Maiden & Princess

A brave young maiden, who prefers to dress in battle armour, receives an invitation to the royal ball, where the prince will choose a bride. Despite her reluctance, she attends and the prince and his parents show interest in her, but when she slips away for a little fresh air, she meets the princess and the two are immediately attracted to each other and find true love. This rhyming storybook, with bright, appealing illustrations and racially diverse characters, presents gender stereotypes, sexual orientation, and LGBTQ relationships in an accessible, age-appropriate way for K-6 students. Useful as a class or small group read-aloud to launch discussion of inclusivity and diversity.