Books About Self-reliant Princesses

The Best Self-reliant Princesses Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Princess Books, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about self-reliant princesses? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Self-reliant Princesses

Ella Enchanted
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1997

Ella Enchanted

By Gail Carson Levine · Ella Enchanted series

A cursed girl must obey every command. Can she break free?

Newbery Honor (1998)
304 pages· 53,087 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
5.9/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 427,459 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Ella of Frell is cursed with obedience, forced to follow any command, no matter how dangerous. Determined to reclaim her freedom, she embarks on a daring quest through a world of ogres, giants, and wicked stepsisters. As she navigates this treacherous path, Ella must outwit those who would exploit her curse and discover her true self. Will she find a way to break the spell and live on her own terms, or will the curse dictate her fate forever? Dive into this enchanting tale of courage and resilience.
Harriet the Invincible
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2015

Harriet the Invincible

By Ursula Vernon · Book #1 in the Hamster Princess series

A princess must find a prince to break a sleeping curse cast on her family.

256 pages· 16,096 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,380 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Harriet Hamsterbone isn't your average princess. Cursed to fall asleep on her twelfth birthday, she revels in her invincibility, embarking on daring adventures with her riding quail, Mumfrey. But as her birthday looms, the curse takes an unforeseen turn, forcing Harriet to confront a new reality. Can she find a way to break the spell, or will her adventurous spirit be her undoing? Dive into a world where princesses defy expectations and curses lead to unexpected journeys.
Dealing with Dragons
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1990

Dealing with Dragons

By Patricia C. Wrede · Book #1 in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles series

A rebellious princess seeks adventure with a powerful dragon, facing magical dangers and unexpected allies.

208 pages· 50,352 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 95,229 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Princess Cimorene defies royal expectations by fleeing to live with Kazul, a formidable dragon. Her quest for excitement leads her into a whirlwind of magical encounters, including a witch, a jinn, and a talking bird with deadly intentions. As she navigates these challenges, Cimorene must outwit oily wizards and a mysterious stone prince. Will her thirst for adventure bring triumph or peril? Discover a world where a princess's courage defies tradition and danger lurks at every turn.
Tuesdays at the Castle
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Tuesdays at the Castle

By Jessica Day George · Tuesdays at the Castle series

A castle changes, a kingdom in peril, a princess must save it.

256 pages· 50,090 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 23,913 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Princess Celie loves Tuesdays when Castle Glower magically transforms, adding new rooms and secrets. But when her parents, the king and queen, vanish after an ambush, Celie must use her unique knowledge of the castle's shifting halls to protect her home and rescue her family. Can she navigate the castle's mysteries and save the kingdom before it's too late?
A Little Princess
Sale price
$1710
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1905

A Little Princess

By Frances Hodgson Burnett, Anna Bond (Illustrator)

A wealthy girl becomes a pauper at boarding school. Can kindness be her true wealth?

294 pages· 66,117 words· Est. 9 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 335,398 ratings
$18.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Sara Crewe's world shatters when she loses her father, transforming her from a privileged student to a penniless orphan at Miss Minchin's boarding school. Stripped of luxury, she faces a harsh new reality in the attic. As she navigates this challenging life, Sara must discover if kindness and generosity can be her true riches. Will her spirit endure, or will adversity break her? Dive into a tale of resilience and hope, where the heart's wealth is tested against life's trials.
Princess Academy
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 2005

Princess Academy

By Shannon Hale · Book #1 in the Princess Academy series

A mountain girl faces a contest to become a princess, risking her home and heart.

Newbery Honor (2006)
336 pages· 63,336 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 123,485 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Miri, a mountain girl, is thrust into a contest to become the prince's bride. At a strict academy, she faces fierce competition and a stern mistress. As she uncovers hidden talents and deep ties to her homeland, Miri must decide if winning means losing everything she holds dear. Will she choose the crown or her cherished mountain life?
Interstellar Cinderella
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2015

Interstellar Cinderella

By Deborah Underwood, Meg Hunt (Illustrator) · Future Fairy Tales series

A girl dreams of fixing rockets and must save a prince's ship in distress.

40 pages· 538 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 3,773 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: On a distant planetoid, Cinderella dreams of fixing rockets. With her fairy godrobot's help, she attends the ball. But when the prince's ship malfunctions, will she be the one to save the day? This twist on a classic tale features an independent heroine and a cosmic adventure.
A Little Princess
Sale price
$958
Board Book · Ages 2–6 · 2017

A Little Princess

By Jennifer Adams, Alison Oliver (Illustrator) · BabyLit Classic Lit series

Discover friendship in unexpected places with a classic tale's charm.

22 pages
6.0/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 100 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Board book
Summary: Join Sarah as she navigates the world of friendship, discovering allies in the most surprising places. Through the lens of a beloved classic, young readers learn that true friends can be found where least expected. With each page, explore the timeless lessons of camaraderie and connection, inviting little ones to see the magic in forming bonds. Will Sarah's journey reveal the true essence of friendship?
Cinder Edna
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1994

Cinder Edna

By Ellen Jackson, Kevin O'Malley (Illustrator)

Two girls, two paths: who finds true happiness without magic?

32 pages· 1,656 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,250 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Cinder Edna and Cinderella live next door, both under the thumb of wicked stepmothers. While Cinderella dreams of fairy godmothers, Edna relies on her wit and resourcefulness. When the king announces a ball, both girls seize the chance for change. But as they pursue their dreams, only one discovers that happiness doesn't always come from a prince. Will Edna's practical skills and humor lead her to a more fulfilling life? Discover how two different approaches to adversity reveal the true path to joy.
Dangerously Ever After
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2012

Dangerously Ever After

By Dashka Slater, Valeria Docampo (Illustrator)

A daring princess faces unexpected challenges when mysterious seeds grow into something bizarre.

40 pages· 1,344 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 564 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Princess Amanita, known for her love of danger, is intrigued by the thorny roses gifted by the quiet Prince Florian. Eager to grow her own, she plants the seeds, only to find herself with a garden of peculiar, honking noses. As she navigates this absurd twist, Amanita's adventurous spirit is put to the test. Can she turn this oddity into an opportunity, or will her taste for the unusual lead to chaos? Discover a tale where beauty and bravery take on new, unexpected forms.
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Self-reliant Princesses Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about self-reliant princesses for the youngest readers and listeners.

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Self-reliant Princesses Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about self-reliant princesses for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Fanny's Dream
Sale price
$899

Fanny's Dream

Ages 5–8 · 1996

A farm girl dreams of a prince, but destiny has other plans.

The Worst Princess
Sale price
$1699

The Worst Princess

Ages 3–7 · 2013

A princess defies tradition, seeking adventure over a prince's rescue.

Princess Potty
Sale price
$699

Princess Potty

Ages 2–4 · 2015

A princess embarks on a royal potty-training adventure.

The Princess Knight
Sale price
$1799

The Princess Knight

Ages 3–6 · 2001

A princess disguises herself to prove her bravery in a jousting tournament.

Princess Pigsty
Sale price
$1699

Princess Pigsty

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A princess defies royal life, finding joy in the pigsty.

Part-time Princess
Sale price
$1699

Part-time Princess

Ages 4–7 · 2013

A girl discovers her nightly princess adventures might be real.

Princess Smartypants
Sale price
$1695

Princess Smartypants

Ages 4–8 · 1987

A princess sets impossible tasks to avoid marriage.

The Duck Princess
Sale price
$1200

The Duck Princess

Ages 5–6 · 2013

A duck discovers inner strength to face an unexpected challenge.

Sadie
Series
Sale price
$1100

Sadie

Ages 2–6 · 2012

A princess-in-training must prove her worth on a global adventure.

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Self-reliant Princesses Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about self-reliant princesses for developing and independent readers.

Princess Cora and the Crocodile
Sale price
$1799

Princess Cora and the Crocodile

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A princess is given a pet crocodile by her fairy godmother to help her deal with her overbearing parents and strict nanny

Her Royal Slyness
Series
Sale price
$599

Her Royal Slyness

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A prince must rescue a princess who doesn't want saving. What happens next?

View all self-reliant princesses chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about cinderella storiesBooks about competitionBooks about enchanted placesBooks about family lifeBooks about mechanicsBooks about mythical creaturesBooks about obedienceBooks about outer space