Gradchanted by Morgan Matson Book Review

Around this time last year, Gradchanted was published. It is the second book in the book collaboration between young adult author Morgan Matson and Disney.

When it was published, I debated if I should purchase it. Although I have some praiseworthy things to say about the first book in the collaboration between Morgan and Disney, I didn’t like it a lot. After thinking about it for a while, I decided to purchase it to see how I’d like it. Since that time, I have read and reread the book a few times and decided to share some of my opinions in this review. I already reviewed Promchanted, the first book in the collaboration. You can read the review here.

The blurb for the book on Amazon is…

School is over. But the adventure has just begun. . . .

Eighteen-year-old Cass Issac doesn’t believe in sticking around. She’s had to move a lot due to her dads’ house-flipping business—always a different school, always a new friend group. She’s learned there’s no need for drawn-out-goodbyes with people you’ll lose touch with anyway. Which makes Grad Nite at Disneyland the perfect way to finish up high school, and have a magical last night with her best friend, Bryony – before she leaves once again.

But amid the roller coaster rides and Cars Land dance party, the night turns into one big disaster. When she meets cute British bassist Freddie Sharma, she accidentally ruins his big break. Worse still? Cass gets in a major fight with Bryony. And instead of being able to make a quick exit, she’s thrown for a literal time loop. Which means the queen of ghosting has nowhere to go as she’s forced to relive the most dramatic night of her life, over and over. Now, Cass will have to find a way to make things right . . . or be stuck at Grad Nite forever.

I like Gradchanted more than it’s predecessor, Promchanted. Cass is a more likable character than Stella in Promchanted, the story is more complicated and thought out, and I like Cass’ growth throughout the book better than in Stella’s. At points in the story, it reminds me of a Disney Channel movie from the 2000’s. This is the most obvious when it comes to the moments when Cass encounters Freddie.

The book itself is laid out in a really intresting way. This is not unheard of for Morgan’s novels. (I’m thinking of Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour and Take Me Home Tonight, which I have talked about the way the book is laid out in a review post here.) Even though Morgan is known to have interesting, different, and unique book layouts that help tell the story, I was surprised Disney let the book have a uncommon layout. Instead of normal chapters, Gradchanted is broken into sections. Within those sections are the “chapters”. These “chapters” are focused on each time loop she experiences. Although I was confused by it at times (What time loop is this and why did it begin?), I think this way of telling the story makes it easier to follow.

Even though I like Gradchanted more than Promchanted, I still didn’t like it as much as I hoped. I didn’t like Cass’ way of seeing and treating her friends from her old school and the way she treated her current friends. (Maybe it’s because I’m too old to see things as a teenager? I found Cass’ thoughts and behavior really immature and lacking foresight. I know teenagers that wouldn’t do that…) The story slows down in the middle, but it picks back up close to the end.

Other things of note about the book are Cass has two dads that are introduced in the beginning of the book. They don’t appear in any other part of the book. Also, Taylor Swift and her music gets mentioned in it several times. Compared to Promchanted’s references, Gradchanted has more references. These references include Taylor’s song names and her music in general. I guess Taylor Swift is more Disney friendly/approved beyond her Eras Tour concert movie and her documentary that are shown on Disney+? I just find it odd that Taylor was referenced in this fashion in a Disney book.

Anyway, do I recommend this book? Yes, I do, but for certain people. If you are looking for a clean book inspired by current (2025-ish) Disney and Disneyland, I think this book would be good. I also think this book would be good for teens and young adults, but I also think adults will enjoy this book more than Promchanted. It is more complicated, thought out, and the characters are developed better. Even if I don’t actually agree with them and how they act in the book!

That’s all for now! Thank you for reading!