title: Real Princesses: An Inside Look at the Royal Life
author:  Valerie Wilding 
description: Grade 25Readers who can't get enough of pink-and-purple princess books will be drawn to this title, which promises the real scoop on royal life. The author explains what it means to be a princess, different routes to becoming one, and what princesses do. She offers surprising stories and details about the lives of historical and contemporary figures from around the world, along with substantial information on Princess Diana. While diverse royal lifestyles, such as families living in quarters other than palaces, are mentioned, this book really plays into the media-hyped image of princesses. Much of it covers the stuff of movies and daydreams: designer dresses, gourmet food, jewelry, and weddings. This is done in a general way, implying that every princess lives in luxury, which contradicts earlier statements in the narrative. Nearly all of the drawings show skinny white people in sparkly, revealing outfits. Captioned photos appear throughout. A lack of clear headings, general organization, and tools such as maps and time lines may create frustration for those actually looking for information. Fictional sidebars and slang words, such as "bling," add to the informal feel of the text. Adequate for browsing; opt for specific biographies for focused information.<i>Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI</i> <br />Copyright  Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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  MaryJanice Davidson
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  THE PRINCESS-TO-BE PRIMER,
  
  Or, Things I've Learned Really Quick, As Compiled by
  
  Her Future Royal Highness—Yeah, Whatever-
  
  Christina. That's me.  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  1\. Telling jokes you picked up from the guys on the fishing boat doesn't go
  over really well at a fancy ball.  
  2\. Must learn to curtsy, stifle burps, and tell the difference between a
  salad fork and a fruit knife.  
  3\. Must not keep thinking about Prince David's amazing eyes, lips, hands,
  shoulders, uh...wait, can I start over?  
  4\. Becoming a princess is a lot harder than it looks.  
  5\. Falling in love is a whole lot easier...
  
  
  
  
  
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  ATTACKED!
  
  Prince David, intent on his late-morning observations of the residents of
  Allen Hall, never saw the arm that snaked around the doorway, effectively
  clothes lining him. In a flash he was on his back, and being dragged into a
  small, dark sit