2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A good "tween" story, September 28, 2007
Born to Rule by the infamous Kathryn Lasky, is the first book in the Camp Princess series. It is Alicis, Princess of All the Belgravias first year at camp and she is both excited and a tidbit nervous. She knows it is custom for all Princesses to attend camp to assist in learning skills necessary for running a country, but she is a little scared of the other, older Princesses. When she arrives, she is placed in the dreaded South Turret, the tower deemed "haunted" by the rest of camp, with 2 roommates she grows to love.
Throughout her time at at camp, where seasons change by the minute and tiaras must always be worn, even during swimming, Alicia learns that there is more to being a Princess than simply being born into the position. It involves solving mysteries, teaching birds to sing, and participating in arts and crafts, complete with real jewels. Alicia is introduced to what her true destiny may be and must learn to face fears and challenges head on.
Like most of Lasky's books, Born to Rule helps promote positive self image among girls, as well as confidence and the idea of being brave in new situations. This book, however, seemed a little forced in the whole "Princess" concept. I loved the idea, but it seemed that every other sentence was almost poking fun at the Princess world, rather than simply having it be a back story to the true plot. The book was also quite short, making the end seem a bit rushed, but that may make it a good story for reluctant readers.
Overall, this was a quick read and one that tweens and other young girls will probably enjoy.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Courtesy of Teens Read Too, October 27, 2006
This review is from: Camp Princess 1: Born to Rule (Paperback)
Princess Alicia has never been far from the company of her own family and servants. Now she's away from them at Camp Princess. A place full of new people, new experiences, and constant surprises. Her turret-mates are completely different from any one she's ever known. Princess Gundersnap is frumpy and blunt, and Princess Kristen is a stylish tomboy, whose garments consist mostly of animals she's hunted. Not to mention the other Princesses, some of whom aren't very friendly.
As if the other Princesses weren't enough to deal with, there are the activities; needlepoint, swimming in the moat, makeup (with a very nasty duchess), falconry, lawn tennis, canoing, sailing, archery, jewel crafts, catching a songbird and teaching it to sing. Plus, all outdoor activities are weather dependant, and it can change from summer to winter in two minutes on any given day. Princess Camp is hard to keep up with!
The appearance of a ghost comes as a bit of a surprise to Princess Alicia. At first she just thinks she's dreaming. It will take help from all of her turret-mates to solve the mystery, and put the ghost to rest. Not to mention getting her songbird to sing!
This is a light, sweet story, well suited to younger girls. It felt like it traveled in fits and spurts, but that might just have been the weather! At the end of the story the point of view switches seamlessly from Princess Alicia to Princess Gundersnap. Which tells me that our Princesses have much more adventure in store for them!
Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman
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