Princess Academy

Next on the Newbery list was "Princess Academy," by Shannon Hale, who also authored "The Goose Girl." Hale has once again created a character who is strong, passionate and inventive. Miri is a 14-year-old member of a village of quarriers, at the top of Mount Eskel. She longs to join the rest of her family in the quarry, but her father mysteriously refuses, relegating her to shepherding and household tasks. The announcement that the Prince's councillors have determined that the next princess of the kingdom will come from Mount Eskel changes her life. Herded with all other eligible girls into the Princess Academy, Miri struggles against the absolute authority of the school; against the cliques that form; and in favor of defending the honor of her tiny village. Neither bandits nor the temptation of a life of luxury for her and her family ultimately take her away from Mount Eskel, but what she brings back to the village makes it a place she can happily live and to which she can contribute. This will be a huge hit with young girls.

Whittington, a cat tail ...

Just finished "Whittington," by Alan Armstrong, S.D. Schindler (illustrator), 2005 Newbery Honor book. It is a powerful and tender story-within-a-story. Whittington, a stray who wanders into Bernie's farmyard, exchanges room and board for his fierce rat-chasing abilities. In exchange for the friendship of his new companions, he tells his family history (a spirited retelling of folktale "Dick Whittington and His Cat"). Bernie's grandchildren, Ben and his little sister, are members of the farmyard family. Ben struggles with reading. As we learn of Dick Whittington's struggles, we also journey with Ben as he conquers reading and (cat) Whittington as he finally finds a home. This book reminds me of Dick King-Smith with it's gentle, forthright approach and happy resolution. What a treat!