Ella — age 11 — has walked around for two straight days with her nose buried in her Kindle {that doesn’t quite right, does it?}. She just finished The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen, recommended by our friend Bridget Mason as the next great read for fans of The Hunger Games and Harry Potter series. And man, Bridget was spot on. Ella DEVOURED this book!
“THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.” – Jennielsen.com
The False Prince is categorized as “Young Adult” fiction for ages 10 and up by Scholastic, but adult reviewers are also enamored — as was the case with Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. An Amazon reviewer wrote: “For parents: there was no profanity, adult situations, or gratuitous violence. As far as violence goes, if you felt comfortable letting your child read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire–this is comparable.” I have also read {and Ella confirmed} that it is less violent and less romantic than The Hunger Games, and that boys are likely to enjoy it, as many of the characters — including Sage, the rebellious protagonist — are boys.
Are you gathering that I haven’t read this book? I will! It’s at the top of my summer reading list. But after seeing Ella’s reaction, and reading the multitude of glowing reviews, I felt that I should get the good word out — forthwith!
And good news! Bridget, formerly a fiction buyer for Borders Corporation, has agreed to a guest post on Olliebop next month, featuring even more great Young Adult reads. I am thrilled to be able to pass along her expertise. Meanwhile, be sure to catch her earlier post about having “the talk” with her son. Priceless!
Looking for more book recommendations? Here’s another favorite tween series and my book club’s ultimate reading list. Happy reading! - BOP
P.S. My only problem with this book — which I haven’t even read — is that I keep wanting to call it the “Fresh Prince.” Which is a very different story.
Related posts:
- It’s Here! The Ultimate Summer Reading List
- The Name of This Post is Secret
- The Votes are In! Top 12 Book Club Picks
- SMASH Book Had Me at “Hello”
- Say “Pyoo-ber-tee…” One Mom’s Tale of The Talk
Thanks for the recommendation…I too have an 11 year old – and I think this would be a great read for her too. I’m always looking for interesting books for her – and especially now as she’s currently enrolled in a French school and keeps up with her English by reading. As a “former” Saratogian, I know Bridget well – and trust her instincts!..Hi to Saratoga from France!
Jennifer, Thanks so much for commenting. I was glad to discover your blog! It reminded me of the excitement we felt for only a brief time last year during our family trip to Italy (you can search Olliebop for three posts about it). It gave us a whole new perspective, even in that short time. And for you — total immersion! Greetings from Saratoga, Beth
OK, we’ve got it on hold at the local library and it should come in just as school is out and we’re looking for some new summer reading materials.