Bad Princess

October 16, 2017
Having recounted the ill-fated lives of royal women for adult readers in Doomed Queens, Waldherr aims younger, spotlighting young women throughout history who were born or married into royal families. Illustrated with archival images and the author’s pink-washed portraits, the book presents a colorful roster of rebels, schemers, and victims of marriages that were arranged to “expand territories, forge empires, and strengthen political ties.” Waldherr compiles historical facts and legends in a conversational and often irreverent voice (“When Lucrezia turned thirteen she tied the knot at last! Husband #1 was Giovanni Sforza, a dude double her age”). Numerous pop culture allusions help put some of the stories in modern context but can be forced: the War of the Roses “at times resembled toddlers squabbling over a Happy Meal toy,” and Napoleon’s sister, Pauline, “might have been the Kendall Jenner of her day.” Sidebars offer insight into the evolution of fairy tales, the tradition of dowries, and the pressure to conform to changing beauty standards (“It seems we’ll still do anything to remain fairest in the land”).
A cheeky roundup of royal tangles and scandals. Ages 9–12.

November 1, 2017

Gr 4-7-A work of nonfiction covering, you guessed it, real princesses. The book is full of facts, pictures, illustrated charts, and more. Readers will learn about Salic law, "princess wars," how to wed a prince circa the 1800s, and more. For instance, Salic law was not practiced everywhere. It held that only males could inherit the throne. This is a peppy, interesting read; it's perfect for tweens. Waldherr makes the information relatable by using current pop culture references, while splashes of color add much to the overall design. The title also will prompt reluctant studernts to learn more about history and what living like a royal was like in the past and present. VERDICT This is a great book to recommend to readers who want a taste of history with a side of fairy tale princesses.-Maeve Dodds, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2017
The author of Doomed Queens (2008) examines "princess backlash" and asks: what makes a princess?Vignettes about royals (primarily European) collected under wry chapter headings such as "Princess Wars," "Those Revolting Royals," and "When the Tiara Doesn't Fit" will leave youngsters reeling. Love is not certain, nor are riches. Waldherr's storytelling voice strikes a fine balance between snarky and sympathetic. Many princesses were political pawns, such as Lucrezia Borgia. Elizabeth Bathory of Slovakia, an accused serial killer, was "bad to the bone." Some, most notably Princess Diana, got bad deals. Even European fairy-tale princesses such as Snow White and the Little Mermaid endured hardships, even horrors. Readers will marvel that anyone's able to sell the myth of the happily-ever-after princess. Quotes, factoids, illustrations, and photographs complete the compendium and bring youngsters up to the current day, showing them that princesses willing to take the rei[g]ns can, in fact, achieve success. Modern-day examples of royalty include Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini of Swaziland and Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum of Dubai, reflecting a more diverse mix of women who embody a new stricture all readers can embrace: "A princess can change the world." Power to the princesses, right on! (further reading) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2017
Grades 4-7 Packed with history and context, Waldherr uses an animated, well-rounded approach in this engaging look at princesses in life and lore. After an introduction exploring why princesses remain a source of fascination and influence, subsequent chapters present stories of princesses to examine what being a princess means, including their various characteristics and roles through time, stereotypes and controversies, and ever afters, happy and otherwise. Readers are introduced to sixth-century Blood Countess Elizabeth Bathory; opportunistic Dollar Princesses, who sought status by marrying royalty; and others who were political pawns, subservient heir-bearers, or depicted as damsels in distress. Along with these, Waldherr also profiles a diverse array of compellingly strong, self-determined princesses who challenged the status quo and endeavored to enact positive change and empower others, like modern-day Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini of Swaziland. The conversational tone, droll commentary, and up-to-date pop-culture references (Disney, natch) make for vibrant, engaging reading, and the lively layout, incorporating sidebars, factoids, and tongue-in-cheek illustrations, further enhance the pages. This absorbing, thought-provoking, and intriguing exploration of a perennially popular topic will both entertain and inform.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2018
Waldherr digs into princess myths and stereotypes, examining both fairy-tale and real-life princesses and royalty from the Middle Ages to modern times. The text's troubling focus on beauty, occasional historical inaccuracies, and forced modern comparisons make for a rather gimmicky package. Historical photographs are jarringly incorporated in a pink design. A "Princess Paths to Power" board game is appended. Reading list.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)