The Birthday Ball

Princess Patricia Priscilla is bored with her royal life and the excitement surrounding her sixteenth birthday ball. Doomed to endure courtship by three grotesquely unappealing noblemen, she escapes her fate—for a week. Disguised as a peasant, she attends the village school as the smart new girl, “Pat,” and attracts friends and the attention of the handsome schoolmaster. Disgusting suitors, lovable peasants, and the clueless king and queen collide at the ball, where Princess Patricia Priscilla calls the shots. What began as a cure for boredom becomes a chance for Princess Patricia Priscilla to break the rules and marry the man she loves.

What happens when a runaway princess, three terrible suitors, and one handsome schoolmaster all end up at the same party?

Princess in Disguise: Bored with royalty, Princess Patricia Priscilla trades her crown for peasant clothes and enrolls in the village school as "Pat." Humorous Fairytale: From a butterfly-obsessed king to three of the most ridiculous suitors ever imagined, this witty story from two-time Newbery Medalist Lois Lowry is full of laughs. Strong Female Character: Instead of waiting for a prince to save her, Patricia takes charge of her own destiny, outsmarts her suitors, and fights for the future she wants. Coming of Age: It all leads to a chaotic sixteenth birthday ball where a week of freedom turns into a chance for Patricia to discover who she really is—and who she truly loves.