Perfect villains

Torres (Catalina Incognito: Skateboard Star) examines themes of good vs. evil via warm depictions of friendship in this immersive world featuring two mischievous princesas attending the Fine and Ancient Institute for the Royal (F.A.I.R.). According to her mother and older sister, Dominga must attend F.A.I.R. to learn how to be a proper lady. But Dominga believes that she's destined to enroll in the Bewitched Academy for the Dreadful (B.A.D.), a school for villains in training. She feels out of place at F.A.I.R., until she meets Dalia, another young princesa who shares her ideals. The pair team up during Woodland Wildlife lessons to hatch their audition plans for B.A.D. but are foiled at almost every turn, as when an attempt to lure fire ants into class is curtailed by their teacher. Spanish dialogue and abundant descriptions of empanadas and bizcochitos, coupled with the princesas' madcap shenanigans, make for a smart and inclusive novel, which features girls of varying abilities, body types, and heritages, including artist and wheelchair user Leonor, who unexpectedly befriends the dastardly duo. The episodic novel lends itself well to the girls' schemes and provides ample fodder for the tweens' next adventure. Ages 8--12. Agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary. (May)

Gr 3--7--Princess Dominga is less than thrilled to be starting school at the Fine and Ancient Institute for the Royal (F.A.I.R.). Not only is she expected to live up to the perfectness of Paloma, her sister and the future queen, she's just not really cut out for the golden carriages, sweet-smelling flowers, and the arrogant girls at F.A.I.R. She'd rather attend the neighboring school of The Bewitched Academy for the Dreadful (B.A.D.). It's only after she meets Dalia, another princess she suspects is very much like she is, does Dominga decide she has a true companion to launch her plan to create havoc and mayhem at this school. If only the annoying Princess Ines would stop interfering in Dominga's plans and let her execute her schemes to cause trouble! Then those in charge at B.A.D. would have to recognize her wickedness and invite her to join them. But every time she thinks her strategy is going to work, someone or something interferes with her devilish plans. Magic spells, surly princesses, and even a sorting tiara are all featured in this tale of girls who want to be bad. The author infuses the book with words and phrases (and food) from her Mexican heritage. The story involves a princess's attempt to create mayhem at school but who is thwarted continually. This constant upset of her plans does little to further the story; in fact, it sadly struggles to allow the story to gain momentum. Readers will get tired of waiting for something of substance to happen. The only art is the cover art, which has a manga sort of appeal and thorny vines that introduce each chapter. VERDICT A quick read for princess (bad and good) aficionados but an optional purchase for more discerning readers.--Carol Connor