Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Phoebe Merchant's fabulously wealthy father dies when she is 12 years old. She is left in the care of three trustees, Mr. Grossbeak, a lawyer, Henry, the trusted butler, and a ditsy young stepmother named Vicki.

Phoebe doesn't like Vicki and exercises the repertoire of pranks she has used to get rid of other stepmothers. However, none of them seem to be working.

Vicki, Henry and Phoebe agree they have to get away from the reporters that are plaguing them at the Chicago mansion. They disguise themselves and go to Arizona to stay with Vicki's Auntie Ed (short for Edna).

There Phoebe finds a friend, Maribeth, who lives on a neighboring ranch. Phoebe adjusts to Maribeth's animals and attends he local school where they share a common nemesis, Jimmy Wells. Phoebe learns that other children say unkind things and soon realizes that she has unintentionally done some hurtful things herself.

About the time Phoebe and Henry decide to return to Chicago, Phoebe discovers she doesn't want to go without Vicki. Both Phoebe and Henry have learned to accept Vicki for the generous and unsophisticated person she is. The best part is when they learn why Alfred Merchant, the Bean King, (he made his fortune in beans) chose Vicki to be Phoebe's stepmother.

The Bean King's Daughter is filled with exaggeration and middle-grade humor, and gently demonstrates that stepmothers can be all right if you give them a chance.

The Bean King's Daughter is a good read for middle grade girls.

— Carloe Earle, Member SCBWI