Meg Cabot "The Princess Diaries. Take Two"

My eldest daughter's latest purchase! And of course I had to read it ;)

First and most importantly this is not a children's book in my humble opinion. Regardless of the lovely movie, this book is definitely for teenagers. There is lots of "sex" talk: french kissing, complaining of lack of "development in the chest" region, contraception, losing virginity etc. However, while there is lots of talk, it is about things not happening rather then things actually happening.

However, that aspect of it aside, the book is good. This is the second in the series and it follows on immediately from the first book. Mia is adjusting to life as a princess, being traumatised by her Royal grandmother, looking after her mother and coping with all the normal teenage angst of boys and bodies and school.

New dramas unfold as Mia obtains a secret admirer and has to deal with her mother dating her algebra teacher. Especially as algebra is the subject she does not like and needs tutoring in - by her best friend's "hot" older brother.

Written in a diary style, this book is a funny look at the dramas of being a teenage girl and goes to show being Royal doesn't solve everything, or anything really! Recommended for girls of 12+.

Meg Cabot "Avalon High"

I bought this book for my 10.5 year old daughter, Erin, on the proviso that I read it first after getting an unpleasant shock when I read one of Meg Cabot's other books for one of the girl's 8th birthday a few years ago. (I will write about this at a later date when I have re-read it. I did enjoy the book! It was just not appropriate reading for a child so young). I really enjoyed the book! And I am happy to report Erin did too and is planning on writing her own review later.

Avalon High is set in the early 21st century and is the story of Ellie who starts at a new high school and consequentially meets a whole heap of new people. As Ellie begins to meet people at her new school she beings to notice a number of coincidences which are particularly drawn to her attention as both her parents are academics with an interest in all thing Arthurian. The name Avalon High is not a coincidence!

The story has a strong element of fantasy, while being firmly based in modern times. I personally found it a little scary although Erin didn't really think so. I might just have more of an overactive imagination then she does! The book is really aimed at readers of 12+ and is reasonably long. A confident younger reader would enjoy it too although should be monitored if they have my tendency to be a little scared by the paranormal and the story line is fairly complex. It was also a great introduction to the Arthurian saga without going into too much detail.