Princess Academy

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon. 2005. PRINCESS ACADEMY. New York: Bloomsbury. ISBN 1582349932

PLOT SUMMARY
Miri is 14 years old and living with her family on Mount Eskel. She lives with her father and sister in a linder quarry. Her mother died a week after she was born. Miri spends her time tending the house and goats as she is not allowed to work in the quarry. Everything changes when the village learns that the Prince will choose his bride from their village. All girls ages 12-18 are sent to the Princess Academy a few hours walk away. Miri and the other girls have to face many challenges at the academy, a strict teacher, strict rules, and learning to read. As time goes on the girls become competitive for one girl will earn the title of Academy Princess. The competition becomes intense and Miri wants to win, yet her heart belongs to Peder.

The story discusses the isolation that the girls felt, kept away from their families and expected to learn a new way of life at the Academy. Miri teaches herself to quarry speak a silent language which allows the girls to communicate. This skill becomes useful when the girls are kidnapped as ransom. In the end Miri realizes that she wishes to be home with her family and true love. She is relieved to have won the Academy Princess title, and not chosen to be the princess. Miri is pleased to see her friend Britta be reunited with the love of her life Prince Steffan.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Shannon Hale writes a wonderful story about a girl on a journey to learn more about the world since she is forced to attend the Princess Academy. The author writes the story using a voice which enables the reader to feel that they are on Mount Eskel, having the same experiences as Miri. She is a young girl who is easy to relate to.

Miri is a small and determined girl who puts into action the things that she is learning at the academy. She learns about democracy and trading. The information that she learns will touch the lives of her classmates and the people in her village. Readers should realize that anyone can make a difference. Miri was able to living high up on top of Mount Eskel. This story was engaging and quick to read. Miri learns that it is great to learn about new places and things, yet there is no place like home on Mount Eskel with her family, community and Peder. Girls in 5th grade and up will enjoy reading this novel, along with others by Shannon Hale.

REVIEWS
Starred Review in School Library Journal: “Hale weaves an intricate, multilayered story about families, relationships, education, and the place we call home.”
Reviewed in Booklist: “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale.”
Newbery Honor Book
ALA Notable Children’s Book

CONNECTIONS
*Have students write a story of how they can make a difference in their community.
*Other stories written by Shannon Hale:
Hale, Shannon. BOOK OF A THOUSAND DAYS. ISBN 1599900513
Hale, Shannon. RIVER SECRETS: BOOKS OF BAYERN. ISBN 1599902931
Hale, Shannon. THE GOOSE GIRL: BOOKS OF BAYERN. ISBN 1582349908