How does Jessica Day George write great stories over and over again? True, she's writing stories that all children know and are told as fairy tales, but Ms. George does it with great imagination and carefully plotted twists. Her characters jump off the page as real people and their lives are believable even if fantasy.
Princess in Glass is no exception.
Poppy is a princess that lived through a terrible fate of dancing every night in an enchanted castle. After a servant set her and her sisters free, Poppy, now 16, leaves her kingdom for another in a political attempt to being all the kingdoms together.
While there, Poppy finds a mystery, handsome prince, friends and her own inner strength. Plus, she has to dance though she vowed never to do so again.
I loved Poppy! She's spirited, flawed, funny and kind. She curses like a warrior thanks to her brothers-in-law (but the book never has the swear words), she can fight and shot a gun plus dance gracefully.
Every character has their own story and are believable. They only character that didn't get enough page time is the godmother. I would've liked to see more of her personality she I could be taken in by her.
Ms. George weaves a new story of Cinderella, cinders and glass slippers. Or Eleanora as she was known in the castles she was hired to work. Poor Eleanora can't cook, clean, wash or iron without catastrophe.
The story line of Poppy and Eleanora twists seamlessly together and both must show their strengths.
And in the end, the handsome prince must slip the glass shoe on his true love.
This book is one of my new favorite fairy tale retelling. I recommend it as a summer read-outloud book for your family.
Good job, Jessica! I'm waiting for your next book!

Rating: PG
V: Evil godmother
L: None
S: None