Princess Ben

Reach for this book when your child feels like they do not fit the mold of what society, or even their own family, expects of them. It is a perfect choice for the pre-teen who is navigating self-consciousness about their body or their abilities. Princess Beatrice Mary Virginia Elizabeth Catherine Charlotte Louise (Ben) is a stubborn, grieving, and distinctly un-princess-like heroine who is forced into a rigid royal finishing school by an aunt who views her as a political pawn. While the story includes magic and high-stakes adventure, its heart lies in Ben's journey from a miserable, hiding child to a capable young woman who defines her own worth. It handles themes of grief and independence with humor and grit. Parents will appreciate how it subverts traditional fairy tale tropes, replacing the 'damsel in distress' narrative with one of hard-earned self-reliance. It is an empowering read for ages 10 to 14 that celebrates the messy, difficult, and ultimately rewarding process of growing up.