Princess Academy Sequel

I recently read on Shannon Hale's blog that next August there will be a sequel to The Princess Academy. I'm quite excited about this.  I really enjoyed the Goose Girl Series and most of Hale's books.  The Princess Academy actually won a Newbery Honor in 2006, which is a runner-up to the best book for juvenile literature.  It's a pretty big deal.  The book gets a fancy silver sticker, a gold one if you are the winner, for the cover to signify it's award.

A good little bit ago we, those of us on this blog, did an author study of Shannon Hale.  We read her books.  Here is the link to the post about all of her books.  If you haven't read The Princess Academy I suggest you do so.  It is fabulously written and it is completely clean.  You won't have to worry about your little girl reading it.  It is definitely a girl book.  I can't imagine any boys really getting into this book.  Also, if you haven't read any of Hale's books I suggest you check them out from the library.  They are fabulous!  I own many of them.  

The following is the review from School Library Journal, it received a starred review... clearly a good book:  Starred Review. Grade 5-9–The thought of being a princess never occurred to the girls living on Mount Eskel. Most plan to work in the quarry like the generations before them. When it is announced that the prince will choose a bride from their village, 14-year-old Miri, who thinks she is being kept from working in the quarry because of her small stature, believes that this is her opportunity to prove her worth to her father. All eligible females are sent off to attend a special academy where they face many challenges and hardships as they are forced to adapt to the cultured life of a lowlander. First, strict Tutor Olana denies a visit home. Then, they are cut off from their village by heavy winter snowstorms. As their isolation increases, competition builds among them. The story is much like the mountains, with plenty of suspenseful moments that peak and fall, building into the next intense event. Miri discovers much about herself, including a special talent called quarry speak, a silent way to communicate. She uses this ability in many ways, most importantly to save herself and the other girls from harm. Each girl's story is brought to a satisfying conclusion, but this is not a fluffy, predictable fairy tale, even though it has wonderful moments of humor. Instead, Hale weaves an intricate, multilayered story about families, relationships, education, and the place we call home.–Linda L. Plevak, Saint Mary's Hall, San Antonio, TX 

Just thought I'd get you excited for the sequel next August.  I will definitely be re-reading The Princess Academy before the sequel's release so it is fresh in my mind.  Hale's blog gives us an idea of what to expect in the sequel. "The new novel picks up where the 2006 Newbery Honor winner Princess Academy left off. Miri and a few of the academy girls travel to the capital city of Asland to help the princess-to-be. But while continuing her studies, Miri befriends some other students who seek to overthrow the crown. Torn between her friendship with the princess and her belief in her new friends’ daring ideas, as well as an old love and a new crush, Miri struggles to find her place in the larger world."  I don't know about you, but I'm excited!  I hope this sequel is just as good as the first one and all of the Goose Girl books.  When Hale takes her time she writes truly fantastic books. 

Happy reading!  Be sure to let me know your thoughts about The Princess Academy or the sequel.