
Reach for this book when your child is caught between their own strong moral compass and the practical expectations of their family or community. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels deeply for animals but sometimes struggles with the boundaries of responsibility and the consequences of keeping secrets. The story follows Princess, an eleven year old girl on an Oklahoma cattle ranch, who secretly rescues an orphaned opossum despite her father's strict rules about wild animals. It explores complex themes of honesty, the weight of a guilty conscience, and the difficult reality that loving something sometimes means letting it go. Parents will find it a grounded, realistic tool for discussing how good intentions can lead to risky choices and how to rebuild trust after a mistake. It is perfectly suited for middle grade readers who are beginning to navigate the gray areas of right and wrong.
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Sign in to write a reviewSituations involving wild animals and farm equipment carry some physical risk.
Deals with orphaned animals and the potential for animal death.
The book deals with the harsh realities of ranch life, including the death of animals and the pragmatic view of predators. The approach is secular and highly realistic. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: Princess earns back trust through labor and honesty rather than a magical change in her father's rules.
An 11 year old who feels misunderstood by their parents or who is a 'hider' of problems. It is perfect for the child who wants to work with animals but needs to understand the ethics and safety required for wildlife rehabilitation.
Parents should be aware of a scene involving a potential animal injury and the intense pressure Princess feels. The book can be read cold, but it is best followed by a talk about why rules exist for safety. A parent might choose this after discovering their child has been keeping a significant secret or after a child has brought home an animal without permission.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the 'cuteness' of the opossum and the thrill of the secret. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the psychological toll of Princess's lying and the legitimate perspective of her father.
Unlike many 'girl and her pet' stories, this book does not vilify the parent for being strict. It validates the ranching lifestyle while still honoring the child's empathy, creating a nuanced look at conflicting worldviews within one home.
Princess is an eleven year old girl living on a working cattle ranch in Oklahoma. Her father has a firm 'no wild animals' policy, viewing them as pests or threats to the livestock. When Princess finds an orphaned baby opossum, her empathy overrides her obedience, and she begins a clandestine rescue mission. As the summer progresses, the 'easy' secret becomes a heavy burden of lies, logistical challenges, and physical danger. The story culminates in a confrontation where Princess must face the consequences of her deception and reconcile her identity as an animal lover with her role in a ranching family.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.