The Princess Imposter

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2018

Review

Vande Velde's The Princess Imposter is a sweet fantasy novel for middle grade readers. The perspective of the novel shifts between Phleg, a fairy who uses magic to switch place with a princess, and Gabriella, a princess who finds herself in a fairy's home. Neither girl understand the customs or ways of the other's world. Gabriella and Phleg come to have a greater understanding of who they are and the importance of family and being true to yourself. The characters are sweet and silly in this book with just enough rudeness to keep kids engaged through the good lessons. Vande Velde is well known for creating rich stories, and she delivers here. The only true trip up comes from the cover, the explosion of pink and purple and the two very cartoonish girls depicted are a far cry from the characters that appear within, which could repel many readers who would otherwise enjoy the story.

Overall Book Score: very good