The Princess Plot - Softcover

KIRSTEN BOIE is the recipient of Germany's prestigious Jungen Pris and the bestselling author of several children's books. THE PRINCESS TRAP is the sequel to THE PRINCESS PLOT, her first novel to be published in English. She lives in Hamburg.

Grade 6–9—Fourteen-year-old Jenna lives in an unnamed country near the fictional country of Scandia. Her mother won't tell her anything about her past or her father, and she refuses to let Jenna participate in anything "vulgar"—like the movie audition taking place in their town. Jenna goes anyway, and can't believe it when she's picked over her pretty BFF to fly to Scandia to play a princess in the movie—and her mother unexpectedly gives her permission to go. Meanwhile, the real Princess of Scandia, whose father has just died, is missing, and the regent (her uncle) and his advisors are frantic to find her. As her final audition, Jenna is asked to impersonate Malena at her birthday gala. But she soon realizes she is a pawn in something larger: there is civil unrest in the country, the regent and his advisors are up to no good, and the Princess's disappearance has something to do with it. This often confusing story switches narratives to follow different characters and is soon cluttered with people and politics: rebel forces, conspiracy, kidnappings, disguises, bombings, lies, and family secrets. Readers are often many steps ahead of Jenna as she discovers her true identity, and revelations seem obvious. While readers may enjoy the classic "girl turns out to be princess" story in a modern setting, they may also get bogged down in the overly complex plot and tedious pacing.—Riva Pollard, Prospect Sierra Middle School, El Cerrito, CA END