by Shannon Hale
Reviewed for 2007, Fifth Grade

Miri may live within the walls of a kingdom, but she's anything but royal. Her family barely ekes out a living by working the local quarry-- hard and dangerous work. Then one day, news arrives of a prophesy stating the kingdom's new princess will come from her tiny village. All eligible girls are forced to leave for a new academy, to prepare for the prince's arrival. Full of rich details and strong female characters, this is the story of girls fighting to figure out who they are, in the face of incredible adversity. It also highlights the importance of something most kids of this age take for granted... the right to a decent education and the power of literacy. (Bloomsbury, $7.95)

Where to buy "Princess Academy"