The Princess Diaries

Book review by Amanda May Dundas, Common Sense Media
The Princess Diaries Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

U.S. teen learns she's a Euro princess in fun series start.

Meg Cabot Coming of Age 2000
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 5 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 12 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Meg Cabot's The Princess Diaries is the first book in a popular series. It inspired the 2001 movie of the same name. This modern-day Cinderella story is narrated as diary entries by Mia, a gawky high school freshman whose biggest concerns are her flat chest and the fact that her mother is dating her algebra teacher. Mia's shocked when her dad reveals that she’s actually the princess of a small European country named Genovia and, due to testicular cancer that caused her father to be infertile, now heir to the throne. As with many teen diaries, this one's filled with thoughts of sex, drinking, and friendship drama.

Community Reviews

LKPWR
LKPWR Adult
January 5, 2021
age 14+

Includes inappropriate content and references for younger girls

The story, the plot, the narrative are really good. Engages young readers to follow through and enjoy the book. However, it DOES contain plenty of sexual references, examples, words, scenes that are unnecessary for younger ages. Parents will need to discuss them with their kids to avoid confusion and clarify as needed.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
2 people found this helpful.
Faith V.
Faith V. Adult
January 18, 2022
age 16+

Regret Reading This Book. So Much Drama And Sex as the series goes on.

This is very inappropriate I read this book series for a while and as Mia gets older she starts to think about sex and talks to her friend Tina about it. it's very boyfriend-girlfriend-type stuff it's all about what Michael (Mia's boyfriend) thinks Michael will like. Even for a 13 yr old, this is not an appropriate book series in book 8 Michael has to go to Japan so he can build something to save lives and Mia doesn't want him to go so she remembers when Michael said he can't stand to be around her and not have sex with her so she thought that if she offered to do it with him she could get him to stay ETC, Anyways, if you want your child to be safe and not be exposed to that do not let them read this series.

This title has:

Too much sex
1 person found this helpful.
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Unlike most little girls who dream of being a princess, Mia isn't thrilled to discover her royal lineage or future as heir to a throne. Forced to replace her boots with nylon stockings and high-heeled shoes is bad enough, but then her Grandmere also insists on giving her proper "princess" lessons, where she learns what to do with used napkins and how to handle declarations of love. Meanwhile, her best friend is mad at her, the cutest boy in school is suddenly interested in her, and she’s still flunking algebra even though her mother is dating the teacher.

Is It Any Good?

Mia’s multiple insecurities and gaffes makes her a lovable heroine, and readers will cheer her on as she fumbles her way to becoming the princess she's destined to be in this fun series start. The very earnest and mostly clueless high school freshman is still developing both physically and emotionally, and coming of age is painful enough without a media spotlight, not to mention a bodyguard following you around on your first date. But Mia's gawky struggles make THE PRINCESS DIARIES not only amusing but also relatable, despite its far-fetched premise.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it would mean to discover you're suddenly famous or very rich. Would it all be positive? What are some of the downsides?

  • Have you seen The Princess Diaries movie? How do you think the book compares?

  • Have you ever gotten news that changed the way you thought of yourself?

Book Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love princesses and friendship tales

Themes & Topics

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