Staff Pick
This was the first book that taught me girls can work together, and when they do, they can accomplish anything. I don't feel it is an exaggeration to say this book changed my life. Aside from its message (which I had never come across when I first read it as a kid), it also has just the right amount of princess fun — such as elegant dances and courtly etiquette. This book has a little something for any young reader, I think: a girl who has never quite fit in, bookish characters, illiterate and emotionally intelligent characters, tough women who work the quarry. It's a great book for learning to have confidence in yourself and your unique skills. Recommended By Junix S., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have lived a simple life. Then word comes that the king's priests have divined her village the home of the future princess. In a year's time, the prince will choose his bride from among the village girls.
The king's ministers set up an academy on the mountain, and every teenage girl must attend and learn how to become a princess. Soon Miri finds herself confronted with a harsh academy mistress, bitter competition among the girls, and her own conflicting desires. Winning the contest could give her everything she ever wanted-but it would mean leaving her home and family behind.
Packaged with a fresh cover, this timelessly charming, award-winning story from best-selling author Shannon Hale is sure to enchant a whole new generation of readers.
Review
"Shannon Hale's books reignite my love of reading—that joy of having the time of my life with a great story." —Stephenie Meyer, author of Twilight
"This is not a fluffy, predictable fairy tale . . . . Instead Hale weaves an intricate, multilayered story about families, relationships, education, and the place we call home." —School Library Journal, starred review
"The book is a fresh approach to the traditional princess story with unexpected plot twists and great emotional resonance." —2006 Newbery Committee
"Palace of Stone . . . proves once again that with quick wit and brave words, one person really can change the world." —School Library Journal on Princess Academy: Palace of Stone
"Powerful and deeply engaging." —Kirkus Reviews on Princess Academy: Palace of Stone
Synopsis
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of this Newbery Honor winning, New York Times bestselling book—now with a gorgeous new cover!
Synopsis
A Newbery Honor Winner
A New York Times Bestseller
In this first book in New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor-winning author Shannon Hale's Princess Academy series, Miri finds herself a sudden participant in a contest to find the next princess of the realm.
Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have lived a simple life. Then word comes that the king's priests have divined her village the home of the future princess. In a year's time, the prince will choose his bride from among the village girls.
The king's ministers set up an academy on the mountain, and every teenage girl must attend and learn how to become a princess. Soon Miri finds herself confronted with a harsh academy mistress, bitter competition among the girls, and her own conflicting desires. Winning the contest could give her everything she ever wanted--but it would mean leaving her home and family behind.
Don't miss any of these other books from New York Times bestselling author Shannon Hale:
The Princess Academy trilogy
Princess Academy
Princess Academy: Palace of Stone
Princess Academy: The Forgotten Sisters
The Books of Bayern
The Goose Girl
Enna Burning
River Secrets
Forest Born
Book of a Thousand Days
Dangerous
Graphic Novels
with Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale
Rapunzel's Revenge
Calamity Jack
For Adults
Austenland
Midnight in Austenland
The Actor and the Housewife
Synopsis
A dazzling new novel about would-be princesses and destiny
About the Author
Shannon Hale is the Newbery Honor-winning and New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Academy series; Book of a Thousand Days; The Books of Bayern; Dangerous; and the graphic novels Rapunzel's Revenge and Calamity Jack. She also wrote three novels for adults, including Austenland, now a major motion picture starring Keri Russell. She and her husband, the author Dean Hale, have four children and live near Salt Lake City, Utah. Visit Shannon online at www.shannonhale.com and on Twitter at @HaleShannon.