Beyond The Tiara Such A Special Read – Exclusive Interview

Your book suggests a reappraisal of classic Disney Princesses, and you frequently describe them as "heroes" and "feminists." How do you feel Disney Princesses subvert stereotypes?

That's a really good question that I spent a lot of time thinking about while writing this book. There have been times when there was a lot of backlash against the Disney Princesses or the princessification of children's toys and costumes and the way that children responded to the beautiful dresses and crowns. What's important to remember, though, is that the definition of feminism is equality, which means that any iteration of a woman should be welcomed in our culture. Whether that is someone who enjoys housework and cleaning, like Snow White, or someone that goes on adventures, like Moana, those are all equally valid versions of feminism. That's where these princesses are so useful and impactful — they show us all the different ways we can exist, and they underscore how everything is valid, every version of a person is worthy and worthwhile.

When we talk about feminism, it's not because the princesses have suddenly become something else. It's because the collection of them as a whole represents all women, or all women-identifying people, and the discussion of them as [heroes] was important in the book. During the revision process, Disney asked us to change any time we used "heroine" to "hero" so that it would feel more equal. That was a little bit tricky when I was trying to differentiate between Disney heroes like Aladdin [and] Disney heroes like Jasmine. But it helps to elevate the princesses and put them on the same level as other characters. Why couldn't they be considered [heroes]?

In researching this book, you must have acquired some pretty cool collectibles. Which is your most cherished, and why?

You would think that I would have bought all of this stuff, but I resisted. I wanted to buy all of it, and I did go into places like Target and Walmart to see the scope of the toys and merchandise and nearly walked out with some of the dolls.

But the one thing I wanted [is something] I don't really know how to get. You'd have to find [someone selling it]. We were not allowed to include this in the book, and you'll understand why when I describe it. It's from when "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" came out. There was a game that was released alongside it, and in the game, you have a little gun and there are seven dwarfs who are standing up, and you shoot them like targets. I found a photo of it. It was absolutely incredible, and it was definitely something that I requested a photo of during the research process, but it was a no-no because it isn't something we want kids to be playing. But I would love to get a version of that game someday if I can ever find it.

I will say I also really like the Rapunzel bow and arrow, which is something you can still buy. I also think they made a "Brave" bow and arrow when that came out. I like that girls can go out and buy a bow and arrow.