The Ordinary Princess has got to be one of my favorite books. Yes, it’s a young adult book, and I’m definitely past my “young adulthood” but it’s one I always come back to. The book is by M. M. Kaye, and my 5th grade teacher gave it to me. For some reason, I didn’t bother to read it right away, but when I did, I loved it. Now I can look back and see that it was pretty insightful of her to pick that book for me. As the title states, it’s about a princess who’s different from the fairytale stereotype. Princess Amy (for short) was cursed – or blessed? – by a fairy at her christening that she would be ordinary. Unlike her 6 older sisters, she has straight brown hair, freckles, and a turned up nose, and she hates being prim and proper. The story follows her adventures, and teaches that even an ordinary princess can be a beautiful, wonderful person who is loved.
Growing up, I had frizzy curly hair, glasses, and not the best complexion in the world. Plus, I was smart, skinny, non-athletic, and I loved music. But not the popular music on the radio. I grew up on the Beatles, Barry Manilow, the Kingston Trio, and Phantom of the Opera. An odd mix of music. It goes without saying that I was not exactly a popular kid. Reading about someone else like me, who didn’t quite fit in, was great. Even as an adult, I still find the book oddly comforting. I pull it out to reread when I’m sick or grumpy. It’s short enough that I can finish it in an afternoon now. I read it to my daughters when they were babies. And I highly recommend it for any young girl, but especially if they are struggling with self-esteem. I’ll always keep a copy on my bookshelf.
