Publishers Weekly
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Having recounted the ill-fated lives of royal women for adult readers in Doomed Queens, Waldherr aims younger, spotlighting young women throughout history who were born or married into royal families. Illustrated with archival images and the author's pink-washed portraits, the book presents a colorful roster of rebels, schemers, and victims of marriages that were arranged to "expand territories, forge empires, and strengthen political ties." Waldherr compiles historical facts and legends in a conversational and often irreverent voice ("When Lucrezia [Borgia] turned thirteen she tied the knot at last! Husband #1 was Giovanni Sforza, a dude double her age"). Numerous pop culture allusions help put some of the stories in modern context but can be forced: the War of the Roses "at times resembled toddlers squabbling over a Happy Meal toy," and Napoleon's sister, Pauline, "might have been the Kendall Jenner of her day." Sidebars offer insight into the evolution of fairy tales, the tradition of dowries, and the pressure to conform to changing beauty standards ("It seems we'll still do anything to remain fairest in the land"). A cheeky roundup of royal tangles and scandals. Ages 9-12. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Packed with history and context, Waldherr uses an animated, well-rounded approach in this engaging look at princesses in life and lore. After an introduction exploring why princesses remain a source of fascination and influence, subsequent chapters present stories of princesses to examine what being a princess means, including their various characteristics and roles through time, stereotypes and controversies, and ever afters, happy and otherwise. Readers are introduced to sixth-century Blood Countess Elizabeth Báthory; opportunistic Dollar Princesses, who sought status by marrying royalty; and others who were political pawns, subservient heir-bearers, or depicted as damsels in distress. Along with these, Waldherr also profiles a diverse array of compellingly strong, self-determined princesses who challenged the status quo and endeavored to enact positive change and empower others, like modern-day Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini of Swaziland. The conversational tone, droll commentary, and up-to-date pop-culture references (Disney, natch) make for vibrant, engaging reading, and the lively layout, incorporating sidebars, factoids, and tongue-in-cheek illustrations, further enhance the pages. This absorbing, thought-provoking, and intriguing exploration of a perennially popular topic will both entertain and inform.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2017 Booklist

School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 4-7-A work of nonfiction covering, you guessed it, real princesses. The book is full of facts, pictures, illustrated charts, and more. Readers will learn about Salic law, "princess wars," how to wed a prince circa the 1800s, and more. For instance, Salic law was not practiced everywhere. It held that only males could inherit the throne. This is a peppy, interesting read; it's perfect for tweens. Waldherr makes the information relatable by using current pop culture references, while splashes of color add much to the overall design. The title also will prompt reluctant studernts to learn more about history and what living like a royal was like in the past and present. VERDICT This is a great book to recommend to readers who want a taste of history with a side of fairy tale princesses.-Maeve Dodds, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Waldherr digs into princess myths and stereotypes, examining both fairy-tale and real-life princesses and royalty from the Middle Ages to modern times. The text's troubling focus on beauty, occasional historical inaccuracies, and forced modern comparisons make for a rather gimmicky package. Historical photographs are jarringly incorporated in a pink design. A "Princess Paths to Power" board game is appended. Reading list. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.