The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess (Miranda and Maude #1) by Emma Wunsch, illustrated by Jessika Von Innerebner, 132 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Amulet Books (Abrams), 2018. $13.
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL.
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Accustomed to a private tutor, who has recently retired, Miranda is not excited about having to go to school. She is especially not excited to be sitting next to someone who brings smelly boiled eggs to school and uses a dirty hanky. Maude, who loves the eggs her chickens lay, is equally unpleased to sit by someone who doesn’t like their smell. When Miranda sees a mean drawing about her by Maude she decides not to invite Maude to her birthday party. Maude in return gets the class to boycott the party. The girls realize that they have hurt each other and when they reach out to the other, they find an unexpected friendship.
I loved this book about two girls who are trying their best at school, but feeling a bit insecure and stumbling around friendships. I thought the completely realistic school combined with one princess, was just fantastical enough that it made it feel luxurious. The final chapter of the book highlights that both girls could learn something from the other. I like this message that takes the idea that it is okay to be different a bit deeper and teaches readers that we have much to gain from each other.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
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