Meg Cabot | The Children’s Book Review | August 30, 2017
Meg Cabot is the #1 New York Times―bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, with over 25 million copies of her books sold worldwide. Royal Crush, the third book in her middle-grade Princess Diaries spin-off series, released this month. We asked Meg to share her top 5 favorite middle grade books …
Written and Illustrated by Victoria Jamieson
If this graphic novel about a girl dealing with a broken friendship (but also learning a new sport) had been around when I was a kid, I’d have 1) been much less of a reluctant reader, and 2) taken up roller derby instead of ballet!
Ages 9-12 | Publisher: Dial Books | 2015| ISBN-13: 978-0803740167
Written by Louise Fitzhugh
This book just celebrated it’s 50th anniversary, but the story feels more pertinent than ever thanks to the Internet, where I can imagine a kid like Harriet getting caught writing unkind things about her friends, and then (hopefully) feeling sorry for it.
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Yearling | 2001 (Reprint)| ISBN-13: 978-0440416791
Written by Rachel Vail
A modern day re-telling of Cyrano de Bergerac set in the 7th grade that has everything, including humor, heartbreak, diversity, and runaway turtles. But unlike Cyrano, I loved the ending!
Ages 10-14 | Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers | February 28, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-0670013081
Written by Sarah Mlynowski
This fractured fairy tale series is popular with both parents and kids for good reason: the writing works on multiple levels to make for a fun – at times even delightfully subversive – read.
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Scholastic Inc | 2015 (Box Set) | ISBN-13: 978-0545855761
Written by Judy Blume
This was one of my all-time favorite books as a kid (and remains so today) because it’s so darkly realistic. I always recommend it for those experiencing (or wanting to start a conversation about) bullying and peer pressure. And they always come back screaming, “It’s Lord of the Flies! But for girls! Set in a suburban middle school!”
“Yes,” I say. “Yes, it is.”
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers | 2014 (Reprint) | ISBN-13: 978-1481410137
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Written by Meg Cabot
Publisher’s Synopsis: Get ready for a Royal Crush in this third book in the middle-grade Princess Diaries spin-off series, written and illustrated by New York Times-bestselling author Meg Cabot.
Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison is turning thirteen. Even better, she’s finally starting to get the hang of this princess thing. Just in time, too, since her half-sister, Princess Mia Thermopolis, is expected to give birth to twins any day now!
It’s pretty much the worst time possible for a school field trip, but everyone is insisting that Olivia must attend the Royal School Winter Games. Between Grandmère chaperoning, Olivia’s snobby cousin Luisa complaining about her relationship woes, and everyone insisting that Olivia has a crush on Prince Khalil (even though she isn’t sure that he even wants to be friends anymore!), things are quickly turning into a royal mess!
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Feiwel & Friends | 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1250111524
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About the Author
Meg Cabot is the #1 New York Times―bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, with over 25 million copies of her books sold worldwide. Born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, Meg also lived in Grenoble, France, and Carmel, California, before moving to New York City after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Indiana University. She is the author of numerous books for adults and children, but From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess is the first series she’s illustrated. Meg Cabot currently lives in Key West, Florida, with her husband and cat.
Meg Cabot, author of Royal Crush: From the Notebook of a Middle School Princess, selected these ‘5 Middle Grade Favorites.’ Discover more articles on The Children’s Book Review tagged with Middle School and Princesses.