Buy new:
-24% $12.99
FREE delivery Friday, May 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon
Sold by: PTP Flash Deals
$12.99 with 24 percent savings
List Price: $16.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, May 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 17 hrs 54 mins
Only 9 left in stock - order soon.
$$12.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$12.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon
Ships from
Amazon
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$9.61
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
This item shows wear including the dust jacket is missing. This item shows wear including the dust jacket is missing. See less
FREE delivery Friday, May 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 17 hrs 54 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$12.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$12.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Girl in the Tower Hardcover – March 29, 2016

3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 10 ratings

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$12.99","priceAmount":12.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"12","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"FXRgqBBmGsYy11lK6eYdwDLCgbrN8v%2B8Ff1gB0mBbCEK7TlqRQNRkkLFp3z4NOyG6hIsXVtGwkt5CTTwSdKshvbpi%2FdleydRsvZCLH9deSoKpX%2FOKLxm1KgBeS%2FaMpiZsswQY%2B%2B%2FL5YXl2y4tvASSpq%2BNO2x7VlllU8aOU71Van0Xi4VBLY62RDBwFSUY3SD","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$9.61","priceAmount":9.61,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"9","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"61","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"FXRgqBBmGsYy11lK6eYdwDLCgbrN8v%2B8%2BVTF4R3BwQV1EKTHPAJexIDRxtaeDOKm3IGbxQpeAcGF6Mjc3xO2naxsNgc%2BIrG4zHL5VrYZSuKxAqswtlx7Eul%2BVo3hjFlVEGH2VZE9zIN8hwVaYGlam8urVOgrTAosZxags26MKtLswyv93kYB7t7HH2OcmtUg","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Ever since she could remember, Violet and her mother have been locked away in a tower by the evil Queen Bogdana, who has the kingdom under her spell. The queen has all she wants except one thing-beauty. Violet possesses this beauty. She also has a secret: though she is very small, both her spirit and her heart are mighty.
When Violet is summoned by Bogdana to start training to become a real princess, it seems like her life might be taking a turn for the better. But hope quickly fades when Violet's mother is expelled from the castle and they're forbidden to see each other ever again. With everyone's lives in the balance, it's up to Violet to break the spell and reunite her family.

Read more Read less

The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3–5—Ten-year-old Violet is locked away in a castle tower with her mother, where she's been held since birth. She keeps sane by enjoying a vivid imaginary life, where she pretends to be a pirate and an artist. She is heartily encouraged by her mother to always remain positive. When one day the castle's wicked queen takes an unusual interest in Violet, she is unknowingly thrust into an evil plot. Forced to decide between her true destiny and the luxurious life of a princess, Violet makes tough decisions based on character and courage rather than fantasy and greed. Lines like "If I can survive all these years in this tower, I believe I can do anything!" make Violet appealing as a fairy tale heroine. The setting, though nonspecific, is typical of traditional fairy tales in period and design. The writing style and vocabulary are accessible and the story is well paced. It could also serve as a nice read-aloud for younger listeners not quite ready for the fractured fairy tale retellings of Gail Carson Levine or Shannon Hale. VERDICT Recommended for fans of fairy tales and modern Disney princesses.—Pilar Okeson, Washington D.C. Public Library

Review

A Utah Beehive Award Nominee

"Kids will find it easy to root for determined Violet as she sets out to secure her family’s freedom. . . her courage and hope light up the pages of this sweetly quaint fairy tale."―
Publishers Weekly

"Recommended for fans of fairy tales and modern Disney princesses." ―
School Library Journal

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (March 29, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0805095136
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0805095135
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.74 x 0.91 x 7.41 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 10 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Lisa Schroeder
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Lisa's written over twenty books for kids and teens including the popular verse novels for teens I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME and CHASING BROOKLYN, and THE DAY BEFORE. She's also the author of the middle grade novels IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES, MY SECRET GUIDE TO PARIS, SEE YOU ON A STARRY NIGHT and DON'T JUDGE ME. Her books have been translated into foreign languages and have been selected for state reading lists. Lisa is a native Oregonian and lives with her family outside of Portland.

Customer reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
3.8 out of 5
10 global ratings
A sweet, simple story for young readers
4 Stars
A sweet, simple story for young readers
Violet and her mother have been locked away in a tower for as long as Violet can remember. Only the evil queen, the gardener and his wife know about Violet. As Violet grows the gardener takes pity on the poor girl and creates a hidden paradise for her within the garden walls. A place Violet can go to feel the sunshine, smell the flowers and befriend the beautiful humming birds the evil queen has filled the garden with.Even though the winters are long and cold and Violet is forced to eat stinky eggs her imagination takes her far away. Some days she's a princess, some days a pirate but thought it all she has her mother by her side to love, teach and pretend with her. They also have their dream of someday escaping from the bleak tower and the evil queen who imprisoned them, finding Violet's father, and traveling the world together.But the queen has other plans for the rare child with black hair and violet colored eyes.It seems the queen might not be so wicked after all when she declares Violet will be freed from the prison and elevated to princess, until she learns her mother will no longer be allowed by her side. With Violet's father cast under a spell and her mother is banished, Violet will have to out smart the women who has held her captive and break the spell before her family is lost forever.I thought this was a sweet fairy tale, great story for younger readers. There were a handful of gorgeous illustrations throughout the book and though the story line was simple it had heart. I liked how the adults in the book were all kind to the girl and most were fantastic role models. The evil queen was selfish and could be nasty but not anything that would terrify readers and even with her wickedness she was kind to Violet in her own selfish way. All in all in was light, breezy story with a happy ending fit for a princess (or a pirate, depending on the day).
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2017
My daughter loved it!! Great story line !
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2016
Violet and her mother have been locked away in a tower for as long as Violet can remember. Only the evil queen, the gardener and his wife know about Violet. As Violet grows the gardener takes pity on the poor girl and creates a hidden paradise for her within the garden walls. A place Violet can go to feel the sunshine, smell the flowers and befriend the beautiful humming birds the evil queen has filled the garden with.

Even though the winters are long and cold and Violet is forced to eat stinky eggs her imagination takes her far away. Some days she's a princess, some days a pirate but thought it all she has her mother by her side to love, teach and pretend with her. They also have their dream of someday escaping from the bleak tower and the evil queen who imprisoned them, finding Violet's father, and traveling the world together.

But the queen has other plans for the rare child with black hair and violet colored eyes.

It seems the queen might not be so wicked after all when she declares Violet will be freed from the prison and elevated to princess, until she learns her mother will no longer be allowed by her side. With Violet's father cast under a spell and her mother is banished, Violet will have to out smart the women who has held her captive and break the spell before her family is lost forever.

I thought this was a sweet fairy tale, great story for younger readers. There were a handful of gorgeous illustrations throughout the book and though the story line was simple it had heart. I liked how the adults in the book were all kind to the girl and most were fantastic role models. The evil queen was selfish and could be nasty but not anything that would terrify readers and even with her wickedness she was kind to Violet in her own selfish way. All in all in was light, breezy story with a happy ending fit for a princess (or a pirate, depending on the day).
Customer image
4.0 out of 5 stars A sweet, simple story for young readers
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2016
Violet and her mother have been locked away in a tower for as long as Violet can remember. Only the evil queen, the gardener and his wife know about Violet. As Violet grows the gardener takes pity on the poor girl and creates a hidden paradise for her within the garden walls. A place Violet can go to feel the sunshine, smell the flowers and befriend the beautiful humming birds the evil queen has filled the garden with.

Even though the winters are long and cold and Violet is forced to eat stinky eggs her imagination takes her far away. Some days she's a princess, some days a pirate but thought it all she has her mother by her side to love, teach and pretend with her. They also have their dream of someday escaping from the bleak tower and the evil queen who imprisoned them, finding Violet's father, and traveling the world together.

But the queen has other plans for the rare child with black hair and violet colored eyes.

It seems the queen might not be so wicked after all when she declares Violet will be freed from the prison and elevated to princess, until she learns her mother will no longer be allowed by her side. With Violet's father cast under a spell and her mother is banished, Violet will have to out smart the women who has held her captive and break the spell before her family is lost forever.

I thought this was a sweet fairy tale, great story for younger readers. There were a handful of gorgeous illustrations throughout the book and though the story line was simple it had heart. I liked how the adults in the book were all kind to the girl and most were fantastic role models. The evil queen was selfish and could be nasty but not anything that would terrify readers and even with her wickedness she was kind to Violet in her own selfish way. All in all in was light, breezy story with a happy ending fit for a princess (or a pirate, depending on the day).
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2016
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I started reading this book and couldn’t put it down until the end. It was sweet as well as funny and Violet was endearing. I loved how she looked at the world. She was a prisoner, but she never let that fact break her spirit.

I liked her mother Nuri, and the servants George and Maggie. Queen Bogdana was evil without being scary to read about for young children. The illustrations were fun to see. The characters all looked younger than you expected, but the almost whimsical feel fit very well with the story.

It has the fairytale feel to it, without most of the darkness. The twist at the end was unexpected to me, but made total sense with the rest of the story. I liked the descriptions used in the book. Everything from the humming birds, to Violet’s fantasies of being a pirate at sea. They were vivid without being overly descriptive, and helped suck you into the story.

The book is filled with hopes and dreams, good triumphing over evil. While it was written for children, all age groups will find something to like. If it isn’t on your reading list yet, it needs to be.

(cross-posted to my blog)
2 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2016
“The Girl in the Tower” is a charming little fairy tale. It’s the story of a clever little girl whose imagination knows no bounds. How refreshing to come upon a middle-grade fairy tale in which the main character isn’t a princess and doesn’t want to be one. Family is what’s most important to her, and she’s willing to fight for it.

Author Lisa Schroeder’s prose has an airiness to it that compliments Violet’s disposition, making this tale much lighter than some of its other fairy tale counterparts. What makes “The Girl in the Tower” even more special is the accompanying illustrations by Nicoletta Ceccoli. Her whimsical touch adds just the right amount of quirkiness and love.

*My review is based on an advanced reader copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts are my own.
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2016
This story is a delightful fairy tale with the classic themes of good triumphing over evil and inner beauty more important than outward beauty. The illustrations are charming as well. Violet, the main character and her mother show courage and determination despite the obstacles they face. The secondary characters display acts of loyalty and friendship. I recommend to readers who enjoy fairy tales and happy endings!

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Fatamorgana
2.0 out of 5 stars NO ES UN LIBRO EN COLORES
Reviewed in Mexico on August 16, 2018
Muy linda tapa pero adentro es papel corriente con unas pocas ilustraciones en blanco y negro. Esperaba otro tipo de libro, de mejor calidad y con ilustraciones en color.