Royals, Romance, and Cheese Puns: A Review of The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz is a fantasy fiction, young adult graphic novel that is 239 pages plus some great background stories of where the story originated from by the author in the back. I chose to read this story after I did a deeper search into YAL that was more lighthearted and comical but staying true to critical underlying themes for adolescents who might be mature enough and interested in the same genre(s). I also found more interest in the book once I realized it had some fairytale elements to it since the run-of-the-mill fairytales often include the same old worn out story of a damsel in distress being swept off her feet by a burly man--often one of royal descent. It was fun to read the modern twists to these outdated storylines. 

Recognition

• Young Adult Favorites Award, 2024
• Librarian Favorites Award, 2024
• Best Book of 2023, New York and Chicago Public Libraries
• YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens, 2024
• ALA Rainbow List Pick
• ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2024
• Illinois Teen Choice Book Award Nominee, 2025
• Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee, 2025

Novel Summary

    The tale is of Lady Camembert (There are cheese puns woven throughout the book which is a really fun and comical undertone.) who ends up disguising herself as a man after her father dies. Laws won't allow women to have inheritances and Lady Camembert does not want to court nor marry a man. She moves to the Kingdom of Fromage (See! More cheese references. 🤣🧀) with her beloved servant, Feta, to start anew as Count Camembert. Count Camembert soon becomes bored living a reclusive and quiet life and decides to attend a royal ball hosted by the Princess--Princess Brie, that is. 

Classroom Considerations

As with any YAL featured on my blog, I think it's always important for educators and parents to consider the themes in the books I write about. The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich includes themes of identity, vulnerability, sexuality, and activism--which are all noteworthy areas for rich discussion and opportunities for learning among adolescents. However, a level of maturity is always needed to approach these themes. Therefore, I'd recommend this novel be used with students ages 12+.

Potential Read Aloud Excerpts

"Papa, don't say that--"

"Listen to me, child! If you remain unmarried, you will not be able to inherit a single penny! A woman alone cannot claim an inheritance; she needs a husband to do so in her name. The law is nonsensical and unreasonable--believe me, I know. But it is the law! I know it will be hard for you, but we all must make sacrifices--"

"No. I'd rather starve." (pages 4 & 5)

"I bet a lot of other people are out there doing the same. People less fortunate than Cam and me. We have some power and money, and yet neither of us could do much to change this system we live in. We were just lucky enough to get the chance to adapt. But you could do more. You're the crown princess. You've been an activist for years. You can actually influence the law. You've done it before!" (pages 183-184)

Classroom Conversations

Story-Mapping and Comparisons: Having students map the story/plot and compare it with a traditional fairytale, such as, Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella, would be fun. Students can see the similarities in the settings and characters but also the differences in how women are portrayed and how the climaxes are similar and different. Venn Diagrams could be used. 

Exploring literary and social themes: Vulnerability could be a theme that is explored using The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Students can complete a "vulnerability map" where they identify specific scenes/passages from the text that demonstrate the character's (Count Camembert) vulnerability and how they impact the reader's understanding of the character. This activity can be done individually or in small groups/pairs. This could be a great activity for students to connect to the theme of vulnerability and how it applies to their own lives. 

Activism: Princess Brie's activism could be explored through a character analysis. Students could then connect to their own personal analysis to determine what is important to them and with actionable steps to work for change. There could be whole-group discussions or this could be personal reflections by each student who reads the book or similar narratives. 

Final Thoughts

    Deya Muniz's graphic novel, The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, explores vulnerability, love, and identity in a heartfelt and humorous way. There's a great twist at the end that resolves the plot so beautifully and leaves readers with a "happily-ever-after-feeling." I love how Muniz uses old fairytale elements to create a tender story of friendship and love using modern elements and a twist of standing up for what's right at the end. 

References

Muniz, D. (2023) The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Little Brown and Company.