It’s amazing to me that the same author that wrote The Giver wrote the book I'm reviewing today because they couldn’t be more different. The Birthday Ball by Lois Lowry is a nontraditional fairytale about a princess who’d rather live among the people than follow any ridiculous royal decrees. (Roman Holiday, anyone?) Now that she’s turning 16 years old, Princess Patricia Priscilla's expected to marry one of the three suitors who are courting for her hand. Each man is more ghastly than the last. A lot of time is spent describing these hateful men (and the illustrations by Jules Feiffer really drive it home how disgusting and despicable her choices truly are. As in much of middle grade fiction, her parents are blind to her discomfort and unhappiness as they are caught up in their own lives and interests. (Dad is obsessed with butterflies and Mom is preoccupied with her wardrobe and appearance.) So neither takes any notice of her switching places with her maid and escaping out into the village to go to the local school. Dark humor coupled with the somewhat realistic portrayal of what it's like to be a village peasant plus the fantastic illustrations make this a quick, fun read. 7/10

What I'm Currently Reading: The Invited by Jennifer McMahon

I received this book from the Publisher on Netgalley for an honest review.

Krystal Ball (yes lovely name btw) is a little girl who can tell fortunes, has visions and more! And soon it is her tenth birthday, but she is getting visions that tell her that her birthday may end bad.

This book was in one word adorable. The illustrations were very cute, they really made the story more alive. 

Krystal was a really cute girl. I loved how spunky she was, how she picked out her clothes related to a dream or a vision. 

I found the names (Krystal Ball, Claire Voyance) a little bit cliche, but also fun and interesting, I am sure kids will love it.

I will be sure to check future books of this series. It was a really fun book and I had a few laughs. 

Recommended: To everyone, especially kids who are interested in a spunky young girl and who are also interested in magic or fortune telling.