The Princess Academy

Author: Shannon Hale

Summary: Mira, her father, and sister mine for linder, a prized rock, on Mt. Eskel. One day, representatives of the prince arrive to announce that the prince’s bride will be chosen from the young women of Mira’s village. Before the prince chooses, however, the girls need training on how to be a princess and Mira and 19 other young ladies are led away to the Princess Academy. There, Mira learns that she can communicate her thoughts without speaking to the other girls through the linder rock that covers the Academy grounds. She uses this skill to improve life in her village and eventually save the other girls from unexpected danger.

Reading Level: 5.5

Rating: 8 stars

Kids: Sorry, guys. This book is pretty much a girl book, as you can tell from the title. There isn’t a lot of action in this story, but the characters are interesting and there is a good theme about believing in yourself. If you like that sort of a book, this is a good choice for you. By the way, if you come to the “linder speak” part and it seems kind of confusing, just keep reading because you’ll understand the whole thing in a few chapters.

Parents: Strong values of family and loyalty are prominent in The Princess Academy. There is an allusion to romance between two characters, but it’s very innocent. It’s a satisfying tale where good wins out and there’s a happy ending for all.

Teachers: The Princess Academy is well written and the main character, Mira, is bold, courageous and smart. It has some novel ideas and twists that were probably a factor in its selection as a Newbery Honor book. For some reason, the book never gained much popularity in my classroom for independent reading, but it could be used successfully as a literature circle book.

Awards:

2006 Newbery Honor Book
2005 Honorable Mention for "Favorite Novel of the Year," Publishers Weekly
2007 Beehive Award winner
An ALA Notable Children's Book
A New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
Nominated for the 2008 Young Reader's Choice Award
Nominated for the Illinois 2008 Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award

If you liked The Princess Academy, I’d recommend:

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
Just Ella by Margret Haddix
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
Ida B. by Katherine Hannigan
Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles

ISBN: 1582349932

A Dog’s Life: Autobiography of a Stray

Author: Ann M. Martin

Summary: Good natured Squirrel and her brother, Bone, begin their life in a toolshed behind a summer vacation house. Their mother gives them the survival skills they’ll need as stray dogs and life is happy. Then one day, Mother disappears and the puppies must survive on their own. Squirrel is adopted by well-meaning strangers several times, must rely on her hunting skills and garbage cans for food, and makes friends with other strays along the way. By the end of the story, Squirrel is an old, well-loved mutt.

Reading Level: 5.5

Rating: 7 1/2 stars

Kids: If you’re a dog lover, you’ll probably enjoy this book. Lots of my students recommended it to me. It’s told from the dog’s perspective and that’s pretty cool. There are some sad parts, however, and, to be honest, there isn’t a lot of action and the story can get a little slow. Maybe try reading the first few chapters and see if you like it.

Parents: There’s nothing offensive in the book and it’s a safe read, though a little sad at times. The book might give you an opportunity to talk with your child about the responsibilities of being a pet owner and the importance of good pet care.

Teachers: Many of my students enjoyed this book, though I found it a little slow. Some tender-hearted boys and girls might have a hard time with some of the difficult situations in which Squirrel finds herself. I don’t think I’d use this book as a read aloud.

Accelerated Reader test: Available (check your school)

Awards:

2008 William Allen White Children’s Book Awards
2008 Young Reader's Choice Award Winners
2006 American Booksellers Honor Book

If you liked A Dog’s Life, I’d recommend: (these are all dog books)

The Good Dog by Avi

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

The BossQueen, Little Bigbark, And the Sentinel Pup by Sarah Clark Jordan

Listen by Syephanie Tolan

ISBN10: 0439901073