A Royal Kiss

Grade 5-8-Samantha Simms, a 14-year-old from New Jersey, meets her idol, cute, reticent Prince Sebastian from the island of Catalia, when he and his family visit New York City. Of course, it is love at first sight and the couple spends the few days they have sightseeing; experiencing that great American phenomenon, the mall; and enjoying a high school football game. Samantha's decision to skip school is not a difficult one-how often does one get to date a prince! She manages to deceive her sister, parents, and friends until someone tips off the press and the teens are confronted by reporters and photographers. In a fairy-tale ending, Samantha's mother, a poetry magazine editor, publishes some of Sebastian's work, and his parents, who are appreciative of her interest, invite the whole family to vacation in Catalia over the summer. There is little substance here but girls still mesmerized by silly, soupy romances will savor the story.
Joanne K. Cecere, Highland High School, NY
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