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The Extra-Ordinary Princess
Amelia, the fourth sister in a line of princesses, is sure her red hair and non-princessy ways–not to mention being the last-born–will mean an easy life of never being queen. But when an ancient curse comes to life, an evil uncle tries to take over their peaceful kingdom, and her three sisters are turned into a tree and two swans, Amelia and her best friend Henry must gath...more
Hardcover, 336 pages
Published
August 4th 2009
by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
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I picked this off the shelf randomly while waiting for my kids to find books at the library. It was ok; probably meant for 12-year-olds not 27-year-olds, so I'll try not to be too critical. However, even a book meant for 12-year-olds shouldn't seem like it was written by one. It seemed like the author was trying too hard to fit the genre. The names of people and places seemed pretentious and there wasn't a clear structure and organization to the "magical" world she created. I didn't find much to...more
The beginning seemed to be a bit of a rip off of The Ordinary Princess but as the story progressed it differed and then reminded me heavily of Tuesdays at the Castle. Suffice it to say that it was nice little yarn, but it was too wordy to appeal to me as a 10-year-old and to hodge-podge to appeal to me now. The characters were flat and, almost exactly like Jessica Day George, everything just happens to work itself out. Books like this always seemed slightly condescending to me when I was young a...more
4.5 stars. Firstly, Ebbitt never specified what Amelia's power was. There was just a whole mash up of the "believe-in-yourself" thing, and I thought Amelia only had 3 wishing stones! First one was to save Henry from the fire, second one was to wish for Meg to be all right, the last was to wish for a white stallion. But afterwards it was mentioned that Amelia used the "last" white wishing stone to aid her in the transformation spell!?!? Majorly confusing.
Other than that I'd say this is a really...more
Other than that I'd say this is a really...more
Erm... I've read it long ago, so there is a high chance of possibility that I might forget what the books was about. Anyway, I liked this book and I felt as if I was in book watching everything that was happening in the book.
This book is mainly about how the forth princess in the kingdom, Amelia, helps her sisters by rescuing them from the enchanted spell of being swans and tree. The Ravon wanted the rule the village, but it did not last forever, now that the village is plagued with a mysterio...more
I got this as a 'daily deal' from Amazon and was pleasantly surprised. Amelia is the fourth princess in line for the throne and more interested in fencing than decorum. A horrible plague is ravaging the kingdom and the children of the capital are evacuated to the summer palace in the mountains. The story gets complicated and Amelia’s role in freeing the people plays out in a very satisfying way. The story is perfect for a new Disney animated story, imaginative and sprinkled with many original ch...more
I've got a few beefs with the writing that prevented me from absolutely loving this one.
But if I were ten years old again? This would have been practically my favorite book ever. Even where the writing is flawed, the story is strong and full of themes (good vs. evil, finding strengh you didn't know you had, etc.), that make it hugely appealing to - as other reviewers have put it - younger readers looking for a meatier story. It's just straighforward enough that younger readers can takle it (real...more
But if I were ten years old again? This would have been practically my favorite book ever. Even where the writing is flawed, the story is strong and full of themes (good vs. evil, finding strengh you didn't know you had, etc.), that make it hugely appealing to - as other reviewers have put it - younger readers looking for a meatier story. It's just straighforward enough that younger readers can takle it (real...more
This was such a lovely, sweet "fairytale" in a very classic vein and was vastly enjoyable. I highly recommend it!
My only complaint was that I would have liked more intense characterizations. Amelia is the only one that gets enough time to be a character that you really know and I wish that they would have given the other players more depth, esp. Henry, Lia, Tiege and Meg. Nonetheless, it has an older feel to it and so I can sort of overlook that.
Oh, and the "each person is special and unique" an...more
My only complaint was that I would have liked more intense characterizations. Amelia is the only one that gets enough time to be a character that you really know and I wish that they would have given the other players more depth, esp. Henry, Lia, Tiege and Meg. Nonetheless, it has an older feel to it and so I can sort of overlook that.
Oh, and the "each person is special and unique" an...more
What a charming book!
In the vein of The Ordinary Princess, this book was a delight from start to finish. It had an old-fashioned feel that reminded me of the books I loved as a child, like the Streatfeild "Shoes" books, A Little Princess, and the very best fairy tales. Princess Amelia is a delight, and so is her best friend Henry, as they racket around the palace under the kind eye of Amelia's loving parents, her tutors and nurses. When a mysterious evil befalls the country, however, and Amelia...more
In the vein of The Ordinary Princess, this book was a delight from start to finish. It had an old-fashioned feel that reminded me of the books I loved as a child, like the Streatfeild "Shoes" books, A Little Princess, and the very best fairy tales. Princess Amelia is a delight, and so is her best friend Henry, as they racket around the palace under the kind eye of Amelia's loving parents, her tutors and nurses. When a mysterious evil befalls the country, however, and Amelia...more
This is a great story for those younger readers ready for a longer tale but not necessarily ready for mature issues. While there's plenty of substantial subject matter: war, good vs. evil, being true to yourself, etc. none of it is presented in a way to overwhelm kids not ready to face those subjects in a hardcore way.
The story is essentially about the youngest of four princesses and how she, with the help of good, wise and loyal friends must overcome an evil that has usurped the kingdom. A f...more
The story is essentially about the youngest of four princesses and how she, with the help of good, wise and loyal friends must overcome an evil that has usurped the kingdom. A f...more
To my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I admit that I only picked it up at the bookstore because the jacket sounded like it would be good research for a project I was considering at the time...the beautiful cover didn't hurt either. But what I found inside the pages was a wonderful mix of fantasy and fairy tale.
Amelia is the fourth princess, born behind three sisters who all excel at one thing or another. Compared to them, Amelia feels ordinary. But as one might expect, as the story un...more
Amelia is the fourth princess, born behind three sisters who all excel at one thing or another. Compared to them, Amelia feels ordinary. But as one might expect, as the story un...more
Reviewed by Joan Stradling for TeensReadToo.com
As the fourth princess of Gossling, Amelia doesn't have to worry about being queen. After all, she has three sisters who will inherit the throne before she does. Besides, Amelia is only ordinary at best. Her school work is poor, and she's not nearly as talented and beautiful as her three older sisters. Amelia is content to play with her best friend and let others worry about running the country.
However, Amelia's ordinary life changes when a plague d...more
As the fourth princess of Gossling, Amelia doesn't have to worry about being queen. After all, she has three sisters who will inherit the throne before she does. Besides, Amelia is only ordinary at best. Her school work is poor, and she's not nearly as talented and beautiful as her three older sisters. Amelia is content to play with her best friend and let others worry about running the country.
However, Amelia's ordinary life changes when a plague d...more
Good fantasy/fairy tale for the middle grades set. Especially good for a middle to upper elem. kid looking for a meatier book that's at their level emotionally.
In a nutshell, the 4th and youngest princess in a royal family (and the most "ordinary") ends up needing to be the one to rescue not only her sisters from enchantment but also her entire country from serious evil.
Loads of good themes -- good vs. evil, choice vs. fate, reality vs. perception. Very kid-friendly and easy to relate to.
In a nutshell, the 4th and youngest princess in a royal family (and the most "ordinary") ends up needing to be the one to rescue not only her sisters from enchantment but also her entire country from serious evil.
Loads of good themes -- good vs. evil, choice vs. fate, reality vs. perception. Very kid-friendly and easy to relate to.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Another girl-power book, in the lovely tradition of Shannon Hale, with a non-traditional heroine saving the world at the last minute. I loved that there wasn't any "don't need men" theme, but it was empowering for girls nonetheless. Are there books out there like this for boys? Are we writing books to help boys discover that their particular talents are good for something that will be unveiled in the last chapter? Luckily, that is not my problem right now. I loved it.
Amelia has three older sisters who seem to be everything a princess should be. Amelia in contrast is quite ordinary. When a mysterious plague sweeps their kingdom, the princesses are sent to the palace in the mountains for their own safety. In the meantime the king and queen are struck with the illness and die. Since the oldest princess is a few months shy of being able to rule, their Uncle Raven is called in to rule in the interim. Raven is a powerful, but evil magician, and before they know it...more
Sep 22, 2009
Claire
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
girls who like an adventurous tale, family read aloud
This is a sweet tale of a wise Queen, her gentle King and their lovely daughters. Bent on revenge, an evil step-uncle wrecks havoc on their prosperous land. Only young Amelia can save the land from peril. She and her lifelong friend Henry must quest to find Amelia's inherent magic as the last White Queen.
Themes of learning differently, friendship, persistence and courage to find and summon your talent within.
Themes of learning differently, friendship, persistence and courage to find and summon your talent within.
agree with the other reviews, i liked it.
Could have developed the characters more (HENRY!) and it was a bit annoying with the whole, "believe in yourself blblblbl" I enjoyed some of the creative concepts such as being able to spread messages through the animals of Gossling.
I felt like I'd read a number of books with similar background themes, but loved the feel of the book. A good "nestler."
Could have developed the characters more (HENRY!) and it was a bit annoying with the whole, "believe in yourself blblblbl" I enjoyed some of the creative concepts such as being able to spread messages through the animals of Gossling.
I felt like I'd read a number of books with similar background themes, but loved the feel of the book. A good "nestler."
I loved this book! As a fourth/youngest child myself I loved the theme of the book. Just because you may be young, ordinary or the youngest you can be extra-ordinary! Never underestimate yourself! I enjoyed reading their story. A great story for any girl to read. I love Amelia and her sisters and their courage and determination!
Very cute fairy tale story. It's easy to feel not so special surrounded by incredibly beautiful and talented sisters. It's good to remember special comes from the choices we make, and not just who we are born as.
I enjoyed this story -- they don't often write 'em like this anymore! This would have been a much-loved favorite had it been available when I was a kid.
I really liked this book and I loved how Amelia was able to find out that it is ok to be ordinary. I thought this book was a really fun and humorous and well written!
This book is inspiring and joyful. I loved it! and I recommend it to everyone and every age! It will truely be worth your time.
Probably should be rated a 4 1/2, but I'll give it a 5 because it's endearing. I do love an empowering girl story.
read this review and others at http://readingforsanity.blogspot.com/...
Quick read, nice story. Good moral about accepting yourself. Recommended it to Lewyn who read it and liked it.
Just a fun read about another sweet princess being true to herself - even if that self is extra-ordinary.
very enjoyable story. definitely recommend...I think fourth grade and up would like this story.
A good story, but it was rather too long, which made it feel a bit tedious at times.
If you are feeling sorry for you're self read this. It's very creative.
Pretty solid read. My 11yr old loved it so much she started reading it again.
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Nov 02, 2009 07:22pm