I started this book a couple times before I really got into the story. I typically listen to audio books while working to pass the time and this one I must have had to start three times before I could follow the story, Once I did though I couldn't wait to find what would happen next. I kept wishing the narrator would read a little faster as I like to do as the book gets better and better, but patiently waited it out. I loved this story which was everything a fairytale should be. I will definately be reading more of Shannon Hale's work. Highly recommend. ( )

This was a great book I love books that send you to another place, This story of the princess and her long journey, sent me to a great place of what is going to happen, fantasy the immagination, loosing the blood cloth!! ( )

The cover caught my eye and the blurbs drew me in. I found this in the Young Adult section while looking for something else. This fantasy story is a retelling of a Brothers Grimm tale (one I was not aware of beforehand). It's told in simple and poetic language and it's a fast read. Anidori-Kiladra, "Ani," is a crown princess from Kildenree sent on months-long journey to the kingdom of Bayern to be a bride for that kingdom's crown prince. But along the way, her scheming lady-in-waiting overthrows Ani's loyal guards with her own and assumes Ani's identity. Ani barely escapes with her life and eventually becomes a goose girl in Bayern while she tries to figure out a way to reclaim her name and position. I read the last 100 page all in a rush late into last night. This well-told story has a very exciting denouement and I'm looking forward to reading some of the author's other tales set in the kingdom of Bayern. In an appendix, the author has a Q & A and I learned she wasn't setting out to write a "young adult" novel. That whole genre can be a tricky label. Ofttimes I'd have no idea a book was intended for a younger audience if it wasn't stamped with that label. This would make for a good real aloud story. ( )

Ani speaks the wind... and animals. She is a victim of mutiny and sudden poverty but learns to fend for herself, and learns how much potential she really has...

Hale, Shannon. The Goose Girl. 2003. Bloomsbury: New York.
Genre: Fantasy and Utopia
Themes: Goose girl, speaking to animals, special powers, war, princess, queen, magic, marriage, lady in waiting, foreign land, corrupt
Age/grade appropriate: ages 10-16 grade appropriate for middle school and high school
Awards: A New York Public Library "100 Titles for Reading and Sharing", A Texas Lone Star Reading List Book, A Josette Frank Award Winner, A Utah State Book Award Winner, and A Utah Speculative Fiction Award Winner.
Censorship Issues: I don’t see any censorship issues for this book. It is perfect for the classroom
Plot summary: Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree, is raised by her aunt. Her aunt teaches her how to communicate with animals. Anidori aka Ani’s mother is still alive she just lets other people take care of her children. When her aunt goes away Ani is left with another caretaker. Ani’s mother hates the fact that her aunt taught her to speak with animals. She tries to keep Ani away from as many animals as possible. Her mother realizes that her daughter is not suit to be a Queen so she sends her off to be married at age 17, to the prince of a neighboring kingdom-mainly to keep peace. Another girl in waiting steals Ani’s identity and marries the prince. Meanwhile, Ani dodges attempts on her life, is looked after by an older woman in the Forest, and finally makes it to Bayern, to be hired in the palace as a goose girl. Only when she develops humility, a sense of justice, a talent for peacekeeping, an ability to command the wind and the gift of 'people speaking can Ani reclaim her place as the future queen of Bayern.
Critique: This book is great. I loved reading it. It is perfect for young adults. I would recommend this book for anyone. It is such a great read anyone could enjoy such a story. It is kind of predictable but it is great to read something easy and fun sometimes.
Curriculum: This book could definitely be used in the classroom. The plot of the story is great for young readers. I could see this book in the public library as well as the school library. ( )