Mia Thermopolis already had a complicated life: she was failing algebra, crushing hard on her best friend’s brother and trying to survive the unbearable awkwardness of high school as a 5 ft. 9 in. freshman. So, when her estranged father reveals she’s the heir to the throne of a tiny country—and will receive princess lessons from her uptight Grandmére—she’s more than a little overwhelmed. Written as a series of journal entries that are simultaneously hilarious, relatable and heartfelt, The Princess Diaries follows Mia as she navigates adolescence and begins to figure out her own views on public service, one’s duty to family and the importance of friendship. Meg Cabot’s hit book, published in 2000, spawned 10 sequels and two beloved movies starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews—and cemented Mia as one of the young-adult genre’s great heroines. —Madeleine Carlisle
The 100 Best YA Books of All Time
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