The Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale

Bibliographic Information:
Hale, S. (2005). The Princess Academy. Bloomsbury USA Children's Books. ISBN-10: 1582349932

Book Awards:
2006 Newbury Honor Winner

Plot Summary:
Miri's father never lets her work in the village's stone quarry, although everyone else in the whole village can go. The village is very poor, and when a representative of the King comes and states that the Prince will marry someone from it, everyone is shocked. In order provide a choice worthy of the Prince, a Princess Academy will be set up at the foot of the mountain, and all the girls in the village shall go there for one year. Miri resolves to show her worth to her family by succeeding in becoming the Prince's choice. The Academy teacher is cruel, though, and the lessons are hard. The Prince is unexpectedly boring, and unexpected events endanger all the girls. Can Miri prove her worth while remaining true to herself?

Critical Evaluation:
Hale creates a story reminiscent of traditional fairy tales, but which contains elements completely unique to itself. Miri's character is well-developed and engaging. The reader very much wants her to succeed, but is torn (along with Miri) as to what, exactly, will be the result of success. Girls of any age would enjoy this tale, with its delicate love angle and plucky heroine. This book could be read aloud to a younger audience than those who could read it alone.

Reader's Annotation:
Miri cannot sing the stones from the quarry, but can she discover the true secret of village's gift in time to save it?

About the Author:
Shannon Hale was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1974. She has a masters degree in creative writing from the University of Montana. The Goose Girl was her first successful novel, and she has written several more since 2003, including a Newbury Honor winner. She is currently working on a series of graphic novels with her husband.

Genre:
Fantasy

Curriculum Ties:
Music

Booktalking Ideas:
Quarry singing
Marry the prince is always the goal?

Interest Age:
9+

Challenge Issues:
None

Reason Included:
The Goose Girl was so wonderful, I wanted to see what this author did that won the Newbury Honor Award!