Book Review of "Princess Academy" by Shannon Hale

“Princess Academy” tells the story of young Miri, a girl named after a pink mountain flower. She lives with her family in a small village on Mount Eskel. Everyone works in the rock quarries mining a valuable rock called Linder; everyone except for Miri, that is. Her father has forbidden her from working in the rock quarries along with every other able-bodied villager. As a result, Miri grows up feeling like a useless burden to her father and to the village. Then the news comes that in one year the Prince will be choosing his bride and that his bride will be one of the girls from Mount Eskel! Miri, along with the 19 other eligible young women of her village, are taken to an academy where they will learn how to think, look, and behave like princesses. Miri sees this as her chance to truly be someone of importance, but her heart is torn by the conflict between these new desires and her love and longing for Mount Eskel. 

This Newbery Honor winning book is a poignant tale that revolves around such subjects as friendship, home, family, and true love. I was awestruck by the profound thoughtfulness and careful usage of adjectives Shannon Hale used in writing this fantasy novel. She showed rare skill in involving you emotionally with each character’s lives. As I read it with breathless anticipation it was as if I experienced Miri’s hopes, fears, and confusion. Hale also vividly describes Mount Eskel, and I found my imagination drawn to this beautiful mountain that Miri and her village call home.

Inspirations 4 Writing

What I appreciated about this novel was how the author presented human nature and emotions. She described Miri’s feelings in such a way that you felt you could relate to her. I do not think it is easy to capture in words something so elusive as an emotion but the author somehow did it. I find this greatly inspiring and I hope you do too. 

Book Review of "The Good Master" by Kate Seredy

Book Review of “The Good Master” by Kate Seredy.

This book, a winner of the Newbery Honor, chronicles the summer adventures of Jancsi, a young Hungarian boy, and his cousin Kate. Kate is sent by her father to the ranch owned by Jancsi’s father to “recuperate” after an illness. Jancsi and his family are expecting a docile lamb of a girl. What they get is more like a wild untamed colt. Janci’s father, sometimes called “the Good Master,” is used to taming horses. Now it is up to him to tame Kate.

I appreciated how Kate Seredy’s delightful tale shows how love-directed discipline does worlds more of good to train up an untamed child, (or an untamed horse,) then the use of discipline inflicted in anger. Also, that a child left without discipline turns out headstrong and stubborn. The approach of Jancsi’s father is not to break the will of the horses he handles, or the niece who eventually comes under his roof, but to direct and refine it.

Kate Seredy’s use of good vocabulary and the entertaining escapades of Kate and Jancsi make this book a joy to read.

Story Starter Ideas:

Write a story about two or more friends, siblings, or cousins who are spending their summer together. What character flaws show themselves during their adventures together? Are these flaws ultimately overcome? If so, how are they overcome?