Princess Academy

by Shannon Hale

Miri gets word very suddenly that the Prince's bride will come from their rural area, so all the elegible young women are sent to a "Princess Academy."  Lifelong camaraderie is challenged when the girls find themselves in competition, but Miri is determined that the strength of the community can overcome anything, even this jealousy.  Add to this the untapped powers of the mountain they live on, and it's an epic coming of age fantasy.

Audience:
Girls about 3rd grade and up, but the reading level is around 5th grade

What I Love:
The girls are all so smart and strong, not to mention independent.  They are also about as awkward as teenagers.

Cautions:
This is written younger than her other books.  There are almost no male protagonists.