Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL — ESSENTIAL.
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Milla is a 5th grader who has a pet pig and two busy moms who worry about her and seem overprotective at times. As the school overnight field trip draws close, the students are put into small groups in preparation. Milla lands in a group with a teacher who asks them each to dream big, journal about their dreams, and find a princess they identify with to write about. The girls discover the uniquenesses and courage they have, particularly Milla as she works to show her moms she is responsible enough to go on the overnighter without them.
I’m always skeptical about princess books, but this book is the perfect antidote to the idea that princesses need saving. The author has written strong female characters and has a good handle on what elementary age kids are worrying about and trying to work through. This book focuses on the desire for independence and trust. The writing was confident and well paced and I loved the Author’s Note in the back about her own journey to independence and adventure. This book includes black and white drawing every 20 pages or so.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
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