic in the writing's vivid simplicity; without flowery language, you can focus on the emotion behind every word. While Yuriel is narrating his cousin's story, you still feel every ounce of what Azul is experiencing. Even when it's hard to find magic in a moment, Azul, Yuriel, and their entire community come together to make it happen. The writing's beautiful simplicity allows the words to flow from one page to the next, making it a quick read.
Though I know it's a Hi-Lo novel, I do wish there was a little more in terms of descriptions and metaphoric language. The concept of fairy tales--of wishing for the seemingly impossible, of more than we're given--is universal and relatable, making it easy to convey through unique, imaginative metaphors. The visual of a rose with thorns is the strongest metaphor to carry through the story, though I wished for a little more to truly make the writing stand out.
All in all, this a beautiful read full of love and acceptance. I only wish there was more of it.
🌹 LGBTQIA YA
🌹 BIPOC
🌹 Hi-Lo Format
🌹 Stories in Verse
🌹 Rite of passage
🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
"There are no thorns to cut. Some flowers just BOOM on TOP of them. Azul is one of those flowers."
It doesn't feel like fairy tales can bleed into reality in Yuriel's poor neighborhood, but that won't keep him from trying to bring his cousin Azul's break of a quinceañera from coming true. Knowing it's an important rite of passage--especially for a trans teen in Mexico who lacks support from her father--Yuriel is ready to embody the role of her gay fairy godmother to bring a little magic into Azul's life.
No Place for Fairy Tales is a beautiful story of two queer cousins (one gay, one trans) as they navigate such an important rite of passage together. It's also a story of acceptance, love, and support; both from family and from one's community. This a Hi-Lo YA story, making it ideal for dyslectic teens and other struggling readers. There's a certain form of magic in the writing's vivid simplicity; without flowery language, you can focus on the emotion behind every word. While Yuriel is narrating his cousin's story, you still feel every ounce of what Azul is experiencing. Even when it's hard to find magic in a moment, Azul, Yuriel, and their entire community come together to make it happen. The writing's beautiful simplicity allows the words to flow from one page to the next, making it a quick read.
Though I know it's a Hi-Lo novel, I do wish there was a little more in terms of descriptions and metaphoric language. The concept of fairy tales--of wishing for the seemingly impossible, of more than we're given--is universal and relatable, making it easy to convey through unique, imaginative metaphors. The visual of a rose with thorns is the strongest metaphor to carry through the story, though I wished for a little more to truly make the writing stand out.
All in all, this a beautiful read full of love and acceptance. I only wish there was more of it.
🌹 LGBTQIA YA
🌹 BIPOC
🌹 Hi-Lo Format
🌹 Stories in Verse
🌹 Rite of passage
🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
April 12, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
Yuriel plans to help his cousin Azul have a magical quinceañera. They face difficulties due to money and being queer, but they won't let that stop them.
The story is told through poems, so it is a quick read. Despite this, it gives the reader plenty of details and information. Yuriel draws the reader in with his love and loyalty to his family. The drawing together of community to make the quinceañera happen felt like a fairy tale.
Yuriel plans to help his cousin Azul have a magical quinceañera. They face difficulties due to money and being queer, but they won't let that stop them.
The story is told through poems, so it is a quick read. Despite this, it gives the reader plenty of details and information. Yuriel draws the reader in with his love and loyalty to his family. The drawing together of community to make the quinceañera happen felt like a fairy tale.
July 24, 2024
3 stars
this book was very empowering. i haven't read much poetry these past few years, so it was a nice break from regular prose. i would definitely recommend this book :)
this book was very empowering. i haven't read much poetry these past few years, so it was a nice break from regular prose. i would definitely recommend this book :)
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