A Tale of Two Castles by Gail Carson Levine, 2011 HarperTeenElodie leaves her family on an island from the distant reaches of the kingdom to become a mansioner - acting is her dream! But when she arrives the troupes aren't accepting new apprentices. The resident dragon of Two Castles, Meenore, takes her under ITs wings and the two begin an uneasy relationship.
While still trying to get used to the size and sights of Two Castles (it's the largest town she's ever seen) Elodie battles to be Meenore's apprentice to the best of her ability. The dragon is particular in every aspect of ITs life, but Elodie does make progress: when the Count, an ogre set to be engaged to the Royal Princess, seeks Meenore's assistance Elodie is placed in his castle in the guise of a kitchen maid.
For twelve-year-old Elodie every day is another act in the play of her life: will she be able to discover who the traitor is and will she be able to continue her work with the dragon Meenore?
Younger readers will enjoy the surprise of a mystery solved and characters who easily fall into their pre-determined categories. This story is a children's book with themes of persistence and independence woven into the story of a girl trying to pursue her dreams.
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