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(3)
4-6
In this fourth series entry, the royal family prepares for and handles complications surrounding Princess Mia's coronation. Meanwhile, thirteen-year-old Princess Olivia deals with her own drama: a gossipy cousin, a "friend-who-is-a-boy" who hasn't kissed her yet, and a new royal babysitting service with her best friend. Black-and-white illustrations dot Olivia's journal-like prose as she handles typical tween worries with humor and grace.
(3)
4-6
In this third series entry, almost-thirteen-year-old Princess Olivia is dealing with many dramas, including a first crush, a know-it-all cousin, becoming an aunt, and a class trip chaperoned by uber-opinionated Grandmère. This quick read lightly touches on real-world problems (e.g., refugees, dictators) but also includes plenty of tween concerns (crushes, gossip, parties). The entertaining book includes journal-like prose, text messages, lists, and black-and-white illustrations.
284 pp.
| Feiwel
| May, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-250-06604-6$16.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-250-06605-3
(3)
4-6
Book two in this entertaining Princess Diaries spinoff series revolves around the royal wedding of Princess Olivia's half sister, Mia. There's still so much to prepare, but Olivia is preoccupied with starting school, contending with her snobby cousin Luisa, and keeping her dog from running amok. Olivia's engaging journal-like prose, mixed with lists, text messages, and notes, is also peppered with detailed black-and-white illustrations.
182 pp.
| Feiwel
| May, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-250-06602-2$16.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-250-06603-9
(3)
4-6
Sixth grader Olivia feels extremely average, so she's shocked to learn she's a princess. Her long-lost sister Mia (The Princess Diaries) takes her to meet Grandmère and their father, whom Olivia has never met. Olivia receives a crash course in being a royal--everything from press attention to etiquette. This spinoff story will feel delightfully familiar to fans of the original series (or the movies).
346 pp.
| Scholastic/Point
| July, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-28412-7$17.99
(4)
YA
Abandon series.
In this final entry, Pierce's boyfriend John (who's also a "death deity" in charge of the Underworld) dies--or does he? To save him, Pierce returns to Isla Huesos, where Furies mean harm to her and her friends. Pierce's meandering, casual narration is occasionally trying but mostly entertaining; fans will miss her, John, and the rest of the colorful cast.
318 pp.
| Scholastic/Point
| May, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-28411-0$17.99
(4)
YA
Abandon series.
Pierce (Abandon) has given up her life on Earth to be in the Underworld with John, the death deity she loves. But when she discovers that her cousin may be in danger, she and John return to Florida to save him. This installment occasionally drags, though readers may enjoy the introduction of some colorful characters and revelations about John's past.
309 pp.
| Scholastic/Point
| April, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-28410-3$17.99
(3)
YA
Abandon Trilogy series.
After Pierce died, she went to, then escaped from, the Underworld. Now she lives with her mom on a stormy Florida island, where she keeps running into John, a (very attractive) "death deity." This first book in a projected series delivers an original and entertaining reimagining of the Persephone and Hades myth.
232 pp.
| Scholastic
| September, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-04048-8$15.99
(3)
4-6
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls series.
Allie's excitement about her first field trip is short-lived after Mrs. Hunter announces that Room 209 will visit boring, old-timey Honeypot Prairie--along with Allie's old class, including her mean ex-best friend. As in the previous five books, Allie's wacky yet sweet-natured rules (such as "Don't go on a walkabout on people who are in distress") propel a humorous school story.
199 pp.
| Scholastic
| March, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-04047-1$15.99
(2)
4-6
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls series.
Allie is thrilled to attend a twirling competition with her best friends--until she finds out that "frenemy" Brittany is having a glamorous birthday party the same day. Cabot provides a gentle way to learn that you should "always be true to your friends, just as you are to yourself" in this typically funny and age-appropriate series entry.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2010
310 pp.
| Scholastic/Point
| April, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-04060-0$16.99
(4)
YA
Emerson's in the body of supermodel Nikki (Airhead), and Nikki's in the body of someone else (Being Nikki). In the trilogy's final volume, Em, Nikki, and company work to expose the nefarious Stark Enterprises, the corporation responsible for their brain transplants. The story drags--due to Em's stream-of-consciousness waffling--until the teens bring down Stark in an entirely satisfying conclusion.
207 pp.
| Scholastic
| March, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-04043-3$15.99
(2)
4-6
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls series.
Allie is thrilled to have a new girl in her class--until Cheyenne takes over Room 209, forcing her classmates to "go with" one another and chasing boys to kiss them. But all Allie needs are her rules, her best friends, and a little courage to get through. Without being condescending or saccharine, Cabot reassuringly acknowledges that fourth grade can be stressful.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2009
336 pp.
| Scholastic/Point
| May, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-04056-3$16.99
(4)
YA
In Airhead, Em's brain was transplanted into supermodel Nikki's body. Now Nikki is "the Face of Stark Enterprises," a super-powerful (and super-shady) corporation. Love-interest Christopher is intent on destroying Stark, and Nikki's brother appears, demanding she help track down their missing mom. Little happens until book's end, but there are enough conspiracies and twists to create anticipation for the next volume.
221 pp.
| Scholastic
| September, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-04045-7$15.99
(3)
4-6
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls series.
In her fourth story, Allie's fourth-grade class is performing the play Princess Penelope in the Realm of Recycling. Allie wants to be the princess--but so do friend Sophie and enemy Cheyenne. Allie doesn't win the role, but she gets by with her characteristic wit and, of course, her rules. Her unique perspective will keep upper-elementary readers (and possibly their parents) chuckling.
383 pp.
| HarperTeen
| January, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-123292-3$16.99
(3)
YA
Princess Diaries series.
In this final series volume, Mia's about to celebrate her eighteenth birthday, prom, and graduation. Of course, none goes smoothly--thanks to Michael's reappearance and the shifty behavior of boyfriend J.P. (who is skeptical about the romance novel she's written). Readers who appreciate Mia's usual animated, self-critical narration will be rewarded with a "majorly happy ending" fit for a princess.
232 pp.
| Scholastic
| March, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-03947-5$15.99
(3)
4-6
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls series.
Nine-year-old Allie Finkle keeps a list of rules; she likes their predictability. But sometimes knowing the rules doesn't help--for example, when your best friend cries too much and when your parents decide to leave your nice, normal house to fix up an old, spooky Victorian across town. A breezy writing style and spirited leading lady help buoy the story.
228 pp.
| Scholastic
| September, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-04049-5$15.99
(3)
4-6
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls series.
Perky Allie settles into her new home and school with a great new group of friends. All would be perfect if only bully Rosemary weren't threatening to beat her up. After a spelling bee, a tense grandma visit, and one premature kitten, Allie begins to figure things out in this breezy, entertaining story that, despite a pat ending, rings true.
337 pp.
| Scholastic
| June, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-04052-5$16.99
(4)
YA
After a tragic accident, Emerson wakes up to find that her brain has been transplanted into the body of supermodel Nikki Howard. Worse, Emerson's contracted to continue Nikki's life and career; no one except her family knows who she really is. The concept stretches credibility and the plot is surprisingly sluggish, but Cabot's fans will undoubtedly eagerly await the sequel.
274 pp.
| HarperTeen
| January, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-072461-0$16.99
(4)
YA
Princess Diaries series.
After Michael breaks up with her, Princess Mia sinks into a "big, black hole." To make things worse, Lilly's ignoring her, she has to make an important speech, and J.P.'s acting a little too friendly. Cabot handles Mia's woes with her characteristically light touch. Fans not bothered by the protagonist's naiveté and capital letter–heavy narration will welcome this ninth series volume.
(3)
YA
Princess Diaries series.
While both her grandmother and best friend Lilly seem to be doing all they can to make Mia's life difficult, she's spending most of her time stressing about her boyfriend moving to Japan for a year (she even contemplates sleeping with him). This volume in the series is more tightly focused than previous books, allowing Mia a little growth of character.
(4)
YA
After small-town-girl Jean moves in with Manhattan relatives, she discovers her jealous, witchcraft-loving cousin Tory is out to get her. Jean must use her own supernatural powers to stop Tory while surviving high school as well. Jean's secret past is dragged out too long, and her naiveté grows tiresome. Still, Cabot displays her talent for creating sympathetic teenagers in extraordinary situations.