Louie the Star

A parent would reach for this book when their child is grappling with the awkward transition into adolescence or feeling like they are an outsider in their own social circle. It speaks to the universal desire to be seen for who we really are, even when external circumstances change overnight. The story follows Mia Thermopolis, an average New York teenager who discovers she is the heir to a European throne, forcing her to balance algebra and friendship with royal etiquette. While the premise is fantastical, the emotional core is deeply grounded in the realistic anxieties of middle school, including body image, social hierarchy, and the fear of losing one's identity. Parents will appreciate the diary format which highlights Mia's inner growth and her eventually resilient voice. It is a humorous, relatable choice for tweens and young teens who are navigating the 'growing pains' of discovering their place in the world.