Alanna: The First Adventure

The Song of the Lioness Quartet: Book One

Pierce, Tamora. Song of the Lioness. Alanna. Simon Pulse, 2005. First of four.

PERSONAL RESPONSE:

This book was written in 1983 by Tamora Pierce, a prolific adolescent fantasy author. Set in a Middle Ages kingdom, rich in chivalry, knights, and magic this book captured my attention early on. I was 12 the first time I read it and was immediately captivated by the idea of a girl disguising herself as a boy to become a knight. I enjoy the entire series, as well as the other books set in this world by the author. I read it the first time when I was 10, and have reread the series multiple times when I am in need of comfort reading.

SUMMARY:

Alanna, our main character, is a young girl who longs for adventure, scared of her own magical gift and what it might mean for her, she switches places with her twin brother. Becoming Alan of Trebond and venturing to the capital to learn how to become  a knight was far more enticing to her than going to a convent to learn about her magic and how to become a Lady. The story follows her first year as a page, teaching the reader about the stages of learning needed to be granted a title as a knight, the hard work and never-ending toil to reach that goal.  The story follows an almost predictable story arc,  young person makes friends, works hard, makes an enemy, confronts that enemy, and saves the day. The twist in Alanna’s story is her magic and her budding friendship with the future king. This is the first of four installments that tells the story of Alanna’s journey to knighthood and adulthood, her path to proving herself to herself. She is a *just* a girl and therefore seen as lesser in the eyes of greater society, and now she has to prove to everyone else AND herself that she is worth other friendships, time, and trust.

TIES TO ADOLESCENCE:

This book would be very welcome in a classroom! I think that though the characters are aged 11 and 12 it would be entertaining to a wider age group. It has themes of bullying, adversity, education, and building trust and healthy friendships. Each of these issues is lined up and summarily knocked down by our heroine. The book is the first of four and the rest of the series ages with the characters, having more adult themes and issues as the story lines progress. It would be useful in addressing bullying, and in addressing healthy, young, and platonic relationships.