More Than a Princess

Aislin is all magical creature—half fairy and half pedrasi—and she is the princess of Eliasind, a magical kingdom and diverse court where all fey are welcome. When a band of humans passes unexpectedly into the hidden kingdom, Aislin worries that they will shatter the peace of Eliasind; pretending to be human, she convinces the invading contingent to leave, going with them in an act of sacrifice. Once in the human kingdom, Aislin must figure out how to move through the Magic Gate so that she can find a way home while navigating the human court’s intrigue. Integral to Aislin’s story is her acceptance of her mixed heritage and her willingness to speak up when she’s being harassed about her appearance, which doesn’t fit humans’ typical standards of beauty. Baker’s messages about self-acceptance, standing up for oneself, and the importance of inclusion and diversity are a bit heavy-handed, but Aislin’s journey to self-acceptance is rewarding, and readers will easily draw parallels between Aislin’s world and their own. Ages 8–12. [em](Nov.) [/em]