title: The Princess Problem: Guiding Our Girls through the Princess-Obsessed Years
author: Rebecca Hains
description: "The <i>Princess Problem</i> offers sound, sensible and parent-tested advice for helping children thrive in today's consumer culture. Hains... lays out a family-centered strategy for raising media-smart kids." - <strong><em> Jo B. Paoletti, author of Pink and Blue: Telling the Boys from the Girls in America</em></strong><br /><br />"Blending fact, analysis, and compelling research with expert interviews and eye-opening narratives from actual moms, Rebecca Hains paints a troubling picture of princess culture and media messaging. But like a true fairy godmother, she swoops in to mentor parents on how to rescue girls from the diabolical clutches of the self-serving marketing machine by offering real-world solutions and teachable techniques to counter its effects." - <strong><em> Jen Jones, Co-Founder &amp; Managing Editor, WomenYouShouldKnow.net</em></strong><br /><br />"Ms.Hains has given us a very insightful look at our princess culture. And she doesn't stop there. Her ideas and suggestions on how parents can help their children navigate the overwhelming princess marketing, media and negative stereotypes are refreshingly perceptive. She points out the problem and offers realistic solutions. Parents  this is a must read!" - <strong><em> Brenda Chapman, Writer/Director, Disney/Pixar's BRAVE </em></strong><br /><br />"With warmth, humor, and in-depth research, The <i>Princess Problem</i> thoughtfully explores the production of princess culture, its impact on children, and why we should all care about it. As an expert in media literacy for children, Hains provides concrete and effective (and often fun) strategies and activities to help parents raise girls and boys who are confident, critical, and compassionate." - <strong><em> Chyng Sun, Ph.D., Clinical Professor of Media Studies, McGhee Division, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, New York University, and the producer of documentary film Mickey Mouse Monopoly: Disney, Childhood, and Corporate Power</em></strong><br /><br />"Media and marketers bombard girls at ever-younger ages with "fun" products that promote pernicious stereotypes. So what's a parent to do? Enter Rebecca Hains, a wise, optimistic guide through the princess industrial complex. The <i>Princess Problem</i> is an indispensable tool kit, full of concrete, practical advice. I only wish it had been around when my daughter was in preschool!" - <strong><em> Peggy Orenstein, author of Cinderella Ate My Daughter</em></strong><br /><br />"Hains's dissection of princess marketing reveals inherent gender stereotypes, centered on romance, beauty, passivity (at least until Frozen), and ethnic homogeneity...Hains adds to the discussion with these practical parenting tips" - <strong><em> Publishers Weekly</em></strong><br /><br />""The <i>Princess Problem</i>" is such a beacon of light for parents trying to navigate through the fog of their daughter's princess obsessions...Hains' book offers concrete tips, from introducing a variety of toys beyond the princess centric to working with your child on creating a healthy media diet." - <strong><em> Los Angeles Times</em></strong><br /><br />"The <i>Princess Problem</i> was an informative and engaging read. The tone throughout was friendly. I felt like the author completely understood where I was coming from, and the ideas suggested were appropriate and not at all overwhelming. I really enjoyed reading this book!" - <strong><em> Rebecca Reads</em></strong>
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  ## The Elite
  
  
    
  
  
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  _( The Selection - 2 )_
  
  
  
  
  
  ### Kiera Cass
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six
  have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be
  crowned princess of Illea.
  
  
  America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s
  swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with
  anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and
  is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group
  narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win
  Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.
  
  
  Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her
  question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future,
  the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing
  stronger and