Hale, Shannon. 2005. Princess Academy. Bloomsbury Publishing: New York, NY. ISBN 1-58234-993-2.
Plot Summary:
Miri, a 14-year-old girl, lives with her hardworking family in a close-knit community high in the mountains of Mount Eskel. Word comes to the town that the prince will be visiting soon to choose his bride. Although Miri has always aspired to work in the mines with her father and older sister, she cannot help but wonder what it would be like living in luxury in the lowlands, able to provide for her struggling family. Not being allowed to work in the mines (she thinks because she is too small) also drives her desire to prove her worth to her father by marrying a prince. Miri and several other competitive girls are taken away by soldiers to a required year-long academy that helps prepare them for a life of royalty before the prince makes his decision. While enrolled, Miri gains self-confidence with her talent of "quarry-speak" and also becomes fed up with the inferior treatment towards the girls while in the academy. While isolated in the academy, Miri becomes a leader, finds friendship, and discovers much about herself.
Critical Analysis:
Miri is a sassy, strong character in the story that thinks for herself and stands up for what she believes in. She is a loyal friend and protects those she cares for, like when she takes the blame when the mistress caught Miri and Gerti talking during class, Miri said, "Gerti didn't ask for help...it was my fault". She is a character that many young adults can relate to when dealing with unfair authority figures and inspires readers to become a leader in any situation but especially in desperate ones. Miri's character is a likable one, since she is treated by her town with respect and has many friends. Although she is imperfect like many of the other characters in the book, she makes the right decision even if it will cost her in the end. Her comical way of insulting the "superior" mistress and royalties to make her points, makes her even more appreciated throughout the story.
The plot begins with a realistic setting with a hardworking family in the mountains, to a fantasy adventure with secret languages and villains. All the while this story is believable and keeps the reader's interest.
The setting is vividly explained, "to the east...yellow green slopes and flat places...climbed into the gray blue peak..." so the reader can picture the environment clearly. Based on the language patterns, dialect, occupations and materials throughout the story, one can see that it takes place in another country outside the U.S. and possibly in the 1800's. This makes the royal adventures and characters' actions more realistic.
The theme of this story is a timeless one: home is where the heart is. Miri's journey reinforces her belief that Mount Eskel is where she truly belongs and where she is happy. Another important theme throughout this story, is friendship/love is more powerful than riches. Miri and the academy girls become friends and survive the experience both mentally and physically because of their teamwork and compassion.
The author style accurately depicts each group within the story: the royalty from the "highlanders". From the way they speak to the way they are described to carry themselves, they are separated in everyway. The author coins the phrase, "quarry-speak" (a silent way of communicating, done in the mines) and carries it throughout the novel in order to play an important role in saving the girls' lives in the end when they face kidnappers. There is a clear point of view, third person with an omnicient point of view of Miri, which is consistent through the novel.
School Library Journal Starred Review: "This is not a fluffy, predictable fairy tale . . . Instead, Hale weaves an intricate, multilayered story about families, relationships, education, and the place we call home."
Kirkus Starred Review: "An unalloyed joy."
A Newbery Honor Book
A New York Times Bestseller
Connections:
*This book can help teach young adults how to deal with fierce competition.
*This book can be used as a discussion starter about friendship.
*This book can be used to discuss leadership or goals.
*This book can be used to discuss "home" and what that means to each individual.
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