A World Without Princes

Reach for this book when your child is starting to question the 'all or nothing' rules of social groups or feels caught between a best friend and a new crush. While it is a high-stakes fantasy, the heart of the story addresses the shifting loyalties of middle school and the realization that people are rarely just one thing. It is an ideal pick for readers who are outgrowing traditional fairy tales and want to explore the messy reality of growing up. Following their return from the first book, Sophie and Agatha find that their 'happily ever after' is complicated by secret regrets. When they return to the school, they find it transformed into a battleground between boys and girls. The story tackles intense themes of gender identity, the toxicity of peer pressure, and the blurred lines between love and hate. Parents should be aware that the tone is darker than the first installment, making it most suitable for mature 10 to 14 year olds who can handle complex moral ambiguity.