Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Princess Academy

Written by: Shannon Hale


First line: Miri woke to the sleepy bleating of a goat.

Why you should read this book: Miri thinks that her father’s refusal to allow her to work in the linder mines with everyone else in her village is the worst thing imaginable, until the day that king’s messenger arrive in their isolated mountain stronghold to announce that one of the village’s daughters is destined to be the prince’s wife, and they all must attend princess academy to learn the courtly arts before the prince’s arrival. This Newbery-winning book is much more than its title implies: Miri, although smaller than the other girls, must work to hold her own against the cruel tutor, Olana, while protecting the interests of the girls and their culture. Beautifully written, with a fine grasp of metaphorical language and a deep understanding of the need to belong while maintaining ones individuality.

Why you shouldn’t read this book: You were born to be a princess.

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