RAINBOW BOOK LIST -- A graphic novel where girls are heroes, monsters just want to dance, and two princess find their happily ever after together.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL --
Gr 3 Up-This fairy tale will leave readers smiling and believing in true love. Princess Amira, who is dark skinned and sports a
Mohawk, doesn't want to be a princess and sets out to prove herself a capable warrior. Blonde-haired Princess Sadie is locked away in a tower. When Amira rescues Sadie, they embark on a life-changing journey filled with empowering messages about friendship, gender roles, identity, heroism, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The beautifully crafted, eye-catching illustrations of various characters, whether human or animal, are absolutely adorable.
O'Neill's attention to detail, especially when it comes to characters'
expressions, is strong. Kids will enjoy this quick, entertaining read and will especially love the romance between Amira and Sadie. VERDICT An excellent addition to graphic novel collections. Hand to fans of nontraditional fairy tales, such as Ursula Vernon's "Hamster Princess" series or Jeremy Whitley's
"Princeless" books.-Jessica Bratt, Grand Rapids Public Library,
MI
LAMBDA LITERARY -- Princess Princess
Ever After is a warm-hearted graphic novel centered on the adventures of two strong-willed princesses. Playful in tone, this colorfully illustrated story was originally published as an online comic, but was later picked up by Oni Press for hardcover release. The story begins when Princess Amira rescues another
Princess, Princess Sadie, from an archetypal tower. The two use some creative problem solving skills to make their way past the typical fantasy novel obstacles of ogres and evil sisters. Through the arc of the story, both characters learn to recognize their self-worth, their different strengths, and to appreciate each other. The book feels as though it aims to reach young readers, giving them a cute story with happy young lesbians; yet some of the language and storytelling feels as though this is the kind of book that will land best with teenagers and older readers. The book does not shy away from addressing what is usually considered mature themes; the narrative directly takes on issues such as sexism and fatphobia. Sadie describes herself as
"big-boned" and her sister includes "fat" in many of her tirades against her.
Amira's parents expect her to marry a man when really she wants to go adventuring. These are stories which teenagers can especially relate too as they begin to explore their place in the world. Although, let's be honest, everyone can relate to the idea of failing parental expectations. I especially loved how the book spotlights Sophie's kindness and compassion as a strength. The graphic novel also smartly highlights Amira's fierceness and independence. Katie
O'Neills' joyful and cute illustrations give the whole book a sense of fun. The ending provides an adorable cap to the story. (I won't give away any spoilers,
but I doubt anyone would be surprised how the story ends.) This is a book with a lot of genuine heart; it is an adorable book whose fable-like story is perfect for any princess or prince in your life.
BOOKLIST -- Princess Sadie is tired of princes trying to rescue her from her tower prison, but this new rescuer is different-she's a princess! Together, Sadie and Amira forge a strong friendship that soon turns to love as they struggle to overcome their pasts and recover
Sadie's lost kingdom. O'Neill's delightful fairy tale will appeal to romance lovers, fantasy/adventure fans, and readers looking for LGBT-positive stories for young readers. In addition to the sweet romance, there is sword-fighting,
magic, and a simply adorable dragon. There's also a touch of kid-appropriate language (Amira is fond of the word butthead), which is all part of the silliness that keeps the story from ever getting too dark. O'Neill's warm,
friendly drawings add to the fun of this body-positive story that also features a main character of color. Appropriately for a fairy tale, O'Neill wraps things up with a wedding that promises happily-ever-after, sealed with a kiss. Give this to young romance readers, and watch them smile.
KIRKUS -- Someday your princess will come-and she'll be rocking a mohawk-mullet, wearing a jaunty tunic complete with epaulets and cravat, and riding a disdainful pink unicorn.Trapped in a tower,
"big-boned" Princess Sadie, a white girl with long blonde hair, is tired of fending off unsolicited rescue attempts by princes. But when dapper,
dark-skinned Princess Amira and her unicorn arrive, Sadie overcomes the inner fears and self-doubts that had imprisoned her psyche as thoroughly as the tower had her body. The two embark on adventures that include coming to the aid of an embarrassed prince, sweet-talking a sadly misunderstood ogre, and confronting
Sadie's wicked older sister. The princesses' affection for each other deepens with every challenge-and every round of snappy banter-and when wedding bells ring, they're for a couple who truly know and have freely chosen one another.
O'Neill delivers an alternative fairy tale that challenges conventions with every twist of the plot but doesn't veer into heavy-handed preachiness that pulls readers out of the story. The bright illustrations, clear layout, and easy-to-read type make this an inviting read. Combine a cuddly purple dragon,
much sharing of cookies, abundant humor, and two distinct and appealing heroines, and you have a royal winner. (Graphic fantasy.
8-13)
10/01/2016
Gr 3 Up—This fairy tale will leave readers smiling and believing in true love. Princess Amira, who is dark skinned and sports a Mohawk, doesn't want to be a princess and sets out to prove herself a capable warrior. Blonde-haired Princess Sadie is locked away in a tower. When Amira rescues Sadie, they embark on a life-changing journey filled with empowering messages about friendship, gender roles, identity, heroism, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The beautifully crafted, eye-catching illustrations of various characters, whether human or animal, are absolutely adorable. O'Neill's attention to detail, especially when it comes to characters' expressions, is strong. Kids will enjoy this quick, entertaining read and will especially love the romance between Amira and Sadie. VERDICT An excellent addition to graphic novel collections. Hand to fans of nontraditional fairy tales, such as Ursula Vernon's "Hamster Princess" series or Jeremy Whitley's "Princeless" books.—Jessica Bratt, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI
2016-05-14
Someday your princess will come—and she'll be rocking a mohawk-mullet, wearing a jaunty tunic complete with epaulets and cravat, and riding a disdainful pink unicorn.Trapped in a tower, "big-boned" Princess Sadie, a white girl with long blonde hair, is tired of fending off unsolicited rescue attempts by princes. But when dapper, dark-skinned Princess Amira and her unicorn arrive, Sadie overcomes the inner fears and self-doubts that had imprisoned her psyche as thoroughly as the tower had her body. The two embark on adventures that include coming to the aid of an embarrassed prince, sweet-talking a sadly misunderstood ogre, and confronting Sadie's wicked older sister. The princesses' affection for each other deepens with every challenge—and every round of snappy banter—and when wedding bells ring, they're for a couple who truly know and have freely chosen one another. O'Neill delivers an alternative fairy tale that challenges conventions with every twist of the plot but doesn't veer into heavy-handed preachiness that pulls readers out of the story. The bright illustrations, clear layout, and easy-to-read type make this an inviting read. Combine a cuddly purple dragon, much sharing of cookies, abundant humor, and two distinct and appealing heroines, and you have a royal winner. (Graphic fantasy. 8-13)
