Book Review: Princess Academy

Plot line:

In the country of Danlar, the Chief Elders have decided that the next wife for the prince will come from a remote village, far in the mountains.  The village doesn't have a school in it, and so the Princess Academy is set up for the eligible 19 girls to go to.  They will have to learn to read, and write, as well as poise and conversation skills.  One of those girls, Miri, does not want to go.  She wants to stay in the village with her dad and older sister, but that choice is not given to her.  She learns all the academic things that are taught, as well as learning what strength lies within her. 

This book is for children, but I, being young in heart, loved it!  I love the message of the story, that we have hidden inner depths that allow us to do things that maybe we don't think we are capable of.  It is a good book for anyone to read, but especially young girls between the age of 10-18.  Every girl in that age should read about the strength that is in us. 

SPOILER!!  SPOILER!!  SPOILER!!
Things that I loved in this book:

I loved that all the girls fouhd a strength in themselves, to be able to grow and improve their minds.

I loved the linder speak.  The idea of a secret languate that no one hears is so fascinating.  Wouldn't every child want to have that at test time, as the girls did?  I love also how Miri trusted in herself to get better and become stronger in her linder speak, until she was strong enough to summon Peder.

I loved that her and Peder were friends before they were something else.  Friendship is the most important thing in a relationship.

I loved that Miri is not the most beautiful, but still Peder loves her.  It gives the rest of us hope. 

I like the way the girls turned the table on Olana, to make their situation bearable.

I loved that the book showed all the girls as strong, each in their own way.  Some were physically strong, others emotionally, some in academics.  I thought how the book showed how each of them were able to identify what was their strength and use it to better the situation they were in. 

I have already got Zoey reading this, and she is loving it!  Usually reading is a chore for her and she is devouring this book!  I will have Meg read it next. 

Read it!  Love it!!