Princess Mitchell by Christian Wilkins. Illus. by Meng Koach

Mitchell and his cat, Kylie, love to practise ballet, and play princesses together.  He also loves soccer and wears his tutu over his uniform. Damon loves playing soccer too, but baulks at Mitchell’s choice of clothing. He tells Mitchell that he cannot play when dressed like a girl. But next Saturday is Mitchell’s birthday party and he intends to have a princess party. All week he prepares for the party. But when it comes to playing soccer in the morning, he is worried about Damon and what he will say. They play the game and with only ten minutes left the other team scores a goal, because Mitchell has seen a beautiful flower that he must smell.

Damon loses his cool and yells at Michael, while Beck puts her arm around Mitchell and tells Damon not to be so mean.  In the next half of the game, Mitchell makes a great save and everyone congratulates him.

Later at the party, everyone has dressed as a prince or princess.

Just as the birthday cake is being cut Damon knocks at the door. He is wearing a crown and offers an apology and gives Mitchell his present.

A story about diversity, Princess Michael will be read by all, but particularly by kids who have come across such bullying. Through this story their stories of discrimination can be shared, and suggestions raised about how to deal with it.  The story shows how one boy, Mitchell, contends with the attacks he receives, and how he deals with it. The story heralds diversity and non discrimination, and points out how words can undermine. The kids at the princess party all look cool in their finery, and when Damon knocks on the door he is accepted without question, learning from the situation that diversity is the lynch pin of acceptance and friendship.

Themes: Friendship, LGBTQA+ people, Discrimination, Diversity, Soccer, Princes and princesses.

Fran Knight