Children's Book List: Beyond the Disney Princess

During these Interesting Times, the Children's Department has been hard at work updating our book lists. Whether you're looking for a book on a particular topic (like feeling different) or want to read something similar to that series that you just finished up (and now have that empty, lost feeling), we've probably got a book list for that. You can find the full list of our children's book lists on our website. We've also put all of these awesome lists on Beanstack. If you haven't had a chance to check out Beanstack, you really should. It makes signing up for and monitoring summer reading a breeze! We'll be highlighting some of our book lists in these blog posts throughout the summer. Happy reading!

As parents and caregivers you may love or hate the Disney Princesses, but as a cultural juggernaut, they're here to stay. If you've already exhausted Galesburg Public Library's collection of Disney books, movies, and other media, here are some new royals for you to meet and love.

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink
by Jane Yolen
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2010

'These princesses dig in the dirt, kick soccer balls, and splash in muddy puddles, all in their sparkly crowns.' 








Princess Polly and the Pony

by Susanna Davidson
London: Usborne, 2007 

Princesses must not gallop! Or canter! Or trot! This is what the King and Queen say to Princess Polly, but all she wants to do is ride her pony. And then she sees a sign for the Pony Dressing-Up Race. Maybe she could ride...in disguise.

The Princess Academy
by Shannon Hale
New York: Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2005

Miri and her family have lived in the small village of Mount Eskel for generations. One day a royal delegate arrives with the expected traders. Per the usual traditions of Danland, the priests have fasted and prayed to determine the location of the prince's future bride. And this time she's to be found in Miri's territory. An academy will be set up for all the girls twelve to seventeen so they may learn how to be princesses. At the end of their studies, one will be chosen by the prince.



Brave Margaret: An Irish Adventure

by Robert D. San Souci
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1999

Based on a traditional Irish story, Margaret sets off on an adventure to far away lands. She faces sea serpents, sorcery, and giants along the way.