Princesses, Inc.

May 1, 2017
News that YouTube star and fan-fiction hero Collin Prince will be a special guest at a comic convention sends Hailey, 13, and her three besties scrambling to finance a trip to Comicpalooza. Hailey's stepsister, Ginny, agrees to drive them, provided they can pay their way--a high hurdle for young teens whose only marketable skill is babysitting--but they're up to the challenge. In order to beat out older, established babysitters, such as Ginny and her friends, the girls seek a competitive advantage, marketing their services as princesses. They'll show up in costume and enthrall the small fry with scripted entertainment. Transforming thrift-store finds into royal wear is a breeze thanks to the girls' cosplay experience. To reach a broader demographic (boys), they add a second category: pirates. Success quickly follows, but there's a downside. Between daily babysitting gigs, Hailey must find time to write fan fiction and her entry for the Comicpalooza writing contest. PlayStation sessions with Brody--without whose intervention her first gig would have ended in disaster--are a must. Something's got to give--for the princesses, it's homework, softball, family time, and sleep. Babysitting snafus cause cute mayhem and easily solved problems. On the cover, white girls confront their redheaded charges. While product placement's specific, race and culture remain generic: name and dark hair aside, Kalani's culturally identical to her lighter-haired pals. Lightweight, disposable fun. (Fiction. 9-12)

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May 1, 2017

Gr 5-7-What's a girl and her friends to do when they don't have enough money to see their favorite YouTube star at Comicpalooza? Why, use their flair for drama, fanfic writing abilities, and creative know-how to create Princesses and Pirates, Inc., a unique babysitting experience. Hailey and her three best friends, Sarah, Madison, and Kalani, provide their clients with a princess or pirate babysitting adventure. The business begins well but falls apart when Hailey overcommits herself and her friends start flaking out. Soon Hailey has to decide if the money is worth the relationships she is destroying. The fairy-tale theme is woven through the story, from Hailey's "Cinderella"-ish stepmother and stepsisters to the ending. Hailey's friends are not entirely fleshed out and are more a foil for Hailey than well-rounded characters in their own right. This is ultimately a quick read with easily resolved conflicts, but it will appeal to readers looking for something simple and satisfying. VERDICT Recommended for large collections in need of light middle school fare.-Kefira Phillipe, Nichols Middle School, Evanston, IL

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