1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon. 2005. PRINCESS ACADEMY. New York, NY: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books. ISBN 9781599900735
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Mira, a fourteen year old girl, who lives on “her mountain” with her people soon finds herself attending a “princess academy” established by the king for all of the girls in her village. The prince himself would pick his bride from the all too eager hopefuls. Mira soon emerges as the leader on her quest of discovery to find her self-confidence, knowledge, her father’s approval , and a way to help her village.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story line of this fantasy novel can be compared to the mountains themselves, full of peaks and valleys. The tale that is weaved is one of self-discovery for Mira. Mira is an unsure 14 year old that finds herself growing up quite quickly and becomes extremely proud of her roots by the end of the story, which is evident when she chooses to stay on the mountain with her people. When the girls at the academy meet Tutor Olana, they are taken back by her rigidness and cruelness. In an attempt to survive Tutor Olana and kidnappers, Mira discovers that she has the power of “quarry speech” and draws from her internal strength to win over Olana and the rest of the girls. The reader is uniquely aware of when Mira is thinking because her thoughts occur in italics. For example, she thinks: “Step one- state the problem : Step Two – admit your own error” and then she talks out loud. Several themes are prevalent in this fantasy novel including families, education, relationships, and home sweet home.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST Review: “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale.”
HORN BOOK review: “Hale's writing is clear and her descriptions vivid. Her imaginary world, peopled by strong yet vulnerable characters, is quietly memorable.”
KIRKUS starred review: “There are many pleasures to this satisfying tale: a precise lyricism to the language ("The world was as dark as eyes closed" or "Miri's laugh is a tune you love to whistle") and a rhythm to the story that takes its tropes from many places, but its heart from ours.”
*NEWBERRY HONOR BOOK
*ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK
* BOOK SENSE CHILDREN’S PICK
*NECBA TOP 10 FALL BOOK
5. CONNECTIONS
Classroom discussions can be had over finding yourself, family connections, trade & commerce, and being true to your ancestors. Can also spark a discussion about rock quarrying.
*Books about rock quarries
Kehoe, Michael. THE ROCK QUARRY BOOK. ISBN 9780876141427
*Other fiction books about princesses
Lasky, Kathryn. BORN TO RULE. ISBN 006058761X
Gilman, Phoebe. THE GYPSY PRINCESS. ISBN 0590865439
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