The Goose Girl
Acceptable with guidance. Age: 14+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
A rich retelling of the Grimm tale about a meek princess who becomes strong by serving. Ani is humbled, makes friends among the poor, and wins by courage and loyalty more than by power. The magic is story-world gifts given at a Creator's first word. The reservations: romance is central, there is real bloodshed, and one guard means to assault her.
For parents
Read aloud from 12, independent reading from 14. Good Books for Catholic Kids suggests older teens. A guard intends to assault Ani and is scared off; men die by the sword. Ask how Selia uses words to do evil, and how Ani uses hers (James 3:5). Ask what Ani learned as a servant.