Book Review: Princess Academy

What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that there's not much to worry about here -- one evil bandit falls off a cliff after making threats. All in all, there is lots of girl-empowerment and learning about looking past the masks people wear.

Families who read this book could discuss all of the characters who turn out not to be the way they seem. Why did each one act the way he or she did? Why do people hide their feelings behind anger and meanness? How does Miri learn to see past these personas? Also, why is Miri's home, which is a hard place, so important to her? Why does the tutor treat the girls the way she does? And, perhaps most interesting of all, could we apply the rules of diplomacy that are taught to the girls in our own lives?

Common Sense Media Review
Despite the title, from which a bookstore browser might assume that this is another one of those goopy, middle-grade, princess-and-tea-party series books, this book actually deserves the Newbery Honor it has won.

This surprisingly moving novel conveys a depth of understanding of people, and their often confusing and misleading ways of behaving. It's a coming-of-age novel of the best sort.

Although there are hints of fantasy in the vaguely telepathic "quarry-speak" that the mountain-dwelling villagers take for granted, Miri is as real as can be, a down-to-earth heroine who succeeds despite insecurity and misunderstanding, through guts and hard work.

The story is filled with moments of great satisfaction: the girls finally stand up to their tutor who, it turns out, was just hoping for them to do so; Miri convinces the village elders to use the principles of commerce and diplomacy she has learned to improve their lot; and every time Miri sees past someone's facade and into their hearts.

It's a lovely story, full of gentle wisdom and the joy of family and community.