Princess Academy (2005) by Shannon Hale
Fourteen-year-old, Miri, lives in the small village of Mount Eskel where almost everyone works in the quarry mining a special stone called linder. Miri, who is exceptionally small for her age, has been forbidden by her father to join in quarry work. Although she has her insecurities about not being able to contribute, Miri covers them with her funny stories, carefree talk, and good-natured personality. Life is rough on the mountain, but nobody ever leaves. That is, until, one day, a delegate from the palace arrives to announce that Mount Eskel was prophesied as the location of the prince’s future bride. Now a princess academy is being set up at the base of Mount Eskel for all girls of eligible age. Not many are pleased by this news, but they must obey the king. An unfair tutor presides over the small academy, but despite a rough start, Miri proves her intelligence, determination, and bravery will change the fate of their village forever.
This book is a beautiful story that hits all the marks–friendship, courage, romance, family, learning, suspense, self-worth, community, and, yes, even a ball. I have read this book too many times to count, but I will say that when I first stumbled across it many years ago, I was hesitant. I’m wary of the “princess” culture that has bombarded our young girls in recent years and wasn’t so sure how I would feel about a book with the title, “Princess Academy.” In truth, it was the lovely folk art style of the cover that drew me to the book (which I cannot find a link to now), and I’m so glad I judged this book by its cover, because everything inside is beautiful and perfect. I’m delighted beyond belief that this is only the first of a trilogy of books, but I’ll always return to this one as my favorite. This was also the book that brought me to Shannon Hale, and for that, I am forever grateful.
You might also enjoy:
Princess Academy: The Palace of Stone
Princess Academy: The Forgotten Sisters