Rating: 8.5 out of 10
At the outset I must say that I mightily dislike books or movies that have anything to do with suggesting that girls--who are already beautiful and comfortably discovering who they were meant to be--would be better, happier, prettier with help, a purchase, or instruction. That said, I really enjoyed Shannon Hale's take on the idea. Her version of that too-frequently-told tale turned my expectations upside down.
The story takes place in the stone-quarrying town of Mount Eskel in the kingdom of Danland, home of Miri, a girl of fourteen. Although her family is part of the local stone-cutting tradition, her father has forbidden her to visit the mines. Although not told why, Miri understands that it must be because she is so small for her age.
Soon, a royal messenger arrives with a surprising announcement. The king's diviners have decided Mount Eskel is the location of a girl who will be chosen to marry the prince of the realm. As a consequence, all teenage girls must attend a make-shift academy to be trained for the possibility of life as royalty.
At the academy, their tutor, Olana, is cruel and inflexible, handing out punishments for the smallest missteps. Miri struggles with her teacher, with bitter competition among the girls, and with the expectation that to marry a prince is the answer to all dreams. She discovers a talent and a new understanding of who she wishes to be.
At last, when danger to the academy students is added to this mix, surprising events push Miri into surprising action. Hale's fine book, with its fresh view of the themes and unusual turns of plot, has well earned being named one of the Newbery Honor books for 2006.
Usual borrowers: Third grade and up
Genres: Adventure, Award winners, Fantasy People and relationships
Also: 8 1/2 or Better List
Suggested by McKenna Williams in October 2008
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