Princess Academy By Shannon Hale

Book Type: Young Adult

Rating: A+

Recommended For: Girls in Reading level 4th grade and up

Genre: Fantasy
Themes: Magic, Romance, Prince and Princesses, friendship

Main Character: Female Teen

Annotation: This is a delightful book. A young girl is sent to an academy where she and all her friends are trained how to be princesses so that the Prince can choose one of them for a wife. Shannon Hale does an excellent job of sharing a story with added depth and feeling. I didn't want it to end. She is also successful in weaving a bit of magic into the story and she keeps it believable. There is a touch of romance but nothing that isn't appropriate for the younger reader. If you are looking to purchase Princess Academy, be aware that it can be found in two different covers.

The White Giraffe By Lauren St. John

Book Type: Young Adult

Rating: B

Recommended For: All Ages Grade 3+

Genre: Fantasy/Drama

Themes: Africa/ Orphans /Endangered Animals/Family

Main Character: Female

Annotation: After the death of her parents a young girl struggles to adjust to life on her Grandmother's wildlife refuge in Africa. She hears tales of a mystical white giraffe and begins to question the probability that the animal may actually exist. This tale was a bit far fetched for my taste. It was an OK read but it wouldn't be on my top list of recommendations.