Princess Juniper of the Anju / Ammi-Joan Paquette.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Juniper may have secured her kingdom, but danger - and adventure - are far from over.

The land known as Queen's Basin is securely under Juniper's rule, and the time has come to focus on saving her father's kingdom. But before she can return to Torr, Juniper must find her subjects' missing horses, which were taken by a tribe of the Anju who live in the Hourglass Mountains-the very tribe her mother once belonged to.

Juniper arrives at the Anju settlement just as the tribe members are about to begin ritual trials to select their next leader. Juniper, whose mother had been next in line for the Anju throne, throws her own hat in the ring. As she competes, however, she must answer the question that's been tugging at her heart- Does she want to rule the Anju because they are her mother's people, or does she have less noble intentions in mind?

Juniper must prove to everyone - especially herself - that she is a brave and strong ruler who puts all her subjects first.

This book series is for girls who love climbing trees in their party dresses and running races in their Mary Janes. It's for girls who know that wearing hair ribbons doesn't stop someone from being strong, and liking perfume and jewelry doesn't mean you can't be smart. Girls who don't even know they're looking for role models will find one in Juniper.

Praise for Princess Juniper of the Hourglass -

'I absolutely loved Princess Juniper of the Hourglass ! It's fantastically delightful, delicious, and satisfying. You'll want to follow Juniper to her kingdom -or even better, start your own!' Sarah Beth Durst, author of Enchanted Ivy and Ice

'I adored Princess Juniper! Readers will cheer as she leads and defends her hidden kingdom in this deliciously charming fantasy.' Julie Berry, author of The Secondhand Charm and The Amaranth Enchantment

'Princess Juniper proves that you can love your silk dresses and still be a hero. This is a smart, feisty kid with a thirst for experiences, and I loved watching her learn to lead. A fun and insightful coming-of-age tale.' Ellen Booraem, author of Small Persons With Wings

'A gently adventurous and luxuriously detailed romp.' Kirkus Reviews

'With elements from William Golding's The Lord of the Flies and Paul Fleischman's Westlandia , this story can be enjoyed by those who love princess stories and adventure tales . . . A rollicking tale that will please a wide range of readers.' School Library Journal

'This . . . dramatic and humorous novel . . . involves some entertaining twists and paves the way for more lighthearted intrigue ahead.' Publishers Weekly

'Paquette takes young readers gently by the hand into the adult world of responsibility, danger, and the unknown. The fully developed cast of characters is engaging, and readers will cheer theconclusion and happily await Juniper's further adventures.' Booklist