Our ten-year-old hero, Alanna, is about to be sent away to become a lady, and her twin brother, Thom, is about to be sent away, too, but to train to become a knight. Neither of them like these fates; Alanna wants to be a warrior maiden, and Thom wants to be a sorcerer. The resourceful siblings switch places, and Alanna disguises herself as a boy, then goes to the palace to begin page training. Soon, she makes many friends, including her realm's prince, and the heir to the throne. She meets rivals, too, and the training is tough, but she suceeds, and eventually becomes a hero of her land.

I first read this book when I was about 8 or 9 years old. I've re-read it numerous times since then; it's one of my favorites. I would reccomend it for girls, maybe boys, ages 9-14.

Alanna as a character is very compelling, and Pierce makes you want to look up to her, yet she is believeable. I love the action and out-of-the-ordinary, and also the normal everyday girl and teen problems that are mixed in.

Empowered, like I could do anything. This is one of the books that made me want to be an author.

Tamora Pierce