Princess in Waiting

More moral/ royal lessons abound for Mia. This time, in Princess in Waiting, Mia opens her mouth too much in her first address to the people of Genovia, fears a break-up from her new boyfriend, takes something she shouldn't from the royal Genovian museum, and is terrified of her grandmother when she doesn't want go to a ball.

Another element that makes Princess in Waiting entertaining, are the different forms of media that Cabot includes in Mia's diary. Mia makes lists of romantic heroines that teach us valuable lessons and of the hottest guys. There are chat conversations, essays for English class, and notes passed back and forth between friends.

Also, Mia's grandmother has her read Jane Eyre so that she may learn how not to chase boys. Mia takes it too far when she doesn't call Michael back upon her return from Genovia and her mother tells her so. However, Mia doesn't really start to question her own actions until she sees that Tina's boyfriend has broken up with her for the "not chasing" pact. Perhaps, some students might be motivated to read Jane Eyre!

To justify my love of this series:

ALA Booklist- "She wines; she gloats; she cheers, worries, rants, and raves; reading her journal is like reading a note from your best friend."

VOYA- "Although Mia has successfully commanded attention on the silver screen, teens will find the readable princess more personal and sophisticated."