My First Review

  Title: Princess Academy
                                        # Of Pages: 336
                                       Author: Shannon Hale
                                       Previous Work: 
                                       The Books of Bayern Series (excellent)
                                                              
                                        I'd also like to mention (even though, obviously
                                        this book was written after Princess Academy 
                                        came out) a sequel to Princess Academy is 
                                        coming! I haven't read it because Palace of 
                                        Stone will be out October 2, 2012, but is 
                                        available for preorder.
                                    
                                   Summary: Miri is from the mountain village of Mount Eskel, 
                                   a community that mines precious stone called Linder. She 
                                   wishes she could mine like everyone else but isn't 
                                   allowed to. She feels like she's useless. Then one day the 
                                   Lowlanders (those who don't live on the mountain) show up, 
                                   expecting all girls age  12-17 to go to an academy. The Prince 
                                   will choose one of  them to marry. Miri excels in her studies 
                                   and the harsh treatment the girls recieve.
                                   But does she really want to be a Princess and leave Mount
                                   Eskel? 
                                   Rating: I give this book a 5 because it's my favorite book.
                                   (And has been since fourth grade.)
                                   Awards:
                                                 2005 Honorable Mention for
                                                 "Favorite Novel of the Year"

                                                  2006 Newberry Honor book
                          
                                                  2006 Utah Children's book award
       
                                                  ALA notable children's book
           
                                                  Along with many other nominations
                                                  and less notable awards
                        
                              Opinion: I didn't do this book justice when I wrote the summary.
                              There are many details I didn't talk about. For instance, how
                              the people of Mount Eskel can talk to each other through the
                              stone. That played a huge part in the story. Or how at the
                              beginning of each chapter there is a quarry song. My favorite
                              is: No wolf falters before the bite. So strike. No hawk wavers
                              before the dive. Just strike. This book is full of adventure,
                              and about finding yourself. You need to read this book. It
                              isn't only for girly-girls like the title suggests. Any teen or tween can
                              enjoy this book. I know I did!