The Princess in Black

Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible

Ursula Vernon

A hilarious twist on Sleeping Beauty featuring a hamster princess who refuses to be a passive damsel. When Harriet learns she's cursed to fall into a deep sleep at age 12, she realizes she's invincible until then and goes on epic adventures. Perfect for fans of princesses who break stereotypes and love action.

Ivy and Bean

Annie Barrows

Two seemingly opposite girls become unlikely best friends and partners in adventure. When quiet Ivy reveals she's studying to be a witch, Bean discovers there's more to her neighbor than meets the eye. Like The Princess in Black, it features secret identities and unexpected friendships.

Dory Fantasmagory

Abby Hanlon

Dory is a young girl with a wildly active imagination who creates elaborate fantasy worlds. Her family thinks she's too young to join in their activities, but Dory proves them wrong through her creative adventures. Similar to Princess Magnolia, Dory shows that young girls can be both imaginative and capable.

Clementine

Sara Pennypacker

Clementine is a spirited third-grader whose good intentions often lead to misadventures. Like Princess Magnolia, she defies expectations and solves problems in her own unique way. The story captures the same spirit of fun and determination as The Princess in Black.

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

Barbara Park

Meet Junie B. Jones, a spunky kindergartener with a knack for getting into amusing situations. Like Princess Magnolia, she has a secret - she's afraid of riding the school bus. With humor and charm, she navigates her first day of school. Recommended for its similar playful tone and strong female protagonist.

Mercy Watson to the Rescue

Kate DiCamillo

Mercy Watson is a toast-loving pig who lives with the Watson family and gets into amusing adventures. When the Watsons' floor begins to creak, Mercy inadvertently becomes a hero. Shares the same warmth, humor, and chapter-book accessibility as The Princess in Black.

Franny K. Stein: Mad Scientist

Jim Benton

Franny is a young mad scientist who doesn't quite fit in at her new school. Like Princess Magnolia, she has an alter ego and must balance her true self with others' expectations. When monsters threaten her school, Franny uses her scientific skills to save the day.

Dragons and Marshmallows

Asia Citro

Zoey discovers she can communicate with magical animals and uses science to help them. When she finds an injured baby dragon, she must keep its existence secret while nursing it back to health. Features a similar blend of magic and secret-keeping as The Princess in Black.

The Kingdom of Wrenly: The Lost Stone

Jordan Quinn

Prince Lucas wants to be a knight and explorer like his friend Clara. Together they embark on a quest to find a missing jewel, breaking royal protocols along the way. Shares themes of breaking princess/prince stereotypes and going on adventures.

Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret

Wanda Coven

Heidi appears to be a normal second-grader, but she has a magical secret - she's actually a witch. Starting at a new school, she must decide when to use her powers and when to hold back. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about hidden identities and special powers.