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Princess Academy by Shannon Hale (2nd Reviewer)

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Brief synopsis (no spoilers): A group of 12-17 year old girls from a remote mountain village are sent to attend a Princess academy to be trained for the prince to pick a wife from among the group. Miri, the main character, learns to feel comfortable with herself and the contributions she can make to her family/village. 

Category: Middle graders

Why I chose this book: Recommended by several of my Sister-in-laws

My personal opinion (the review): This was a short any easy read. As was said in the previous review, I like that this book focused on family and education. The author did a great job weaving the lessons the girls were learning at the academy into their everyday lives. What they were learning not only prepared them to meet the prince, but improved their lives on the mountain. Miri also learns that she doesn't need or want to move her family to a nice house near the palace, but that her family can be happy where they are. Overall very good. 

Warnings
Language: None
Violence: There is some light fighting, but nothing graphic at all. 
"Adult" situations: None
Death: Miri's mother before the story begins

Movie rating equivalent:PG

Protagonist description: At the beginning of the story Miri is unsure of herself and her role because she is not allowed to work in the mines, but throughout the story, as she learns more information about her back story and is given opportunities outside of her home, she begins to blossom.  

Point of view of story: 3rd, Miri

Book length: Short

Story flow: Fluid

Grammar and spelling issues: None

Character connection (no spoilers): None

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