Valerie Boksa

Dear Margaret Peterson Haddix,

Your book Palace of Mirrors changed the way I thought about princess life. I thought princesses were all about themselves, which some probably are, but most are more afraid for their lives than concerned about how they look. They might get murdered, put in prison, held hostage, or kidnapped. Cecilia had to hide to escape all those situations. I started to see how life is more valuable to princesses than anything.

I learned from your book that princesses can be harmed in many ways. Their people might turn on them, like Lord Throckmorton turned on Desmia. Enemies might aim for princesses and their families. I'm relieved I don't have the royal life because of the dangers.

I think I'm a lot like Cecilia because she is so persistent. I think I'm persistent because even when I'm down, and an event that I like or involves me is happening, I try to pick myself up and participate in the event. Palace of Mirrors surprised me because I thought Cecilia would give up faith in herself. She didn't. It also surprised me when she believed in herself enough to make it to the castle. If we could be as persistent Cecilia we might stop all wars and our countries might unite in peace.

Sincerely,
Valerie Boksa