Princess of the Midnight Ball

George, Jessica Day. Princess of the Midnight Ball. Bloomsbury: 2009. ISBN: 9781599903224.

Plot Summary:
Galen Werner is walking home after the long war with Analousia. The war has claimed both his mother, who travel with the army doing laundry and his soldier father. Galen saw his share of action and is returning in one piece physically. As his journey proceeds, Galen stops to help an old woman on the side of the road and shares his dwindling provisions. To show her gratitude, the old woman gives Galen an invisibility cloak that is only to be used in times of real need. The old woman also gives Galen a white ball of yarn and a smaller black ball of yarn with the admonition that,"One can bind the other protect. Black like iron, white like a swan." Galen thanks her and continues on his way unsure of her sanity. The only family Galen has left is his Aunt and Uncle. They welcome him with open arms and he begins working at the castle with his uncle. It is here that Galen meets the princesses and becomes involved in their troubles and vows to help them. Maybe that old woman was not so crazy after all.

Critical Evaluation:
Princess of the Midnight Ball is the author's rendition of a fairy tale, Twelve Dancing Princesses. The author is able to maintain the fairy tale feel to the story with elements of magic and good versus evil. The theme of a commoner being dismissed, overlooked and certainly not worthy of a royal princess is common plot device. By giving us Galen's history first, the reader roots for him and knows he is the man for the job. The romantic elements are not sappy or over-the-top. There is a serious tone around the twelve princesses which gives them a levity not always associated with royal birth. Life has been serious for these girls without a mother and the victims of her folly. The book doesn't really explore in detail why the mother made the pact that causes the curse. We know she was desperate for children and the end of the war, but that is all.

Reader's Annotation:
Dancing is fun in moderation. But remember, you can have too much of a good thing.

Genre:
Fantasy/Classic Fantasy

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Many people say reading a book is like taking a vacation in your head. Relaxing and spending the afternoon in an imaginary place can be just what the doctor ordered.

Why Book Included:
My sixteen year old daughter said this was a must read. She gives really great Readers Advisory!