Royal Crown

From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess #4

by Meg Cabot

It's the first coronation of a female monarch of Genovia in 200 years, and Her Royal Highness, Princess Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison, is giving you the inside scoop in this newest (illustrated!) diary from New York Times--bestselling author and illustrator Meg Cabot!

Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison should be having fun. Her best friend is visiting from America, her sister's royal coronation is only three days away (the first coronation of a female ruler in two centuries), and she's even got a new boyfriend who is actually a very smart and charming prince!

But it's hard to celebrate when her royal cousins are scheming to take over the throne. And with everyone running around, Olivia and her friends have been saddled with royal babysitting duties. Then, to make matters worse, Olivia's snobby cousin Luisa insists on gossiping about her, especially about things that should be personal . . . it's none of her business whether Prince Khalil and Olivia have kissed or not!

When did growing up royal get so complicated?!?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Audiobook, Romance

224 pages, Hardcover

First published August 7, 2018

About the author

Librarian 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

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This rating may be too high. It's FINE, but it also feels like a retread. Like, yes, I saw Mia go through all these things however many years ago. It's fun to see glimpses of characters, but I'm not sure this series has ever really managed to shine on its own. Something brand new probably would've been better.

[Clarissa Krigger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never stop reading

I been reading princess diaries books since I was 14 years old. A little over a decade later I'm still reading after falling in love with Olivia. These books still let me have glimpses of Mia and the lot and it makes me happy.

[SuperWendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cabot's Princess Diaries world is my happy place. For me it's like tap-dancing unicorns farting out rainbow sprinkles while I gorge myself on cupcakes. This starts out a little shaky (I wasn't sold on the royal babysitting service at first blush) but it picks up steam once the author gives Olivia some decent tween conflict to work with (her friends are "maturing" faster than she is). Cute and exactly what I expect from this series.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of us who already read the entire Princess Diaries series, this middle school detour gives a lovely view from the younger set. In a way it is like starting over. I would love it is Cabot would let us watch Olivia grow up the way we did with Mia. Probably a bit too much to hope for, but I would definitely keep reading if she did. Kathleen McInerney does an excellent job narrating as well. Would be a fun series for a mother and daughter to share.

[Liralen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2023:
I have virtually nothing to add upon this reread—I checked my notes, and there's nothing in there either!—except that, oh god. I've finished both Princess Diaries series (again). I'm going to have to read Ransom My Heart at some point, aren't I?

2018:
Gosh. If Mia & co. had gotten up to half the mischief that Olivia and her miscreant contemporaries get up to, Grandmère would have shipped them off to the dungeon. The pre-wine cellar dungeon. (Mind, I'm talking more about Olivia's juvenile delinquent friends than I am about Olivia. Olivia is a bit of a good-two-shoes...which, don't get me wrong, probably works in her favour as a modern young royal.)

Ah well. It's generally entertaining, even if virtually nothing happens on-page (the big drama, to do with succession, happens off-page and we only hear the bare bones) and it asks for quite a bit of suspension of disbelief. But all these years later I still have a soft spot for The Princess Diaries and related books, so...

[Beth Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Headed for a Meltdown?

I am an adult who has been reading the Princess Diaries for years. I am concerned about the character Olivia. She seemed focused on being good and moral and doing the right thing and yet, she seems to get used and abused by everyone around her. Her dad ignores her, her sister barely acknowledges her and uses her for babysitting. Worst is her cousin who says and dreadful things that are known lies and yet, Olivia believes every bad thing Louisa tells her. It seems the only person this kid has in her corner is her Grandmere. Oh, and her stepbrother Rocky who is equally neglected. And some of the things Olivia writes are beyond concerning. I am worried about her. Of course, the fact that I am a mother of a middleschooler reading a book written for middleschoolers is also concerning so who and I to judge?

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Royal Crown is the fourth book in this middle grade series.

If you've read any of the Princess Diaries books then this is a cute companion series.

I really enjoy Olivia and I like reading about Genovia and all things royal. However, I would definitely love a YA or adult book.

This book is obviously aimed towards younger readers. However, it seems odd to me that all of these 13 year old kids have boyfriends. Plus some of the other subjects in this particular book would make it a bit less appropriate for 9-10 year olds. But overall this series is fun. And I love Grand-mère. Although I can't help but picture Julie Andrews as I read her part.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story about princesses in Genovia

[Denise Lauron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed most of Meg Cabot's books. This one was no exception. I enjoyed that this series had many of the same characters as the Princess Diaries series. I was a little confused because the father had died in that series and was alive and well in this one. I'll have to go back and figure out what happened there.

[Kylara Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and basically just what I eoukd expect from this book. In a good way.

A lot of good feminist stuff and good rhetoric. Talks about real stuff like periods and why relationship games are dumb.

The only thing I didnt like was the emphasis on kissing. Like dude. Its ok to not be kissing at 13

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story for middle school aged kids (or really anyone but mainly them). I enjoyed reading about Olivia and her friends & family. Some of the royal tips she talks about should be used in everyday life. The author needs to make a book of just them!

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun trip back to Genovia. Enjoyed this quick and easy listen.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the fourth title in this series, Olivia is worried about whether her friendship with Prince Khalil is the start of a possible romance. Amid threats that the coronation of her sister Mia won't actually come to pass due to complications, Olivia starts feeling inadequate and immature due to her cousin Luisa's comments and her own best friend Nishi's preoccupation with her boyfriend back home. While some of this is fairly familiar territory, it is hard to resist Olivia's personality or fail to relate to some of her worries or be amused by her grandmother's hints about the life she led when she was much younger. Although I like this series and the characters, I agree with another reviewer who expressed concern that all these young girls seem to have boyfriends. I know Olivia is her own person and fine whether she has a boyfriend or a friend who is a boy, but the others are not, and that strikes me as a little sad.

[Valley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just *so* sweet. It was full of amazing messages for younger readers, and also had a cute romance in it (like most -all?) Meg Cabot books do. And the parts with Mia, Michael, Rocky, and Grandmère were just so adorable and *squee*. I doubt I'll ever "out-grow" these types of books. Need more Princess Diaries books! Also, Olivia is a great character, and an amazing role model for younger readers.

[Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Meg Cabot's writing. I have been following her books since the very first Princess Diaries book came out. I love this shift into the middle grade. I think these are super fun and easy quick reads. This book was incredibly predictable, but I feel like that just didn't matter to me. I still had so much fun reading this.

[Claretabooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

He disfrutado mucho esta historia y me da mucha pena haberla terminado finalmente.
Me alegra haber podido ver un poco más de la vida de Mia a través de los ojos de su hermana Olivia y me gusta mucho la sensación dulce que me ha quedado al terminar.
Es un cuento de hadas con muchos altibajos pero con final feliz :)

[Amarie35 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. You never know what Princess Olivia is gonna get her self into.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another adorable Olivia book by Meg Cabot. I love getting to see some of the characters that I grew up with, as well as meet new ones. Olivia and Khalil are just adorable, and I still love Mia and Michael. I've already been feeling the urge to re-read my favorite books in the Princess Diaries series, now I really have to.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Cute story!! Love this series!!

[Caitlinjoyful · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my stars.

This was so fun, it’s been a long time coming but finally Mia was crowned Queen!

It was nice seeing some familiar faces, and meeting new ones.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful, as always.

[Karine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked reading this book, well written and Olivia is mature and respectful in so many ways. I love seeing Book that show that type of a character.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh so fun! I can't get anything done when I'm in the middle of one of these books. I wish there were way more than four :( But I really wish there were more adult Mia books. Hopefully there will be some books down the road from her POV in her new roles. Pretty please?

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just really loved this book. Such a cute and fun read (and I think there are some pretty good life lessons in it, as well!)

[Nasty Lady MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

To see review with gifs click here.

I really wish Meg Cabot would write stuff for her older fans again. I get that she’s trying to expand her audience. But God damn it, I have read her stuff for seventeen years and I feel like I’m at my wit’s end since she’s only published kiddie books the past few years.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think her new Princess Diaries series is bad. I’d probably enjoy it if I was like ten. But I am a grown ass woman, and even the mere thought of seeing artwork of Michael Moscovitz’s ass (it hasn’t happened and its been four books) isn’t going to keep me from reading this series anymore.

Or for that matter, getting updates on my favorite characters isn’t going to keep me reading either.

I mean, you there has to be a lot of older fans who grew up on Diaries who are reading it for the updates, right?

Okay, maybe I’m the only person.

And to be fair, I do think it is a decent middle grade book if a bit cringe-y.

Honestly, as this spinoff series has progressed it has gotten moreccringe worthy. Palace life in Genovia is essentially like Princess Diaries 2 and I hate that fucking movie for being so full of cheese. And I’m not talking about the enjoyable sort of cheese. They got rid of Michael, how can you fucking do that?

Olivia is a Mary Sue. After four books, I am just going to say it. Mia had faults. She might’ve been exasperating whiney and immature for a few books, but she seemed semi-realistic. Olivia is just too perfect to the point of me wanting to punch her stupid fictional face in.

The books have also gotten ridiculously formulaic. It’s like the series is stuck in middle Princess Diaries territory which is not a good thing.

I don’t feel a connection to any of these characters either except for the characters in the original series-who except for Grandmere (who I personally find to be OTT) are relegated to cameo appearances.

And Grandmere is severally watered down. I remember how her reaction to a certain event was in Mia’s life and it was the exact opposite of how she treated the situation with Olivia’s (yes, Cabot I remember these things I read these books way too many times in my teen years). And honestly, Mia’s dad does not seem like Mia’s dad in this series either. And neither does Mia’s mom. Or Mia. Or Michael. Or Lily. Or Tina. It’s almost as if they’ve been his with a bland gun to make Olivia and her crew seem interesting.

But Olivia and her friends at the end of the day are dull. I still cringe every time I read about her friends at “princess” school. Because hello, these are preteens not the cast of Sophia the First. And I also cringe with the various attempts to usurp the Genovian throne. Like, hasn’t this plot line with its five thousand plot holes been used like ten thousand times already?

At the end of the day, I ended this book missing the original series which was a kissing book and not afraid to use profanity.

Interesting note, any long time readers might be interested that only a year separates the age of Mia from book one from Olivia. But it might as well be four years ’cause Olivia acts like she’s about ten years old.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I think maybe there is something that Meg Cabot wants her young readers to take away from each book, it’s kind of like each book was one of those infamous Grandmère Princess Lessons.

In book #4, Princess Olivia comes learns how to deal with some of her first major drama with her peers, friends and even her extended family. While her sister Princess Mia adjusts to motherhood and trying to get through her coronation, which Princess Olivia and their cousin Luisa are also involved in.

With each new book I find myself liking Princess Olivia more and more, I definitely see this series as separate to the Princess Diaries one now. Although it is great to get small glimpses into the lives of Princess Mia and her friends.

I like seeing how far Princess Olivia has come since the first book, she’s handling this whole Princess thing really well. I can’t wait to see what comes next for her!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every young girl needs this series. WoC protagonist, super feminist ideals that show boys and girls can be friends and equals, and open discussion about puberty and periods. This finale was a royal treat! I <3 Olivia.

[sage (semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

1.) The Princess Diaries ★★★★
2.) Princess in the Spotlight ★★★★
3.) Princess in Love ★★★★
4.) Princess in Waiting ★★★★
4.1.) Princess Lessons ★★★★
4.5.) Project Princess ★★★★
5.) Princess in Pink ★★★★★
6.) Princess in Training ★★★
7.) Party Princess ★★★★
8.) Princess on the Brink ★★★★
9.) Princess Mia ★★★★
10.) Forever Princess ★★★★★
11.) Royal Wedding ★★★★★
1.) From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess ★★★★
2.) Royal Wedding ★★★★
3.) Royal Crown ★★★★

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find this to be a cute series overall, but this particular book just seemed a LOT younger than the other ones. There was also almost no plot, and so much time was spent talking about getting your first period that it was like the author was trying to be Judy Blume.

I'm not sure I'll read more of these if the series continues.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Olivia is growing up. Her friend from the states is in Genova to help celebrate her sister Mia’s coronation which gets challenged by a cousin and the girls run a baby-sitting business during the preparations. Find out more about what happens between Olivia and Prince Khalil in this installment of From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess.