SWEET SIXTEEN PRINCESS by Meg Cabot
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  5/23/06
    Publisher:  HarperCollins
    Reviewed by:  Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Mia, Princess of Genovia, is about to turn sixteen.  The last thing she wants is a sweet sixteen birthday party, but it
    seems like that's the only thing her friends can talk about.  While Mia is worried about how to get the administration at
    Albert Einstein High School to go less on the structured athletics and more on the personal exercise and health
    regimen, her best friend Lilly is still steaming over being passed up for her own show on MTV.

    While Lilly stews over Andy Milonakis getting the spot instead, and her parents being separated, and waiting for her
    boyfriend, J.P., to use the L word, Mia is wondering what type of scheme Grandmere could possibly be concocting
    for her sixteenth birthday.  Because although Lilly seems to think a sweet sixteen blow-out party is in order, Mia
    would rather have a nice, private dinner with her boyfriend, Michael, to celebrate the occasion.

    And then comes the news--not only is Grandmere planning a sweet sixteen party, but she's planning the mother of all
    parties.  Private jet to Genovia for Mia and one hundred of her closest friends (does she even know one hundred
    people?), shopping at all the swanky boutiques, even a performance by Destiny's Child to cap off the night.  Oh, and
    it's going to be taped for the MTV reality show, My Super Sweet Sixteen, renamed for one night as My Super
    ROYAL Sweet Sixteen.

    No, no, and no.  Mia wants no part of this scheme, which she's sure was dreamed up by Lilly.  As her friendships are
    strained over her decision not to take Grandmere up on her offer, Mia learns a few things about friendship, family, and
    loyalty to the country she will one day rule.

    The Princess Diaries continues to be a delightful, enjoyable series, and SWEET SIXTEEN PRINCESS is another
    great read.  The only downside?  It took me only fifteen minutes to read this installment, which left me slightly
    disappointed.
Princess Diaries VII and a Half:
Sweet Sixteen Princess
by Meg Cabot