Hale, Shannon. 2005. Princess Academy. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN-13: 978-1-58234-993-0.
Plot Summary
"After days of fasting and supplication, the priests perform a rite to divine which city or town is the home of the future princess." The mining community of Mount Eskel can barely believe that their girls must spend the winter in an academy created to prepare one of their daughters for the throne. Though Tutor Olana creates a hard environment for the girls, many feel excitement at the chance to become a princess. For Miri, the education offered presents just as riveting an opportunity, and as her mind blossoms, so does her clear vision and leadership abilities. When danger and hardship test the girls, Miri must trust in herself, use what she has learned, and rely on her mountain heritage to survive.
Critical Analysis
Shannon Hale hews a beautiful, if rough, world out of the Mount Eskel linder quarry. While Miri goes through her daily routine, the lifestyle and values of the village are revealed. Each chapter opens with a traditional song that adds a feeling of history and depth to the story. A reader feels drawn in to a realistic and close knit community of strong and independent miners.
Miri's courage and perceptiveness make her an appealing character. The uncertainty of her feelings for being a princess and the internal struggles she faces, create a believable protagonist. True to fantasy stories, the noble aspects of Miri's character prevail. Supporting characters enrich the story further. For example, the unstated motivation of her father to keep her out of the mines gives the reader a link to his past and his grief.
Hale keeps the reader's interest by weaving several subplots into the already intriguing academy experience. Miri's budding romance with Peder will interest preteen girls. Readers will cheer her bold efforts to improve the life of the entire village. This fantasy's satisfying ending proves better than "happily ever after."
Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books: "This could be a useful introduction to fantasy for realistic-novel buffs--the authentic sniping and backbiting of jealous girls cooped up together for a year, the character-driven plot, and the vigorous prose will carry readers of all kinds into the center of the story."
Connections
Some of my favorite fantasy stories with similar appeal and memorable heroines include:
Levine, Gail Carson. Ella Enchanted. ISBN-13: 978-0060734107
Mcdonald, George. The Princess and the Goblins. ISBN-13: 978-0140367461
Pattou, Edith. East. ISBN-13: 978-0152052218
DuPrau, Jeanne. The City of Ember. ISBN-13: 978-0375822742
After looking at the criteria for awarding Newbery medals, a class could create a medal of its own, choosing the criteria and judging books.
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/newberymedal/aboutnewbery/aboutnewbery.cfm
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