A Pearl Among Princes by Coleen M. Paratore

Gracepearl Coal is the cook’s daughter on Miramore, the island all princes visit for their summer program in the Charming Arts. Each year, the princes-in-training arrive on gallant seacraft, guided by captains trained to navigate the island’s treacherous waters. Passage on one of these boats is the only method to leave the island—thus betrothal to a royal is the only way for Pearl to find her far-off destiny, the one that’s started haunting her dreams. Luckily, this year’s crop of princes include some promising prospects, but how will Pearl leave behind her ailing father or—hardest of all—marry a boy other than her long-time beloved, Mackree . . . who now finds it too painful to even speak to her?

....................

A Pearl Among Princes is full of whimsical and fairy-tale detail and fun. Surprisingly I did enjoy this middle grade book (even though it was a bit too young for me) with it's island adventure and various handsome princes. The beginning of each chapter had a nursery rhyme quote and reminded me of those little songs I had almost forgotten-it made the story kinda of special. Even though the setting may sound too juvenile, Gracepearl and the other characters had a much more "maturer" voice; there were even a few kisses invovled! The storyline of course for me was predictable, but it didn't keep me from finishing it. Must have been the magical feel of the island? I mean what fairy-tale princess story takes place on an island--so unique right? A Pearl Among Princes is equipped with an fantasy side for kids and a semi-romantic side for soon-to-be young adults making it perfect for tweens.
Filled to the brim with island gossip, spoiled princes, tricks, and true love, Paratore is sure to make you giggle and blush no matter what age you are. I recommend to tweens ages 9-12 or the young at heart.

Coleen Paratore is the author of several books for children and tweens including the ever popular Wedding Planner's Daughter series. She lives in upstate New York.

|Pages: 191|Year Published: Sept. 2009|Publisher: Dial|
|Genre: Fantasy, romance, tweens|
|Age Group: Ages 9-12|Content: None|
|Enjoyed It: 4/5|Content Rating: 5/5|Cover: 5/5|
|Overall|