AFS Fellow Jack Zipes Publishes Political Fairy Tale for Young Adults

Jack Zipes is Professor Emeritus in the Department of German, Nordic, Slavic, and Dutch at the University of Minnesota. He is an AFS Fellow and his book Grimm Legacies: The Magic Spell of the Grimms’ Folk and Fairy Tales won the 2015 Chicago Folklore Prize. In addition to his scholarly work, he is an active storyteller in public schools and has worked with children’s theaters in France, Germany, Canada, and the United States. In 1997, he founded a storytelling and creative drama program, Neighborhood Bridges, in collaboration with the Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis that is still thriving in the elementary schools of the Twin Cities.

In Alex in the Land of Liars (Vanguard Press, 2026)—his latest modern political fairy tale—the protagonist, Alex, is thrown into a city ruled by the cruel and unpredictable Mad Manny. With surveillance cameras on every corner, ruthless secret police, and danger lurking at every turn, survival seems impossible. But Alex is not alone. He is guided by Vinnie and Monique, talking dogs with courage and cunning, Aunt Fanny, a formidable protector of rebel animals, and Tiger, a fearless cat with unmatched agility.

As Alex heads through secret tunnels, hidden safe houses, and the glimmering yet perilous streets of the capital, he discovers a power within himself-his voice-that can shatter glass, halt enemies, and save lives. Facing impossible odds, Alex learns trust, courage, and the meaning of justice. With wit, bravery, and his extraordinary allies, he decides to stay and fight for what is right.

Last year, Zipes published a trilogy of novellas, also intended for young adults, which reflects his belief that the world’s conditions have deteriorated for many, particularly the young. It is a hopeful tale of resistance and defiance and is for anyone who believes in standing up against oppression.