APA Citation: Hale, S. (2003). The goose girl. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Press.
Plot summary: Crown Princess Ani has a special gift: she can communicate with animals. People, on the other hand, prove to be a little more difficult, so it’s hard to compete with her scheming lady-in-waiting who manages to strike up a mutiny in order to replace her. Narrowly escaping her death, Ani disguises herself as a harmless goose girl, determined to reclaim her rightful place.
Relation to other works: This story is based upon the Brother’s Grimm fairy tale of the same name.
Appeal: Ani is such a likeable heroine, it’s hard not to root for her (especially when her lady-in-waiting, Selia, is so downright evil). The magic in the story is really fun and unlike anything I’ve come across before.
Audience or readership: Ages 12-17.
Limitations or weaknesses: I didn’t really buy some of the character development that Hale told us was happening. I would have preferred to see these changes, rather than be told that they had occurred.
Overall assessment: Ultimately, this story underwhelmed me. There were certainly parts that I enjoyed – Ani’s horse who totally and completely understands her innermost thoughts and feelings, for example – but on the whole felt like there was something missing. With that said, I still found myself wanting to read ahead to the next chapter. Grade: B
KIDS LIT FTW! 