2000
WISE Score
Amazon
The OG diary of a socially awkward 14-year-old who finds out she's a princess—and she's actually kind of annoyed about it.
4.3
4.3View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
The Princess Diaries is a classic for a reason. Even 25 years later, the 'ugly duckling' transformation works because Mia is a mess throughout the whole thing.
It’s not brain rot; it’s a smart, funny look at a girl trying to keep her head above water while her world turns upside down. If your kid liked the movie, the book is a must-read—it has way more character and a lot more NYC attitude.
Perfect for the 10-14 crowd. It’s the sweet spot for kids who are starting to navigate the 'social suicide' of middle school but still love a good fairy tale ending.
Mia Thermopolis is a relatable, neurotic, and ultimately kind protagonist. The book handles teen angst, friendship blowups, and complicated family dynamics with more honesty and less 'Disney' polish than the film version.
The secret-royalty trope is the ultimate wish-fulfillment fantasy. While it's set in a grounded NYC, it invites kids to imagine how they'd handle a total life upheaval.
It's a middle-grade/YA crossover. There's some very mild language ('hell,' 'damn') and typical teen talk about periods and crushes, but nothing that would shock a 12-year-old.
Beyond the makeover, it's a story about integrity. Mia has to navigate being 'cool' versus being herself, and it touches on animal rights and environmentalism through her internal monologue.
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