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The Princess Diaries Graphic Novels #1
The Princess Diaries: The Graphic Novel
#1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot's hilarious classic The Princess Diaries is back and better than ever in an all-new, full-color graphic novel adaptation!
Mia Thermopolis is pretty sure there's nothing worse than being a five-foot-nine frizzy-haired freshman, who also happens to be flunking algebra.
Is she ever in for a surprise.
First, her mom announces that she's dating Mia's algebra teacher. But her dad's announcement is even he is the crown prince of Genovia, and guess what that makes Mia?
A frizzy-haired freshman who is flunking algebra, and also happens to be a PRINCESS.
Mia might not be ready for the throne, but one thing totally #1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot has adapted her classic The Princess Diaries into a royally hilarious graphic novel with art by Bethany Crandall!
Mia Thermopolis is pretty sure there's nothing worse than being a five-foot-nine frizzy-haired freshman, who also happens to be flunking algebra.
Is she ever in for a surprise.
First, her mom announces that she's dating Mia's algebra teacher. But her dad's announcement is even he is the crown prince of Genovia, and guess what that makes Mia?
A frizzy-haired freshman who is flunking algebra, and also happens to be a PRINCESS.
Mia might not be ready for the throne, but one thing totally #1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot has adapted her classic The Princess Diaries into a royally hilarious graphic novel with art by Bethany Crandall!
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2026
About the author
Meg Cabot
198 books35.5k followersLibrarian note: AKA Jenny Carroll (1-800-Where-R-You series), AKA Patricia Cabot (historical romance novels).
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
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June 29, 2026I received this book from the publisher on Edelweiss in exchange of an honest review.
I was super hyped for this one, I really liked the OG series (well, up to a point at least, haha), and I was excited to see how the GN would be. Sadly.. it wasn’t meant to be.
🤔 This one is marketed as 8+ (since MG is 8-12) and while for most that works.. these girls also talk about virginity, kissing, Michael is clearly just walking around half-naked to flirt with Mia. I think it would be more age appropriate to say 12/14+.
🤔 Mia is vegetarian but apparently her favourite food is blackened sea bass from Nobu? That really confused me. She was so adamant against meat, but this is good? Um?
🤔 The story felt very choppy and at times more like random bits rather than one story. At times I would have to go back to earlier pages to check if I hadn’t missed anything. The OG book felt more connected/more one flow. Oh, and there was one point that had me scratching my head. After the whole Lana Weinberger incident Michael and Mia talk about it, cue to the next day and Michael once again compliments her about it to which Mia replied if Lily was talking about her, um, he said things the day before Mia? Also her listing what is wrong in her life, he knows all of those things. I don’t know if it was said in jest, but it didn’t translate if that was the case.
🤔 Didn’t get why Mia would fall for Josh this badly when even a blind pony can see that he was only giving her attention because she is famous. It really got on my nerves how she would just forget everything and everyone (even Michael who was so sweet) as soon as Josh just blinked his eye lashes. Girl, please.
🤔 Mia’s transformation just felt way too fast given how she was so against things. At first we saw she was against it, being unhappy about having to put on make-up. Getting angry over the haircut. But due to the choppiness of the story the next moment she is seemingly OK with it. She never once rebels. Instead she keeps her hair as it is. She wears make-up. She wears high heels. Maybe it is the money her dad is bribing her with, but then at least I would have liked a bit more struggle, or her just foregoing things when at school, at least a little bit. Plus, I remember from the OG that she was quite awkward and I really missed that from this one.
🤔 Didn’t enjoy how the dad was semi-jealous of his ex dating a new guy. It was just a bit weird.
🤔 Sorry, but Boris what. If someone doesn’t want to sign your petition you don’t have to go all on about how you come from Russia, talk about the secret police, and privilege. She said no. That is it. She is free to express her opinion, you cannot force her to sign something.
😡 Grandmere can just fall of a cliff, what a horrendous character. She not only forces her granddaughter in impossible situations or outs her, but also forces her to eat meat. She has no care who Mia is, she just wants the princess. Sure, at times I could see a better grandmere, but for most? Nah.
😡 Lily was just horrendous and I don’t want her in the story. She constantly had something to say which isn’t bad if she actually would listen to the person on the other side. She doesn’t give a poop about someone’s opinions, hers is the number one and that is the one that counts 100%. She is toxic. And at times it also feels like she is just reciting things from the internet to feel good and more superior. Look at me knowing all these things. These fancy words (that seriously no 8-11 year will know). And let’s not begin to talk about how fucking horrible she is towards her boyfriend who I hope gains a backbone and just says NO for once, instead of whimpering in the fucking closet. Or how hard she ditched Mia and didn’t even care to listen to her.
What I think for me enhanced the dislike for these characters is because we can now actually see them, sure I am a visual reader but a graphic novel brings a whole new layer. We see Grandmere, we see Josh, we see Lily. We see their expressions. We see them move.
Now for some likes!
😍 I really liked the art! It was such a fun style, lots of colours, expressions, and it brought people and the story to life.
😍 Michael x Mia forever.
😍 Tina was such a sweetheart, I love how she was there for Mia and how quickly they became friends.
😍 I did love that Mia had such a strong personality. And that she wasn’t going to let a girl like Lana walk over her. I was actually rooting for her to just get her back.
😍 Fat Louie is such a cutie!
😍 I love the addition of the diary pages!
But all in all, this was a disappointment for me.
Review also posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was super hyped for this one, I really liked the OG series (well, up to a point at least, haha), and I was excited to see how the GN would be. Sadly.. it wasn’t meant to be.
🤔 This one is marketed as 8+ (since MG is 8-12) and while for most that works.. these girls also talk about virginity, kissing, Michael is clearly just walking around half-naked to flirt with Mia. I think it would be more age appropriate to say 12/14+.
🤔 Mia is vegetarian but apparently her favourite food is blackened sea bass from Nobu? That really confused me. She was so adamant against meat, but this is good? Um?
🤔 The story felt very choppy and at times more like random bits rather than one story. At times I would have to go back to earlier pages to check if I hadn’t missed anything. The OG book felt more connected/more one flow. Oh, and there was one point that had me scratching my head. After the whole Lana Weinberger incident Michael and Mia talk about it, cue to the next day and Michael once again compliments her about it to which Mia replied if Lily was talking about her, um, he said things the day before Mia? Also her listing what is wrong in her life, he knows all of those things. I don’t know if it was said in jest, but it didn’t translate if that was the case.
🤔 Didn’t get why Mia would fall for Josh this badly when even a blind pony can see that he was only giving her attention because she is famous. It really got on my nerves how she would just forget everything and everyone (even Michael who was so sweet) as soon as Josh just blinked his eye lashes. Girl, please.
🤔 Mia’s transformation just felt way too fast given how she was so against things. At first we saw she was against it, being unhappy about having to put on make-up. Getting angry over the haircut. But due to the choppiness of the story the next moment she is seemingly OK with it. She never once rebels. Instead she keeps her hair as it is. She wears make-up. She wears high heels. Maybe it is the money her dad is bribing her with, but then at least I would have liked a bit more struggle, or her just foregoing things when at school, at least a little bit. Plus, I remember from the OG that she was quite awkward and I really missed that from this one.
🤔 Didn’t enjoy how the dad was semi-jealous of his ex dating a new guy. It was just a bit weird.
🤔 Sorry, but Boris what. If someone doesn’t want to sign your petition you don’t have to go all on about how you come from Russia, talk about the secret police, and privilege. She said no. That is it. She is free to express her opinion, you cannot force her to sign something.
😡 Grandmere can just fall of a cliff, what a horrendous character. She not only forces her granddaughter in impossible situations or outs her, but also forces her to eat meat. She has no care who Mia is, she just wants the princess. Sure, at times I could see a better grandmere, but for most? Nah.
😡 Lily was just horrendous and I don’t want her in the story. She constantly had something to say which isn’t bad if she actually would listen to the person on the other side. She doesn’t give a poop about someone’s opinions, hers is the number one and that is the one that counts 100%. She is toxic. And at times it also feels like she is just reciting things from the internet to feel good and more superior. Look at me knowing all these things. These fancy words (that seriously no 8-11 year will know). And let’s not begin to talk about how fucking horrible she is towards her boyfriend who I hope gains a backbone and just says NO for once, instead of whimpering in the fucking closet. Or how hard she ditched Mia and didn’t even care to listen to her.
What I think for me enhanced the dislike for these characters is because we can now actually see them, sure I am a visual reader but a graphic novel brings a whole new layer. We see Grandmere, we see Josh, we see Lily. We see their expressions. We see them move.
Now for some likes!
😍 I really liked the art! It was such a fun style, lots of colours, expressions, and it brought people and the story to life.
😍 Michael x Mia forever.
😍 Tina was such a sweetheart, I love how she was there for Mia and how quickly they became friends.
😍 I did love that Mia had such a strong personality. And that she wasn’t going to let a girl like Lana walk over her. I was actually rooting for her to just get her back.
😍 Fat Louie is such a cutie!
😍 I love the addition of the diary pages!
But all in all, this was a disappointment for me.
Review also posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
May 8, 2026
well now I want to rewatch the movie
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early review copy of this work :)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early review copy of this work :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve never read the original The Princess Diaries books, but am very familiar with the 2001 film adaptation directed by Garry Marshall, and aware of some of the changes (mainly the setting switch from NYC to San Francisco). So seeing a graphic novel accurate to the original novels was a treat and I ate up this graphic novel experience with great characters and plot, and lots of deep lessons.
To start with, I love that instead of setting the book in the 2020’s, they kept it to the original Y2K time period of the series, starting with 1997. Every choice adds to that feel of that era, from the art style, references to then-current events (like Princess Diana’s death) and early internet chatroom etiquette. If you were around for those times, you pick up on these things fast.
Mia Thermopolis is a high school freshman and wears her activism on her sleeve. Her mom gives her a diary to write her thoughts in. Which makes her perfect for the bombshell that she’s a princess of a small country, which on the surface, clashes with her ideas. Mia was a great character choice to wind up as a princess, as she’s forced to learn that being a princess is much more than it seems, and it’s about standing up for one self and being able to change the world in her own way. She’s easy to root for as she realizes several things about her life and about friendships and early stages of romance.
The rest of the cast was really great, each with their own quirks and personalities, and I enjoyed Grandmere, and I liked Tina (who wasn’t in the movie). It made the world of NYC in the late 90’s whole.
The plot itself is rather simple: girl becomes princess, gets princess lessons and navigates life as a princess, along with high school.The pacing’s great and doesn’t just sit on one thing for too long. The themes were well done, with the whole coming of age self discovery, toxic friendships, and standing up for one’s self, all important for teens and adults.
I love the art style, it’s very expressive and has a manga-esque feel to it, especially feeling like it could have come out in that Y2K period. I especially liked the full page of Mia’s makeover, where it was much more fitting than in the movie (no curly hair to tame). It’s colorful and just perfect for my eyes.
If you haven’t experienced the series, and even if you have, please pick this up! This was a grand experience, and I can’t wait to read more!
*I received an ARC from Netgalley and HarperAlley. All opinions are my own.*
To start with, I love that instead of setting the book in the 2020’s, they kept it to the original Y2K time period of the series, starting with 1997. Every choice adds to that feel of that era, from the art style, references to then-current events (like Princess Diana’s death) and early internet chatroom etiquette. If you were around for those times, you pick up on these things fast.
Mia Thermopolis is a high school freshman and wears her activism on her sleeve. Her mom gives her a diary to write her thoughts in. Which makes her perfect for the bombshell that she’s a princess of a small country, which on the surface, clashes with her ideas. Mia was a great character choice to wind up as a princess, as she’s forced to learn that being a princess is much more than it seems, and it’s about standing up for one self and being able to change the world in her own way. She’s easy to root for as she realizes several things about her life and about friendships and early stages of romance.
The rest of the cast was really great, each with their own quirks and personalities, and I enjoyed Grandmere, and I liked Tina (who wasn’t in the movie). It made the world of NYC in the late 90’s whole.
The plot itself is rather simple: girl becomes princess, gets princess lessons and navigates life as a princess, along with high school.The pacing’s great and doesn’t just sit on one thing for too long. The themes were well done, with the whole coming of age self discovery, toxic friendships, and standing up for one’s self, all important for teens and adults.
I love the art style, it’s very expressive and has a manga-esque feel to it, especially feeling like it could have come out in that Y2K period. I especially liked the full page of Mia’s makeover, where it was much more fitting than in the movie (no curly hair to tame). It’s colorful and just perfect for my eyes.
If you haven’t experienced the series, and even if you have, please pick this up! This was a grand experience, and I can’t wait to read more!
*I received an ARC from Netgalley and HarperAlley. All opinions are my own.*
June 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.
As someone who grew up with The Princess Diaries movie, this graphic novel adaptation was a fun dose of nostalgia. The story still centers around Mia discovering who she is and learning to embrace the person she is meant to become, even when life suddenly becomes much more complicated than she expected. While I can’t compare it directly to the original novel, it felt true to the spirit of the story I remembered.
The artwork was absolutely beautiful and was one of the biggest highlights for me. The illustrations had a style that felt almost Japanese-inspired, with expressive characters, bright colors, and plenty of personality. The graphic novel format made the story incredibly approachable, and honestly, I don’t think I would have finished it as quickly in a traditional novel format. I read the entire book in a single sitting.
One thing I would note for parents is that this is firmly a teen YA story despite the cute art style and princess-themed cover. The illustrations may look younger, but the book includes discussions about dating, relationships, sex, and growing up. My least favorite character was Mia’s best friend, while I found Tina much easier to connect with. Overall, this was an enjoyable adaptation that balanced humor, heart, and nostalgia.
Who Should Read This? Fans of The Princess Diaries, readers looking for a nostalgic YA graphic novel, and teens who enjoy coming-of-age stories with friendship, romance, and plenty of awkward moments. Adults who grew up with the movie will likely enjoy revisiting Mia’s story in this format as well.
As someone who grew up with The Princess Diaries movie, this graphic novel adaptation was a fun dose of nostalgia. The story still centers around Mia discovering who she is and learning to embrace the person she is meant to become, even when life suddenly becomes much more complicated than she expected. While I can’t compare it directly to the original novel, it felt true to the spirit of the story I remembered.
The artwork was absolutely beautiful and was one of the biggest highlights for me. The illustrations had a style that felt almost Japanese-inspired, with expressive characters, bright colors, and plenty of personality. The graphic novel format made the story incredibly approachable, and honestly, I don’t think I would have finished it as quickly in a traditional novel format. I read the entire book in a single sitting.
One thing I would note for parents is that this is firmly a teen YA story despite the cute art style and princess-themed cover. The illustrations may look younger, but the book includes discussions about dating, relationships, sex, and growing up. My least favorite character was Mia’s best friend, while I found Tina much easier to connect with. Overall, this was an enjoyable adaptation that balanced humor, heart, and nostalgia.
Who Should Read This? Fans of The Princess Diaries, readers looking for a nostalgic YA graphic novel, and teens who enjoy coming-of-age stories with friendship, romance, and plenty of awkward moments. Adults who grew up with the movie will likely enjoy revisiting Mia’s story in this format as well.
June 12, 2026
As a huge Meg Cabot Stan for like 23+ years I obviously had to read this as ASAP as possible. This book adapted SO WELL into a graphic novel and I’m so impressed by it!
Since the book is told in Mia’s journal entries it naturally goes into graphic format well when we see Mia’s listicles and such.
Most importantly so much of the nuance of the hilarity of the book is transferred over. We see the manhattan Mia grew up with complete with creepy guy who pretends to be blind so women will help him cross the street, we see grandmeres cup over following with sidecars, we see the underlying theme of a 14 year old trying to self-actualize.
I already preordered my copy and my nieces copies, Thanks for the galley!
Since the book is told in Mia’s journal entries it naturally goes into graphic format well when we see Mia’s listicles and such.
Most importantly so much of the nuance of the hilarity of the book is transferred over. We see the manhattan Mia grew up with complete with creepy guy who pretends to be blind so women will help him cross the street, we see grandmeres cup over following with sidecars, we see the underlying theme of a 14 year old trying to self-actualize.
I already preordered my copy and my nieces copies, Thanks for the galley!
May 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’sBooks for an ARC of this book!
If you enjoyed The Princess Diaries novel by Meg Cabot, you will love this graphic novel! Sometimes graphic novels can remove too much out of the story, but I didn’t feel like that with this story. It added so much to the storyline and characters with great use of artwork, facial expressions, and kept to the original humor of the story. This book does have some advanced ideas and concepts that elementary or even middle grade girls won’t appreciate so it may be more geared for teenagers.
I really enjoyed Bethany Crandall’s illustrations and design work on the pages. They really came to life and this was the perfect book to adapt to a graphic novel. I am hoping they adapt more of Meg Cabot’s books and I’m looking forward to reading this with my daughter in the future!
If you enjoyed The Princess Diaries novel by Meg Cabot, you will love this graphic novel! Sometimes graphic novels can remove too much out of the story, but I didn’t feel like that with this story. It added so much to the storyline and characters with great use of artwork, facial expressions, and kept to the original humor of the story. This book does have some advanced ideas and concepts that elementary or even middle grade girls won’t appreciate so it may be more geared for teenagers.
I really enjoyed Bethany Crandall’s illustrations and design work on the pages. They really came to life and this was the perfect book to adapt to a graphic novel. I am hoping they adapt more of Meg Cabot’s books and I’m looking forward to reading this with my daughter in the future!
May 2, 2026
I didn’t think I could love the Princess Diaries more but the graphic novel version is just simply iconic. It’s the Princess Diaries story that I love filled with gorgeous artwork that just enhances it in every way. 5⭐️
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Princess Diaries: The Graphic Novel.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Princess Diaries: The Graphic Novel.
June 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers. I loved the original series and this being the graphic novel made it so fun to read! It was an easy read, very enjoyable. I hope there are more to come because I will definitely be reading them all.
June 4, 2026
As a big fan of The Princess Diaries, I couldn’t wait to read Meg Cabot’s first graphic novel adaptation! The Princess Diaries: The Graphic Novel truly brought back all the nostalgia of reading the series for the first time. The illustrations complemented Mia’s story perfectly, making it a fun way to revisit this beloved book series.
The Princess Diaries: The Graphic Novel will be published on June 30, 2026. Thank you to NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperAlley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Princess Diaries: The Graphic Novel will be published on June 30, 2026. Thank you to NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperAlley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 2, 2026
Aaah! I was excited to see triangle hair, but I don’t think it was that obvious? Other than that, I’m so excited to re-discover Princess Diaries in a graphic novel format. I hope more of these come out and I get to go on this familiar adventure again. Mia’s strong self-critical voice is a bit gone in this graphic novel adaptation but her absolute cluelessness is not. Also so much Fat Louis! I love it! It’s also a bit insane how easy it was for me to revert into teen hood/tweenhood when reading this and how relatable Mia and the gang continue to be.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for access to an e-ARC for review purposes.
Pre-review, written before reading:
I would like to start off with a little background. I read the original books when I was a preteen and I was OBSESSED. Last year I re-read the first Princess Diaries book and to say I disliked it was an understatement. Mia and everyone in the book were insufferable. Honestly, re-reading it sort of ruined a bit of my nostalgia. Yes, the book was written in a way that makes sense for the time, but it’s a tough read in these current times. Also, I need to mention my LOVE for the movies. I think I’ve seen Princess Diaries 2 maybe 100 times. With all that background, let me quickly lay out my hopes and expectations for this new graphic novel series. I hope that there are changes made that keep the heart of the original story but better fit the times. We do not need a carbon copy for this generation, just a nice graphic novel that pays homage while still bringing something unique. I have high hopes for these graphic novels!
Review after reading:
Well let me address the elephant in the room. This book is definitely a carbon copy for this generation and not unique from the original story in any way. If you want Princess Diaries from the 90s with no changes, this one is for you. I’m not necessarily saying that as a negative thing, just the truth. I think I went in expecting something for a younger age range, but this definitely isn’t that. Just a heads up that there are subject matters included that are not suitable for some children in the age range this book is aimed at. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very anti-censorship, but I think this one might need to be looked at a little closer before being given to younger children.
I do think this book is better suited for a graphic novel. Lilly’s rants in particular can be long-winded and it’s nice to have a little visual interest to get you through them. The art style is really fun. It is bright and engaging with still giving more of a preteen vibe than illustrations for younger children. The character designs are very fun and feel right for the characters they represent. I especially enjoy Grandmère’s style and overall character design. When I first saw her, I immediately thought she looked like Yzma from the Emperor’s New Groove, which is pretty dang iconic.
If you are looking for a true adaptation of the original book, this is for you. Having somewhat recently read the original, it is pretty much exactly the same. I will say some of the content may go over the heads of younger readers as it is set in the 90s and follows a pre-teen rather than a middle schooler. I think this book is better suited for people who read the original book and crave nostalgia. A younger audience could (and will, I’m sure) enjoy this but may need a little guidance from parents.
Pre-review, written before reading:
I would like to start off with a little background. I read the original books when I was a preteen and I was OBSESSED. Last year I re-read the first Princess Diaries book and to say I disliked it was an understatement. Mia and everyone in the book were insufferable. Honestly, re-reading it sort of ruined a bit of my nostalgia. Yes, the book was written in a way that makes sense for the time, but it’s a tough read in these current times. Also, I need to mention my LOVE for the movies. I think I’ve seen Princess Diaries 2 maybe 100 times. With all that background, let me quickly lay out my hopes and expectations for this new graphic novel series. I hope that there are changes made that keep the heart of the original story but better fit the times. We do not need a carbon copy for this generation, just a nice graphic novel that pays homage while still bringing something unique. I have high hopes for these graphic novels!
Review after reading:
Well let me address the elephant in the room. This book is definitely a carbon copy for this generation and not unique from the original story in any way. If you want Princess Diaries from the 90s with no changes, this one is for you. I’m not necessarily saying that as a negative thing, just the truth. I think I went in expecting something for a younger age range, but this definitely isn’t that. Just a heads up that there are subject matters included that are not suitable for some children in the age range this book is aimed at. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very anti-censorship, but I think this one might need to be looked at a little closer before being given to younger children.
I do think this book is better suited for a graphic novel. Lilly’s rants in particular can be long-winded and it’s nice to have a little visual interest to get you through them. The art style is really fun. It is bright and engaging with still giving more of a preteen vibe than illustrations for younger children. The character designs are very fun and feel right for the characters they represent. I especially enjoy Grandmère’s style and overall character design. When I first saw her, I immediately thought she looked like Yzma from the Emperor’s New Groove, which is pretty dang iconic.
If you are looking for a true adaptation of the original book, this is for you. Having somewhat recently read the original, it is pretty much exactly the same. I will say some of the content may go over the heads of younger readers as it is set in the 90s and follows a pre-teen rather than a middle schooler. I think this book is better suited for people who read the original book and crave nostalgia. A younger audience could (and will, I’m sure) enjoy this but may need a little guidance from parents.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Disclosure: I have never read the original books nor have I watched any of the movies. Therefore, I am going into this review totally unbiased without any comparison to the books and movies. With that said, I liked it – a lot!
We have a Mia Thermopolis in the heart of Manhattan who is in her freshman year of high school, which we all know is awkward beyond words. She lacks confidence with her tall stature, frizzy hair, flat-as-a-board chest and she’s failing algebra! The reason for the latter may be because her mother is dating her algebra teacher Mr. Gianini. Can things get any worse? Her mother senses that Mia is unable to express her feelings to her so she gives her a diary which is a tool to help with her frustrations. Mia tries to navigate her crushes with a popular boy at school and her BFF’s brother. As if that weren’t enough things to deal with, her father Phillipe Reynaldo pays a surprise visit to reveal the truth that he is actually the Prince of Genovia, a principality (think Monaco). He is unable to bear any more children due to having undergone chemotherapy so Mia Thermopolis, whose full royal name is HRH Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Reynaldo, is the sole heir – a princess. She must move to Genovia and live in the palace with her father and her Grandmère. Mia wants no part of the entire scheme. She wants to join Greenpeace and save the baby seals in Iceland. Another surprise visit, her Grandmère, a crotchety, critical woman, arrives in Manhattan to give her princess lessons, whether Mia wants it or not. As the story progresses, it navigates through Mia’s transformation from an awkward freshman to a young lady learning the ropes of what it means to be a princess and have to deal with the paparazzi and her peers.
I adore the illustrations, facial expressions, dialogue, colors – everything! This is a great example of a middle grade/YA graphic novel where the illustrations are easy on the eyes and the dialogue is not too verbose. I am familiar with the illustrator’s previous works so it doesn’t surprise me with the quality of the artwork. I’ve seen some commentary where some of the panels were blank or one color rather than filled with some background. It’s obvious to me that the commentator is not familiar with graphic novels. The lack of background helps to bring the attention to the characters. I hope to see more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
We have a Mia Thermopolis in the heart of Manhattan who is in her freshman year of high school, which we all know is awkward beyond words. She lacks confidence with her tall stature, frizzy hair, flat-as-a-board chest and she’s failing algebra! The reason for the latter may be because her mother is dating her algebra teacher Mr. Gianini. Can things get any worse? Her mother senses that Mia is unable to express her feelings to her so she gives her a diary which is a tool to help with her frustrations. Mia tries to navigate her crushes with a popular boy at school and her BFF’s brother. As if that weren’t enough things to deal with, her father Phillipe Reynaldo pays a surprise visit to reveal the truth that he is actually the Prince of Genovia, a principality (think Monaco). He is unable to bear any more children due to having undergone chemotherapy so Mia Thermopolis, whose full royal name is HRH Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Reynaldo, is the sole heir – a princess. She must move to Genovia and live in the palace with her father and her Grandmère. Mia wants no part of the entire scheme. She wants to join Greenpeace and save the baby seals in Iceland. Another surprise visit, her Grandmère, a crotchety, critical woman, arrives in Manhattan to give her princess lessons, whether Mia wants it or not. As the story progresses, it navigates through Mia’s transformation from an awkward freshman to a young lady learning the ropes of what it means to be a princess and have to deal with the paparazzi and her peers.
I adore the illustrations, facial expressions, dialogue, colors – everything! This is a great example of a middle grade/YA graphic novel where the illustrations are easy on the eyes and the dialogue is not too verbose. I am familiar with the illustrator’s previous works so it doesn’t surprise me with the quality of the artwork. I’ve seen some commentary where some of the panels were blank or one color rather than filled with some background. It’s obvious to me that the commentator is not familiar with graphic novels. The lack of background helps to bring the attention to the characters. I hope to see more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First off, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this graphic novel.
I have to start this review with a confession: I've never actually read the original Princess Diaries books.
I did, however, absolutely adore the movie adaptation with Anne Hathaway as a teenager. It was one of my comfort movies growing up, so picking up this graphic novel adaptation felt like taking a trip down memory lane.
And honestly? It worked.
Even though the graphic novel format naturally moves much faster than a prose novel, it still managed to capture the charm, awkwardness, and heart that I remember loving. Seeing Mia's journey unfold again brought back a lot of the same feelings I had watching the movies years ago.
The artwork is colorful, vibrant, and very approachable for the intended middle grade audience. As an artist myself, my personal taste tends to lean more toward highly detailed and dreamy illustration styles, so this wasn't necessarily my favorite art style on a personal level. That said, it feels very much in line with the graphic novels currently popular with middle grade readers, and I can easily see younger readers enjoying it.
I also appreciated that the graphic novel is presented entirely in full color. Maybe I'm showing my age a little, but I still remember when that wasn't always the norm for graphic novels, and it really helps bring the story to life.
The pacing occasionally felt a little rushed, but that's also the nature of adapting a full-length novel into a graphic format. Some compression is inevitable, and overall I think the adaptation does a good job preserving the spirit of the story.
Most importantly, this was just fun. It reminded me why I loved Princess Diaries in the first place.
I'll definitely be picking up a copy for my shelves—not just for the nostalgia, but because I think it's a wonderful way to introduce my kids to Mia's story.
I have to start this review with a confession: I've never actually read the original Princess Diaries books.
I did, however, absolutely adore the movie adaptation with Anne Hathaway as a teenager. It was one of my comfort movies growing up, so picking up this graphic novel adaptation felt like taking a trip down memory lane.
And honestly? It worked.
Even though the graphic novel format naturally moves much faster than a prose novel, it still managed to capture the charm, awkwardness, and heart that I remember loving. Seeing Mia's journey unfold again brought back a lot of the same feelings I had watching the movies years ago.
The artwork is colorful, vibrant, and very approachable for the intended middle grade audience. As an artist myself, my personal taste tends to lean more toward highly detailed and dreamy illustration styles, so this wasn't necessarily my favorite art style on a personal level. That said, it feels very much in line with the graphic novels currently popular with middle grade readers, and I can easily see younger readers enjoying it.
I also appreciated that the graphic novel is presented entirely in full color. Maybe I'm showing my age a little, but I still remember when that wasn't always the norm for graphic novels, and it really helps bring the story to life.
The pacing occasionally felt a little rushed, but that's also the nature of adapting a full-length novel into a graphic format. Some compression is inevitable, and overall I think the adaptation does a good job preserving the spirit of the story.
Most importantly, this was just fun. It reminded me why I loved Princess Diaries in the first place.
I'll definitely be picking up a copy for my shelves—not just for the nostalgia, but because I think it's a wonderful way to introduce my kids to Mia's story.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
What a vapid, lazy, cheap cash grab of an adaptation. This is so poorly done. The illustrations are flat and unimpressive -- most panel backgrounds are just gradients of solid colors -- and the character designs are non-distinct and boring. But, more egregiously, this is a terrible adaptation and marketed now for MIDDLE GRADE, despite the maturity of the content. The original Princess Diaries are a YA series, and this book is marketed as a middle grade adaptation, but they did not change any of the YA content. Leading to 1) a very strange dissonance between the words of the book and the bland, cutesy illustrations, and 2) conversations about losing one's virginity, having a flat chest, and not being able to fill out a bra. Definitely something kids aged 12+ are talking about, but considering middle grade starts at around age 8, I wouldn't say that's content that kids want to encounter.
Additionally, the vocab is toooo advanced for an 8-12 audience. Lilly goes on rants about authoritarianism and the bourgeoise etc which like good for but the middle grade audience is gonna have no clue what that is.
And listen, I don't have much problem with this middle-grade adaptation trend in general. As long as kids are reading, that's good. But this was just such a cheap, lazy, empty shill of an adaptation, and SO clearly for nothing but a few bucks. Why wasn't it a YA book? Because middle grade graphic novels sell better. So they shoved a book's worth of YA content into a cutesy middle grade shell to try and make some cheap cash off of it. And I'm mad because Princess Diaries deserves better, and middle grade readers deserve better.
I hated this book. Totally charmless. Totally lacking of everything that made the original series special. Two stars instead of one because Meg Cabot's writing is still wonderful even in this bad format and I liked Fat Louie.
Additionally, the vocab is toooo advanced for an 8-12 audience. Lilly goes on rants about authoritarianism and the bourgeoise etc which like good for but the middle grade audience is gonna have no clue what that is.
And listen, I don't have much problem with this middle-grade adaptation trend in general. As long as kids are reading, that's good. But this was just such a cheap, lazy, empty shill of an adaptation, and SO clearly for nothing but a few bucks. Why wasn't it a YA book? Because middle grade graphic novels sell better. So they shoved a book's worth of YA content into a cutesy middle grade shell to try and make some cheap cash off of it. And I'm mad because Princess Diaries deserves better, and middle grade readers deserve better.
I hated this book. Totally charmless. Totally lacking of everything that made the original series special. Two stars instead of one because Meg Cabot's writing is still wonderful even in this bad format and I liked Fat Louie.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 ⭐
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this arc!
I've never read the original Princess Diaries book series, but as a lover of the movie adaptations, I was instantly intrigued by this graphic novel. There were lots of changes from the movie to this book, some good and some bad, but as I have no way of knowing if this graphic novel is keeping faithful to the original book or not, I will not be criticizing it for this.
Instead, my biggest criticism of this graphic novel was the demographic it is being advertised to. As a 19-year-old college student, I was reading this book for my own nostalgia, knowing it was designed for children younger than me. The adorable art style, the bright pink color palette, and the whole premise confirm this theory. However, several topics mentioned in this book, like a girl losing her virginity for the first time, sparked me as not being very child-appropriate. I would say this book fits in the teenage demographic at times, not the young elementary demographic I can see it being advertised to.
Even if this marketing confused me, I did really enjoy this book. Again, the art was adorable, and I loved exploring the story I grew up enjoying in a new format. Mia's personality in this really shone through well, and her advocacy for what she stands for was inspiring. Plus, this was a super engaging and quick read; I finished it in one sitting! I would have enjoyed even more, honestly, as I felt that the story ended right after it had first begun.
I'm really hoping this graphic novel series continues, as I would love to keep reading about Mia's princess adventures, and I found this book to be quite enjoyable. For fans of the original series or movies, this book is both nostalgic and fresh: a perfect combination.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this arc!
I've never read the original Princess Diaries book series, but as a lover of the movie adaptations, I was instantly intrigued by this graphic novel. There were lots of changes from the movie to this book, some good and some bad, but as I have no way of knowing if this graphic novel is keeping faithful to the original book or not, I will not be criticizing it for this.
Instead, my biggest criticism of this graphic novel was the demographic it is being advertised to. As a 19-year-old college student, I was reading this book for my own nostalgia, knowing it was designed for children younger than me. The adorable art style, the bright pink color palette, and the whole premise confirm this theory. However, several topics mentioned in this book, like a girl losing her virginity for the first time, sparked me as not being very child-appropriate. I would say this book fits in the teenage demographic at times, not the young elementary demographic I can see it being advertised to.
Even if this marketing confused me, I did really enjoy this book. Again, the art was adorable, and I loved exploring the story I grew up enjoying in a new format. Mia's personality in this really shone through well, and her advocacy for what she stands for was inspiring. Plus, this was a super engaging and quick read; I finished it in one sitting! I would have enjoyed even more, honestly, as I felt that the story ended right after it had first begun.
I'm really hoping this graphic novel series continues, as I would love to keep reading about Mia's princess adventures, and I found this book to be quite enjoyable. For fans of the original series or movies, this book is both nostalgic and fresh: a perfect combination.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you netgalley for this Arc!
I, like many early 2000s girls, loved the Princess Diaries. The movies, the books, were a huge part of my childhood. I love Mia. So when I saw this, I knew I had to read it.
The story itself is the classic tale. Mia' discovers she's a princess when her father can no longer have kids. Cue distress over having to learn that, among other teen trouble like dating and friendship issues.
As an adaptation, it's okay. Frustratingly, many internal thoughts Mia wrote down is now dialogue with someone, which led to awkward interactions. It cuts out a decent amount of content, for example, the actual reason her father cannot have children is cut. Additionally, there seems to be an attempt to update the text, as the reason Lily is protesting isn't about a perceived inequality, but about makeup. It leaves out other details only to bring them up later like we should already know (ex; Fat Louie eats a sock prior to the book, Mia mentions it in her diary in the original text, but we jump to Lily asking about it later with no context.) Unfortunately, it suffers from the same problem many adaptations have, with cutting out content instead of doing a true adaptation.
I also dislike that they seemed to have minimized her friendship with Tina. She isn't reading a book, something Mia brings up frequently, reducing it to a single page later, and Mia buys her own ice cream to cone Lana, instead of Tina buying it and giving it to her.
The art style itself is a little odd. The girls look find, but it makes the two senior boys, Josh and Michael, look much younger. I fear this makes Josh look less gross than he was.
I, like many early 2000s girls, loved the Princess Diaries. The movies, the books, were a huge part of my childhood. I love Mia. So when I saw this, I knew I had to read it.
The story itself is the classic tale. Mia' discovers she's a princess when her father can no longer have kids. Cue distress over having to learn that, among other teen trouble like dating and friendship issues.
As an adaptation, it's okay. Frustratingly, many internal thoughts Mia wrote down is now dialogue with someone, which led to awkward interactions. It cuts out a decent amount of content, for example, the actual reason her father cannot have children is cut. Additionally, there seems to be an attempt to update the text, as the reason Lily is protesting isn't about a perceived inequality, but about makeup. It leaves out other details only to bring them up later like we should already know (ex; Fat Louie eats a sock prior to the book, Mia mentions it in her diary in the original text, but we jump to Lily asking about it later with no context.) Unfortunately, it suffers from the same problem many adaptations have, with cutting out content instead of doing a true adaptation.
I also dislike that they seemed to have minimized her friendship with Tina. She isn't reading a book, something Mia brings up frequently, reducing it to a single page later, and Mia buys her own ice cream to cone Lana, instead of Tina buying it and giving it to her.
The art style itself is a little odd. The girls look find, but it makes the two senior boys, Josh and Michael, look much younger. I fear this makes Josh look less gross than he was.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A new generation of Meg Cabot fans are going to be hooting and hollering thanks to this fantastic graphic novel of The Princess Diaries. A little backstory on me: Meg Cabot was my introduction to what I used to call "chick-lit" (is that still a term?). I was immediately hooked on her writing, whatever formula she used. She introduced me to my love of reading through The Boy Next Door. That was decades ago. (YIKES!) From that point on I made it my mission to read every single one of her books, because they brought me joy. They were all fun and light (in my opinion) I even read the ones for younger readers which leads me to the Princess Diaries and my fondness of that series.
I couldn't help but jump on requesting an advanced copy of the Graphic Novel (THANK YOU NetGalley and Harper Collins). I may be bias on this one but I try to be honest in every one of my reviews. Is this a book for adults? Nope, not at all. If you are an adult and not familiar with the princess diaries will you like this? No, probably not. If you are a fan of the series and are an adult will you like this? HECK YEAH. If you like graphic novels or manga will you like this, regardless of age? Probably. It is fun, it's new, it's visually appealing and makes you chuckle. Enjoy it for what it is worth and share with the new generation of readers, young and older. I for one, plan on sharing it with my kids who are the age range for this new series ! I bet there are a few of you Cabot fans who now have children of your own!
I couldn't help but jump on requesting an advanced copy of the Graphic Novel (THANK YOU NetGalley and Harper Collins). I may be bias on this one but I try to be honest in every one of my reviews. Is this a book for adults? Nope, not at all. If you are an adult and not familiar with the princess diaries will you like this? No, probably not. If you are a fan of the series and are an adult will you like this? HECK YEAH. If you like graphic novels or manga will you like this, regardless of age? Probably. It is fun, it's new, it's visually appealing and makes you chuckle. Enjoy it for what it is worth and share with the new generation of readers, young and older. I for one, plan on sharing it with my kids who are the age range for this new series ! I bet there are a few of you Cabot fans who now have children of your own!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the queen herself, Meg Cabot, for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book.
Will this review be biased? Yes, absolutely.
The Princess Diaries is already my favorite series of all time and quite literally got me through middle school. Princess Mia and I grew up together. I even planned my wedding alongside her… although we definitely went in different directions during COVID since I got divorced and she was dealing with a Grandmère gone wild.
But back to the graphic novel.
I’d already preordered this and was looking forward to reading it when it released so I could share it with my daughter who is almost 8 and loved the From the Notebook of a Middle School Princess books. We started to read through it together, and then, of course, I read it on my own because I couldn’t wait for her to finish.
I just have to say: it was perfect.
The characters looked exactly like I pictured them, the illustrations were amazing, and somehow the artist managed to capture Mia’s voice and personality perfectly in graphic novel form. That’s not an easy thing to do with a character so many readers have carried around in their heads for years, but this absolutely nailed it.
Seriously, perfect. No notes.
To close...
Am I biased? Yeah probably. Did I love every second of it anyway? Yes!!!!!!
Will this review be biased? Yes, absolutely.
The Princess Diaries is already my favorite series of all time and quite literally got me through middle school. Princess Mia and I grew up together. I even planned my wedding alongside her… although we definitely went in different directions during COVID since I got divorced and she was dealing with a Grandmère gone wild.
But back to the graphic novel.
I’d already preordered this and was looking forward to reading it when it released so I could share it with my daughter who is almost 8 and loved the From the Notebook of a Middle School Princess books. We started to read through it together, and then, of course, I read it on my own because I couldn’t wait for her to finish.
I just have to say: it was perfect.
The characters looked exactly like I pictured them, the illustrations were amazing, and somehow the artist managed to capture Mia’s voice and personality perfectly in graphic novel form. That’s not an easy thing to do with a character so many readers have carried around in their heads for years, but this absolutely nailed it.
Seriously, perfect. No notes.
To close...
Am I biased? Yeah probably. Did I love every second of it anyway? Yes!!!!!!
June 30, 2026
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For high school freshman Mia Thermopolis, flunking algebra and having boy crushes are just part of the daily life of one “normal” girl. But what happens when she learns that her dad is the prince of Genovia? Thus, her grandmother begins the princess training in all respects, from walking perfectly to learning how to politely decline a party invitation. However, between her mother dating her math teacher and her fallout with her bestie Lilly, somehow the press learns about Mia being a princess. Betrayals and drama collide, making a “normal” Mia into “Princess” Mia, as her new royal life just begins.
Oh My Gosh! This was so flippin cute; I absolutely adore this first volume of The Princess Diaries. Making this series into a graphic novel is such a fantastic outlet for showing the New York life for Mia but also the life of a Genovian princess. Lilly always cracked me up, especially in the films, and her portrayal in this first volume was so spot on - I want a friend like her! From the makeovers to saving the whales, Mia begins to learn more about her heritage, a princess in the making. Hilarious and unforgettable, this visual take on this special classic reminds me of my own childhood reading the numerous volumes of the original Princess Diaries.
For high school freshman Mia Thermopolis, flunking algebra and having boy crushes are just part of the daily life of one “normal” girl. But what happens when she learns that her dad is the prince of Genovia? Thus, her grandmother begins the princess training in all respects, from walking perfectly to learning how to politely decline a party invitation. However, between her mother dating her math teacher and her fallout with her bestie Lilly, somehow the press learns about Mia being a princess. Betrayals and drama collide, making a “normal” Mia into “Princess” Mia, as her new royal life just begins.
Oh My Gosh! This was so flippin cute; I absolutely adore this first volume of The Princess Diaries. Making this series into a graphic novel is such a fantastic outlet for showing the New York life for Mia but also the life of a Genovian princess. Lilly always cracked me up, especially in the films, and her portrayal in this first volume was so spot on - I want a friend like her! From the makeovers to saving the whales, Mia begins to learn more about her heritage, a princess in the making. Hilarious and unforgettable, this visual take on this special classic reminds me of my own childhood reading the numerous volumes of the original Princess Diaries.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot—Spoiler Free
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫑
I was given an eARC to review from Netgalley, but all thoughts are my own.
Going into this I wasn’t sure to expect the movie story or the book story. It’s been a long time since I read the book, but I think the story is closer to the book. I think if a kid had just watched the movie and went into this expecting that, they might be disappointed. There were some funny moments and it was easy to read and follow along. The illustrations were good, but the grandma was a bit ridiculous to me. I was expecting cartoon regal Julie Andrews and got martini holding, constantly smoking Yzma. I enjoyed the early 2000s vibe.
I did notice the age recommendation on Amazon was 8-12, I would probably push that little older. I think the illustrations and overall story would appeal to 8-12, but I have an 8 yo and the discussions of sex and drinking would not be a common occurrence for her to think about right now. It’s not heavily discussed by the characters, but if a kid hasn’t been introduced to those topics yet, I don’t think this would be the intro I’d use.
Content to be aware of: mentions of having sex and losing virginity, attending parities with underage drinking.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫑
I was given an eARC to review from Netgalley, but all thoughts are my own.
Going into this I wasn’t sure to expect the movie story or the book story. It’s been a long time since I read the book, but I think the story is closer to the book. I think if a kid had just watched the movie and went into this expecting that, they might be disappointed. There were some funny moments and it was easy to read and follow along. The illustrations were good, but the grandma was a bit ridiculous to me. I was expecting cartoon regal Julie Andrews and got martini holding, constantly smoking Yzma. I enjoyed the early 2000s vibe.
I did notice the age recommendation on Amazon was 8-12, I would probably push that little older. I think the illustrations and overall story would appeal to 8-12, but I have an 8 yo and the discussions of sex and drinking would not be a common occurrence for her to think about right now. It’s not heavily discussed by the characters, but if a kid hasn’t been introduced to those topics yet, I don’t think this would be the intro I’d use.
Content to be aware of: mentions of having sex and losing virginity, attending parities with underage drinking.
May 16, 2026
✨ The Vibes ✨
A modern retelling of a classic YA series
📖 Read if…
✨ You want to revisit a childhood favorite
✨ You’re (im)patiently waiting for The Princess Diaries 3 to hit theaters
✨ You need a book that will make you laugh
The Princess Diaries was one of my favorite books growing up and I remember devouring them during middle school, only to realize the final books weren’t out yet. It was a loooonnggg wait to see what would happen to Mia and Michael. I never reread them though, as I knew a lot of people who picked them up in their 20s and beyond, found them to be a bit juvenile, and I didn’t want that to ruin my beloved memories.
So, in a way, picking up this graphic novel version was a bit of a risk. Would it hold up to my memory? It did! I had such a phenomenal time revisiting this story in this format. It was really cool to see visual representations of the characters (and if they matched my own ideas), and I loved how they incorporated some of the iconic elements, like Mia’s lists and homework assignments into the story. I also loved the focus on her friendship with Tina, and the conflict with Lily. It’s a really authentic and accurate portrayal of friendship at that age.
One of the reasons I always loved book Mia was that while she wasn’t perfect, she was empathetic and always made an effort to do the right thing. Her anxieties, fears, and concerns were the same ones I had, and while I’m a little older now, I’m so excited that a new generation of readers will get to meet this princess. I hope the entire series is released in this format.
Thanks to HarperAlley for the #gifted copy!
A modern retelling of a classic YA series
📖 Read if…
✨ You want to revisit a childhood favorite
✨ You’re (im)patiently waiting for The Princess Diaries 3 to hit theaters
✨ You need a book that will make you laugh
The Princess Diaries was one of my favorite books growing up and I remember devouring them during middle school, only to realize the final books weren’t out yet. It was a loooonnggg wait to see what would happen to Mia and Michael. I never reread them though, as I knew a lot of people who picked them up in their 20s and beyond, found them to be a bit juvenile, and I didn’t want that to ruin my beloved memories.
So, in a way, picking up this graphic novel version was a bit of a risk. Would it hold up to my memory? It did! I had such a phenomenal time revisiting this story in this format. It was really cool to see visual representations of the characters (and if they matched my own ideas), and I loved how they incorporated some of the iconic elements, like Mia’s lists and homework assignments into the story. I also loved the focus on her friendship with Tina, and the conflict with Lily. It’s a really authentic and accurate portrayal of friendship at that age.
One of the reasons I always loved book Mia was that while she wasn’t perfect, she was empathetic and always made an effort to do the right thing. Her anxieties, fears, and concerns were the same ones I had, and while I’m a little older now, I’m so excited that a new generation of readers will get to meet this princess. I hope the entire series is released in this format.
Thanks to HarperAlley for the #gifted copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Net Gallery for approving my request to read this book online, which really means a lot.
Something about this book had really brought back pretty good memories. The Princess Diaries is my all-time favorite, and quite honestly, watching the movie starring Anne Hathaway really brings it to life. But seeing this graphic novel version come to life makes me want to read it over and over again. Even though the graphic novel is different from the movie adaptation, what I would say is that the graphic novel does reintroduce Princess Mia in a whole new light, but very much what it means to be a true princess. Meg Cabot is a brilliant author for the Princess Diaries series, and Bethany Crandell for drawing Princess Mia as the modern-day princess that we know and love.
Anyways I hope there will be another edition to the graphic novel of the princess diaries were princess mia gets crowned queen of Genovia. Just like in the movie and book versions, but we'll just have to wait and see. Anywho, what I like about this book means a lot to the imagination, for us princess lovers out there.
And one more thing, if you're a fan of The Princess Diaries, then add this graphic novel to your collection. Its a timeless treasure that would last for a lifetime.
Something about this book had really brought back pretty good memories. The Princess Diaries is my all-time favorite, and quite honestly, watching the movie starring Anne Hathaway really brings it to life. But seeing this graphic novel version come to life makes me want to read it over and over again. Even though the graphic novel is different from the movie adaptation, what I would say is that the graphic novel does reintroduce Princess Mia in a whole new light, but very much what it means to be a true princess. Meg Cabot is a brilliant author for the Princess Diaries series, and Bethany Crandell for drawing Princess Mia as the modern-day princess that we know and love.
Anyways I hope there will be another edition to the graphic novel of the princess diaries were princess mia gets crowned queen of Genovia. Just like in the movie and book versions, but we'll just have to wait and see. Anywho, what I like about this book means a lot to the imagination, for us princess lovers out there.
And one more thing, if you're a fan of The Princess Diaries, then add this graphic novel to your collection. Its a timeless treasure that would last for a lifetime.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I will start by admitting that I have never read the novel, so I do not know what changes may have been made in adapting this to a graphic novel. That being said, I do not know if some of the things I did not like about this book are from the original source or are unique to just this version. I am a big fan of graphic novels for all readers, but especially younger audiences, so any new content is always a great thing. As an older reader it is easy to get annoyed with Mia's preoccupation with her appearance, but if I had been reading this as middle grader or young adolescent I may have had similar thoughts/fears. As Mia starts to make the outward changes she also becomes somewhat less likable. She makes a very cruel comment to a peer about his sexuality and never has any consequences as a result - it is almost presented as her being justified in making the comment in the first place. Throughout the story she is critical of other girls who are not kind to her and then pretty much becomes just like them. I know this is part of a series so I hope we get to see Mia mature a little or at least recognize how poorly she treats others and make efforts to change.
I will start by admitting that I have never read the novel, so I do not know what changes may have been made in adapting this to a graphic novel. That being said, I do not know if some of the things I did not like about this book are from the original source or are unique to just this version. I am a big fan of graphic novels for all readers, but especially younger audiences, so any new content is always a great thing. As an older reader it is easy to get annoyed with Mia's preoccupation with her appearance, but if I had been reading this as middle grader or young adolescent I may have had similar thoughts/fears. As Mia starts to make the outward changes she also becomes somewhat less likable. She makes a very cruel comment to a peer about his sexuality and never has any consequences as a result - it is almost presented as her being justified in making the comment in the first place. Throughout the story she is critical of other girls who are not kind to her and then pretty much becomes just like them. I know this is part of a series so I hope we get to see Mia mature a little or at least recognize how poorly she treats others and make efforts to change.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While I can see this being an understandable choice for public library collections, I personally do not feel this adaptation is a strong addition to the genre. The art seemed promising and there are some fun facial expressions, but overall I found little to distinguish it from other currently popular series. This is my own gripe, but some of the images were copy and paste edits as well.
From what I have heard of the book, aspects of this version seem more in line with the book than the movie. Though I never read the book, I do remember a lot of the movie and found that the writing could be confusing even as someone who already knows the plot. Characters tend to jump from topic to topic, referencing things as if they had previously been discussed but without much development or time spent to explain. There is also little time given to resolving issues between characters as the story gets pushed along at a choppy pace. The ending felt sudden and didn't allude to much for the next book, leaving things on a positive but sort of empty note.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the digital ARC!
From what I have heard of the book, aspects of this version seem more in line with the book than the movie. Though I never read the book, I do remember a lot of the movie and found that the writing could be confusing even as someone who already knows the plot. Characters tend to jump from topic to topic, referencing things as if they had previously been discussed but without much development or time spent to explain. There is also little time given to resolving issues between characters as the story gets pushed along at a choppy pace. The ending felt sudden and didn't allude to much for the next book, leaving things on a positive but sort of empty note.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the digital ARC!
May 1, 2026
The Princess Diaries movies were foundational in my youth; so many iconic lines live rent free in my head even more than 20 years later. Until recently, I had no idea they were based on a book series. As an avid lover of Middle Grade/YA, I knew I needed to read them eventually, so the new graphic novel edition was a perfect opportunity.
The movies changed a whole lot (like movies always do), but I think one of the main things we missed in this adaptation is fondness growing between Mia and Clarisse, which is so important to the overarching plot. I did really like the very strong focus on animal rights, climate change, and irrational beauty standards. I think it added an extra layer to Mia’s hesitation that is (presumably) explored deeper in the original novels.
Overall, it’s a fun and familiar story with a bright and dynamic art style perfect for a new generation of younger readers. Older (movie-only) fans won’t find nearly as much nostalgia as they might expect, but it was still fun!
{Thank you HarperCollins Children’s for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts are my own}
The movies changed a whole lot (like movies always do), but I think one of the main things we missed in this adaptation is fondness growing between Mia and Clarisse, which is so important to the overarching plot. I did really like the very strong focus on animal rights, climate change, and irrational beauty standards. I think it added an extra layer to Mia’s hesitation that is (presumably) explored deeper in the original novels.
Overall, it’s a fun and familiar story with a bright and dynamic art style perfect for a new generation of younger readers. Older (movie-only) fans won’t find nearly as much nostalgia as they might expect, but it was still fun!
{Thank you HarperCollins Children’s for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts are my own}
May 2, 2026
There has been a recent trend in publishing I have noticed. A lot of “classics” I read as a teen are being adapted into graphic novels. From the Princess Academy to The Princess Diaries there has been a resurgence of familiar stories in a new form of media. It’s been probably over 15 years since I read the Princess Diaries series. I remember really enjoying it as a preteen/teenager, despite being so drastically different than the movie. This graphic novel adaptation reminded me of how much younger me enjoyed the books. It has reignited my love for the series and I’m eager to pick it back up! I think this is a great way to introduce a new generation to the timeless classic. I hope that new readers will read this graphic novel and want to dive into the already published series. I hope already existing fans will be reminded of their love for the series. The illustrator did a wonderful job with the late 1990s setting. I really appreciated all the little details referencing the time period from the outfits, technology, pop culture references etc. This is a wonderful adaptation!
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"The Princess Diaries" is back in graphic novel form with an interesting art style. It's not a style that I normally would like, but I think it works for the youthful tone that they are going for in this version. The story hits a lot of the same beats with Mia finding out that she is a princess from her father, who is not dead, with only a few small things changed in the story plot that if you haven't read it as many times as I have, you probably wouldn't even notice.
Don't go into this expecting the movie, it isn't. Grandmere, or her grandmother, is not kind, and a lot of the internal monologue is missing so we miss a lot of the nuance of why she feels certain ways about things. There was a lot of dialogue in the diaries, to be clear, and the graphic novel made that abundantly clear, but there was a lot of internalization as well.
It was interesting to see it brought to life again in a new way to celebrate the anniversary, however. I will definitely be picking it up when it comes out.
**Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Don't go into this expecting the movie, it isn't. Grandmere, or her grandmother, is not kind, and a lot of the internal monologue is missing so we miss a lot of the nuance of why she feels certain ways about things. There was a lot of dialogue in the diaries, to be clear, and the graphic novel made that abundantly clear, but there was a lot of internalization as well.
It was interesting to see it brought to life again in a new way to celebrate the anniversary, however. I will definitely be picking it up when it comes out.
**Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m so happy that The Princess Diaries stories by Meg Cabot will be reaching a brand new audience with this new format!
Contrary to popular belief, new graphic novel adaptations of books and stories we loved as kids are a great thing. It opens up the world to a brand new audience who may have never read the original novels. It gets them familiar with the characters and the stories and books in their hands, which in turn, creates more excitement for the original stories (“I’ve only read the graphic novels what are the books like? I should read those too!”), encourages literacy in young readers, and keeps these stories alive and moving as time passes.
The diary format is lost here since this is a graphic novel, but there’s little bits that keep it in a new way. There’s some charm lost in that adaptation but the heart is still there and I enjoyed the new illustrators take on the book characters (and i’m glad they kept them aligned with their book counterparts not the movies!)
Overall, a 4/5 - enjoyable and sweet with room to grow.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
Contrary to popular belief, new graphic novel adaptations of books and stories we loved as kids are a great thing. It opens up the world to a brand new audience who may have never read the original novels. It gets them familiar with the characters and the stories and books in their hands, which in turn, creates more excitement for the original stories (“I’ve only read the graphic novels what are the books like? I should read those too!”), encourages literacy in young readers, and keeps these stories alive and moving as time passes.
The diary format is lost here since this is a graphic novel, but there’s little bits that keep it in a new way. There’s some charm lost in that adaptation but the heart is still there and I enjoyed the new illustrators take on the book characters (and i’m glad they kept them aligned with their book counterparts not the movies!)
Overall, a 4/5 - enjoyable and sweet with room to grow.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This graphic novel offers a fresh perspective on a cherished tale.
I must preface this by stating that I have not had the opportunity to read the original books. My initial introduction to this series was through the films, so many of my comparisons were naturally drawn to the first movie, from which this adaptation presented numerous divergences. I found several of these differences quite enjoyable, particularly the portrayal of the grandmother, who was quite distinct from the character played by Julie Andrews. Nevertheless, I appreciated her character for unique reasons. The father's storyline also presented some unexpected elements, and I am unsure how closely it aligns with the original text. Overall, I found the story engaging; it appears to be primarily aimed at younger teenagers, and its straightforward narrative style did, at times, feel rather youthful.
Regarding the artwork, it did not entirely resonate with me. There were instances where it appeared somewhat unrefined and, again, conveyed a youthful aesthetic. It struck me as rather simplistic and did not significantly enhance the narrative.
I would suggest this to individuals who are fond of *The Princess Diaries* or to readers in the middle school age group.
I must preface this by stating that I have not had the opportunity to read the original books. My initial introduction to this series was through the films, so many of my comparisons were naturally drawn to the first movie, from which this adaptation presented numerous divergences. I found several of these differences quite enjoyable, particularly the portrayal of the grandmother, who was quite distinct from the character played by Julie Andrews. Nevertheless, I appreciated her character for unique reasons. The father's storyline also presented some unexpected elements, and I am unsure how closely it aligns with the original text. Overall, I found the story engaging; it appears to be primarily aimed at younger teenagers, and its straightforward narrative style did, at times, feel rather youthful.
Regarding the artwork, it did not entirely resonate with me. There were instances where it appeared somewhat unrefined and, again, conveyed a youthful aesthetic. It struck me as rather simplistic and did not significantly enhance the narrative.
I would suggest this to individuals who are fond of *The Princess Diaries* or to readers in the middle school age group.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I adored this adaptation! It’s been so long since I read the original “Princess Diaries” novel and this brought back all the nostalgia.
The art is very charming and all the characters are so cute! I loved the artistic choices made with the depiction of each character. From Lily’s glasses to Mia’s haircut, everything was visually so much fun!
Since I have only read the original “Princess Diaries” once, but have seen the film adaption countless times, I always forget about all the characters cut for the movie. I love Mr. G and Tina because they are so supportive and serve as great counterparts to the faults and conflicts with Mia’s dad and Lily. I also love book Clarisse as one of Mia’s antagonists, rather than just Josh and Lana. And of course Michael Moscovitz is dreamy in every iteration!
I hope graphic novel adaptions continue for the rest of the series. This was a great adaption and it would be a shame for them to not continue with the others.
Thank you to HarperCollins Children’s Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
The art is very charming and all the characters are so cute! I loved the artistic choices made with the depiction of each character. From Lily’s glasses to Mia’s haircut, everything was visually so much fun!
Since I have only read the original “Princess Diaries” once, but have seen the film adaption countless times, I always forget about all the characters cut for the movie. I love Mr. G and Tina because they are so supportive and serve as great counterparts to the faults and conflicts with Mia’s dad and Lily. I also love book Clarisse as one of Mia’s antagonists, rather than just Josh and Lana. And of course Michael Moscovitz is dreamy in every iteration!
I hope graphic novel adaptions continue for the rest of the series. This was a great adaption and it would be a shame for them to not continue with the others.
Thank you to HarperCollins Children’s Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
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