Princess Academy (Bk. 1)

Miri has lived her whole life on Mount Eskel, where her village’s limestone quarry is the only source of livelihood. Suddenly, the king’s priests declare that her mountain home is destined to produce the next princess of the realm—and every girl in the village must attend the newly established Princess Academy to learn how to be a royal.

As the year progresses, Miri grapples with the harsh demands of the academy’s mistress, the jealousy and rivalry among the girls, and the fears of leaving her home and family behind.

Through the lessons of rhetoric, deportment, and education, Miri discovers that being a princess means far more than outward appearances—it means understanding one’s people and standing for their well-being.

“Shannon Hale’s books reignite my love of reading—the joy of having the time of my life with a great story.” — Stephenie Meyer

“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

“The book is a fresh approach to the traditional princess story with unexpected plot twists and great emotional resonance.” — 2006 Newbery Committee