Princess Grace
By Terreece Clarke,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Princesses shine more than their tiaras in refreshing tale.
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What's the Story?
Grace loves everything about princesses. The poofy pink dresses, tiaras, and sparkles. She just knows she's perfect for a spot on the school float where one queen and two princesses will dazzle the crowd. Before she's selected, Grace must learn what a true princess does, and the answer's surprising. Soon, the question becomes, what kind of princess does Grace want to be?
Is It Any Good?
PRINCESS GRACE by Mary Hoffman is a delightful and refreshing look at the world of princesses minus the overwhelming amount of pink and sparkles often exhibited in such narratives. When the title character, Grace, is confronted with a simple question -- What do princesses do? -- she discovers a world of royalty that she had never dreamed of, with helpful parents and teachers as guides.
Hoffman, with the help of talented illustrators Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu, takes readers on a journey to discover that princesses are leaders, soldiers, scientists, artists, and more, while helping to highlight princesses that exist outside the European standard. Additionally, Hoffman highlights the cross cultural adaptations of classic fairy tales, all in a successful effort to include a wider cultural experience. Kids and parents will both love this book, and it's a good book to start conversations on gender norms, media role models, and societal expectations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's important to have positive role models in the media. What does Grace learn about herself when she starts learning about real princesses?
Families can also discuss gender norms. Do you think the boys have a good point when they ask to be included in the parade? Do you sometimes see people left out of things because it's a "girl thing" or "boy thing?" How does that make you feel?
Have you ever heard of the real-life princesses described in the book? How and where would you do research to learn more about real princesses and the lives they lead beyond wearing crowns?
Book Details
- Author: Mary Hoffman
- Illustrators: Cornelius Van Wright, Ying-Hwa Hu
- Genre: Family Life
- Topics: Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Dial Books
- Publication date: January 10, 2008
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Paperback, Hardback
- Last updated: March 4, 2020
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