Newbery Medal Winner
The Hero and the Crown
by Robin McKinley
Summary
Robin McKinley tells the story of Aerin, an awkward and overlooked princess of Damar who claims her destiny by learning to slay dragons and recover a legendary crown. Blending high fantasy, adventure, and a heroine who forges her own strength, the novel gives readers a young woman who refuses to wait on the sidelines. The richly imagined world and its myth of courage made it a landmark in fantasy written for young readers.
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Historical Context & Significance
It serves as a prequel to McKinley's earlier Damar novel The Blue Sword, which had received a Newbery Honor.