The Hero and the Crown (by Robin McKinley)

As a princess, Aerin-sol is generally expected to keep to her castle. She meets with a great deal of disapproval, from the king and from everyone else, when she teaches herself to slay dragons and embarks on a quest to save her city.

She is by no means invincible -- she is an imperfect human being, and makes numerous mistakes, often putting herself in great danger. However, even in her darkest moments, Aerin remains true to herself and to her goals. Robin McKinley has given readers a surprisingly realistic female role model, one that will quickly capture their imagination and attention.