The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
by Deya Muniz
Graphic Novel
LGBTQ+
Romance
* * * Stars (Pretty good)
Lady Camembert has never cared for men, and she tells her father, the Count, in no uncertain terms, that she will NOT marry. He in turn reveals that he is not long for this world, so in order to pass along his estate and her inheritance (because their laws are stupid and don’t allow women to inherit) she will have to pretend she is a man. That’s not really a problem for Camembert, except that she also has to leave her estate and move to the big city and distance herself from everyone who knows her as Lady when she takes up the title of Count. She is allowed to take one servant with her – Feta – who does her best to keep Camembert safe. But safety is not what Camembert wants. She likes people and parties and excitement and fashion! And when she finds out about the Princess’ No Fur ball, she’s determined to attend and make a splash – which she does by wearing faux fur. Princess Brie immediately accosts her and after some explanations, they become fast friends. Soon Camembert and Brie are inseparable and are collaborating on other events. Each realizes that she has feelings for the other, but it’s difficult to reveal them. Brie discovers Camembert’s secret and they have a falling out that Camembert doesn’t understand. Mutual friends try to get them together and prevent them both from making decisions that will make them both miserable. But they have to accept that their relationship will have its own challenges as well as its benefits. It’s a sweet story that follows familiar romantic tropes and a will they won’t they plot line. All the cheese references and names and the discussion of various grilled cheese sandwiches will have readers’ appetites thoroughly whet by the end! (A 2025 Lincoln Award nominee) For high school teens. (A little cheesy.)
Reviewed by YA Librarian
