On the recommendation of a friend, I just read Shannon Hale's Princess Academy. As you can probably guess since I'm writing about it here, I loved it!It's the story of Miri, a young girl who has lived in a mountain mining town all of her life, but everything changes when a messenger from the King comes to the village and announces that all the girls between the ages of 12 and 17 must attend a "Princess Academy" for a year. At the end of that year, the prince will come and choose his bride from among the girls.
It's actually recommended for grades 5 - 9, but I really enjoyed it. It's a very fast read (took me just over 2 hours) and a pleasant story that doesn't require a lot of thought, but there are some strong messages about the power of education, strength through self-knowledge and self-confidence, the importance and rewards of loyalty and teamwork, and the healing power of love and friendship.
Oh, and there is a type of mountain ESP and telecommunicating that makes things interesting, too!
Highly recommend it!
"...mountain ESP..."
ReplyDeleteTotally off topic, but that reminded me of "Escape to Witch Mountain" which we watched a few years ago and Cameron enjoyed (if for nothing else but old-time special effects). I remember just loving it when I was about his age!
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ReplyDeleteI really like how you write about the book. You have such a nice way of putting things.
ReplyDeleteIt is a fairly simple story, but like you I found it powerful. I have heard both good and bad about Goose Girl. It is MUCH longer. I haven't had a chance to start it. Let me know what you think.