The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu

This book is a finalist for the 2021 Cybils Award in Elementary and Middle-Grade Speculative Fiction.

What worked:

The story evokes feelings that should offend readers of both genders. Males are the privileged ones, and females’ roles are to support them. The author describes the unfairness Marya experiences from her parents, as they’re obsessed with her brother Luka becoming a sorcerer. The kingdom relies on sorcerers to protect it from the Dread. Marya’s expected to do all of the dirty chores around the house and she’s blamed for upsetting her brother, even when she’s the victim of his pranks. Her parents won’t let her learn a trade from the neighbor woman, and they eventually send Marya to Dragomir Academy, a school for troubled girls.

The structure of the plot is familiar and easy to follow. A character can’t live up to society’s expectations and is sent away where she can’t cause more problems. She’s dumped in with other girls in the same situation, but Marya’s circumstances hint that she will become more than expected. She’s able to read and has grasped information more easily than her brother. The school says it will enable the girls to help with protecting the realm, although Marya doesn’t understand what that means. Regardless, the comment allows readers to imagine and predict how it might come true. The plot develops into a story of empowering women and changing the stereotypes and expectations of the past.

The author introduces the Dread early in the book but doesn’t make it a direct part of the story until later. This delay creates anticipation for readers, as the Dread isn’t behaving as it’s done in the past. The Dread was originated by witches and is the reason they’ve been feared and forbidden ever since. Marya learns to read beautiful tapestries and discovers some of the history being taught may not be true. She ponders who benefits from the untruths to unravel the kingdom’s past. The resolution of the plot is predictable, but the overall story is very entertaining.

What didn’t work as well:

The first half of the book feels like it’s on the verge of upping the conflict and suspense but then settles back into Marya adapting to the academy. The plot offers several major problems, but it doesn’t focus on one in particular. However, the second half brings everything together to share a compelling, magical adventure of curses, witches, and the spreading Dread.

The Final Verdict:

Become who you’re meant to be. This book can be enjoyed by all middle-grade readers and shares an emotional adventure to empower women. Critical issues are addressed and resolved, and I highly recommend you give it a shot.