A parent might reach for this book when their child feels like an outsider or is daydreaming about a different, more exciting life. This charming story follows Olivia, a regular middle schooler who draws in her notebook and feels a bit out of place, until she discovers she is the long-lost half-sister of Princess Mia of Genovia. The book explores themes of identity, family, and finding where you belong, all through Olivia's humorous and illustrated diary entries. It’s perfect for readers ages 8-12, offering a lighthearted and hopeful take on navigating huge life changes, making new friends, and embracing your true self. Its accessible format and sweet-natured humor make it a wonderful choice for pure entertainment.
The core of the story involves Olivia being the result of her father's relationship with another woman before his marriage. The term 'illegitimate' is used but explained gently. The approach is direct, secular, and entirely positive, focusing on the joy of finding a loving father and new family rather than any stigma. The resolution is completely hopeful. The death of Olivia's mother is part of her backstory but is not a focus of the plot.
Ideal Reader
An 8-11 year old who loves diary-style books (like Dork Diaries), humor, and princess stories. This is perfect for a child who feels a bit average or overlooked and enjoys 'what if' daydreams. It’s also an excellent, positive read for a child in any kind of non-traditional family, as it strongly reinforces that family is about love and connection.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold, but a parent might want to preview page 25. This is where Mia explains that her father had a relationship with Olivia's mother before he was married. The conversation is handled very gracefully and with age-appropriate language, but it's the most sensitive part of the book and could spark questions about complex adult relationships. A child expresses feeling bored, ordinary, or like they don't quite fit in. Or, they've just finished the Princess Diaries series and are looking for something similar but for a slightly younger audience.
Age Experience
Younger readers (8-9) will primarily enjoy the fantasy of becoming a princess: the limo, the clothes, the royal life. Older readers (10-12) will connect more deeply with the social-emotional aspects: Olivia's anxiety about starting a new school, the challenge of making new friends, and the complex feelings of discovering a whole new side of her family and identity.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many princess books, this story is grounded in the relatable anxieties of middle school social life. The diary format with the protagonist's own illustrations makes the fantasy feel personal and accessible. It's a modern fairy tale that prioritizes finding family and self-confidence over romance, making it a unique and empowering entry in the genre.
Read plot summary
Olivia Grace is a seemingly ordinary 12-year-old living with her aunt and uncle's family. Her life is turned upside down when Princess Mia Thermopolis of Genovia arrives at her school and reveals that they are half-sisters. Olivia's father, whom she never knew, is the Prince of Genovia. Whisked from her life into the world of royalty, Olivia documents her journey in her notebook with copious drawings. She moves to be near the Genovian consulate, navigates a fancy new private school, makes a new best friend, deals with a school bully, and gets to know the royal father and grandmother she never knew she had.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Olivia uses her drawings to express her feelings, like when she's nervous about meeting her dad. What are some of the ways you like to express your feelings when you have them?
2
Annabelle is unkind to Olivia at the beginning of the book. Why do you think she acted that way? Do you think Olivia made the right choice in how she decided to treat Annabelle?
3
Olivia’s life changes in a huge way almost overnight. What do you think would be the most exciting part of that change? What would be the scariest part?
4
At the end, Olivia says that being a princess is mostly about being yourself. What do you think that means? How does Olivia stay true to herself even with her new royal title?
