The Restless Girls

The Restless Girls
By Jessie Burton
Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2019. Fiction.

When Queen Laurelia dies in a motorcar accident, she leaves behind a grieving kingdom, husband, and twelve daughters. King Alberto is so upset by his beloved wife's death that he decides to protect his girls from anything and everything. He covers all the windows, forbids them to sing, paint, read, or do anything that might bring them joy. When he finds holes in their shoes he is furious, but his girls won't tell him what happened to their shoes. He decides to offer a great reward to the person who can solve the mystery of the shoes.

This feminist twist on The Twelve Dancing Princesses is cleverly done. The voice and imagery reflect that of a classic fairy tale, while also addressing the modern importance of choice and education for everyone. Those interested in a good fairy tale where the princesses learn to save themselves will enjoy this read.

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