The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy

Lorelei is enrolled in Splendid Academy, a school that seems like a paradise of unlimited treats and no rules. However, she soon notices that her classmates are being 'fattened up' and the staff, led by the mysterious Principal Trapp, have sinister intentions rooted in ancient folklore. Alongside her friend Andrew, Lorelei must uncover the truth of the school's origin and find a way to escape before they become the next meal. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with the death of Lorelei's mother and her father's subsequent remarriage. The approach is secular and realistic, highlighting Lorelei's feelings of displacement and her struggle to bond with her stepmother. The resolution is hopeful, focusing on her newfound agency and acceptance of her reality. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a heavy sense of grief and suspicion. It builds into a fast-paced, high-stakes horror narrative and concludes with a sense of empowerment and emotional catharsis. IDEAL READER: A 10-year-old who loves fractured fairy tales and 'Coraline' but is also secretly navigating the complexities of a blended family or the lingering sadness of losing a loved one. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might notice their child withdrawing from family activities or expressing deep distrust of a new authority figure or 'perfect' situation. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of the body-horror elements related to overeating and the intense imagery of the witches' true forms. The themes of grooming and manipulation are present but handled through the lens of fantasy. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers will focus on the 'creepy school' adventure and the gross-out candy elements. Older readers will pick up on the metaphors for grief, the dangers of escapism, and the nuances of Lorelei's relationship with her stepmother. DIFFERENTIATOR: This is a standout modern reimagining of Hansel and Gretel that swaps the woods for a classroom, using the 'too much of a good thing' trope to explore deep-seated childhood anxieties about safety and loss.