This is such an excellent book! It is a beautiful story of what royalty really means.

Sara Crewe has a rich and doting Father. Her Mother died when she was young and, until the age of 8, she lived in India (her Father was a Captain in the British Army) where she was very much loved by many servants.

When Sara is eight her Father takes her back to England to a young ladies boarding school, since back then (late 1800's) it was considered a bad thing for a child to stay in a foreign country. Sara and her Papa buy many fancy dresses, hats, etc. and then try to find the perfect doll. Sara wishes to have one that she can confide in while her Father is away. After days of searching she finds her: Emily. A doll that looks as if she really listens, and Sara is sure Emily will be her best friend. Now ‘tis time to get Emily a wardrobe. Many fancy clothes are gotten for the doll to wear.

Mr. Crewe tells the Miss Minchin, the SchoolMistress, to allow Sara whatever she desires for he has ample finances to pay for anything. Then we are left to watch Sara and her Father say good-bye. He admonishes her to be as brave as a soldier, and then leaves. She is made of hardy stuff- and grieves her Father’s departure in her own, little way.

She begins school and unwittingly becomes out of favour with Miss Minchin, (a sharp, generally mean woman) in French Class. She also makes friends with two girls in class, and enemies with two others.

She lives a fairy tale life for half the book- beautiful clothes, beautiful room, an abundance of books and we become swept away in her fantastical world. She does not let any of these things spoil her gentle nature, however- and is kind to everyone. She helps another motherless girl, assists someone else with her French and is cheerful to the overworked servant girl, Becky. Practically everyone in Miss Minchin's school gives her the nickname of a "little princess."

Sara's birthday arrives in a flurry of excitement. There is cake, gifts for everyone and many happy little girls! But a strange visitor arrives in the midst of this excitement and asks to talk to Miss Minchin privately. A great tragedy has occurred which will change Sara's life forever. She immediately has many new burdens placed upon her and is shunned by many in the school.

In this last half part of the book, Sara is left to answer the question- what makes a true Princess? Is it a lot of pretty clothes or the spirit within?

Warning: although I do really enjoy and recommend this book, there are a few references to "good magic"- so please preview it!