Author: Meg Cabot
Bibliographic Info:
Cabot, Meg. (2006). Valentine
princess: A princess diaries book. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.
Descriptive Summary:
The odds are stacked against Princess Mia in this pseudo prequel/sequel of the Princess Diaries ("written" in 2002, published in the real world of 2006, and set after the 4th and before the 5th volumes of the series, but published significantly after both). Grandmere doesn't believe Mia's one true love, Michael is right for her and is set on proving it. Michael, not a fan of Valentine's Day, isn't doing much to prove Grandmere wrong and Princess Mia is in a panic hoping that Michael will come around and profess his love on Valentine's day.
The odds are stacked against Princess Mia in this pseudo prequel/sequel of the Princess Diaries ("written" in 2002, published in the real world of 2006, and set after the 4th and before the 5th volumes of the series, but published significantly after both). Grandmere doesn't believe Mia's one true love, Michael is right for her and is set on proving it. Michael, not a fan of Valentine's Day, isn't doing much to prove Grandmere wrong and Princess Mia is in a panic hoping that Michael will come around and profess his love on Valentine's day.
Evaluative comments with rating:
Incomplete - TV's on the Blink and so is this book
I felt like I was walking into this book halfway through. It took a fair amount of searching to discover the backstory to the Princess Diaries and I felt like I needed a scorecard to keep track of all of the characters and their relationships to each other. Meg Cabot's writing is frantic and (supposed to be) funny, but I felt that its idiosyncratic nature (written mostly in the style of a freshman's diary) was a bit hard on the head and the eyes.
Having said all that, I still could see how this would be a good read for someone who is a reluctant reader. The writing is fast-paced, simplistic and, at 86 pages, incredibly short. It would be a good gateway book for someone who is already familiar with the Disney film series of the same name.
I don't feel qualified to rate this book. Its design, use of multiple fonts, and frequent use of all caps made for a very hostile read.
Incomplete - TV's on the Blink and so is this book
I felt like I was walking into this book halfway through. It took a fair amount of searching to discover the backstory to the Princess Diaries and I felt like I needed a scorecard to keep track of all of the characters and their relationships to each other. Meg Cabot's writing is frantic and (supposed to be) funny, but I felt that its idiosyncratic nature (written mostly in the style of a freshman's diary) was a bit hard on the head and the eyes.
Having said all that, I still could see how this would be a good read for someone who is a reluctant reader. The writing is fast-paced, simplistic and, at 86 pages, incredibly short. It would be a good gateway book for someone who is already familiar with the Disney film series of the same name.
I don't feel qualified to rate this book. Its design, use of multiple fonts, and frequent use of all caps made for a very hostile read.
Suggested Audience
(age range): 12 - 18 (though younger readers may not pick up on some of the pop culture references)
Readers’ advisory
notes:
Appeal factors: Character-driven, fast-paced, funny, romantic, conversational
Readalikes: Princess Diaries series, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Ann Brashares, Gossip Girl - Cecily Von Ziegesar, Pretty Little Liars series - Sara Shepard, How Not to be Popular - Jennifer Ziegler
Booktalking hook:
From page 51:
Ode to Michael
Oh, Michael, can't you see
You and me were meant to be?
Just like Britney's got her Justin
For you I will always be lustin'
You're the best I ever had —
I'm your Jennifer, you're my Brad.
Reason for inclusion: Familiarity with the series due to its high profile
Category: Chick-Lit/Romance/Series
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