About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with peer pressure, feeling unheard, or grappling with the weight of expectations. Ella Enchanted is a spirited reimagining of Cinderella that centers on a girl cursed at birth with the gift of obedience, meaning she must follow every command she is given. This clever premise serves as a powerful metaphor for the loss of autonomy and the struggle to find one's own voice. While the story includes classic fantasy elements like fairies, ogres, and a prince, the heart of the narrative is Ella's internal battle for self-determination. She faces grief after the loss of her mother and the cruelty of a blended family, yet she remains a proactive and witty protagonist. It is ideal for middle-grade readers who are beginning to navigate social hierarchies and the complexity of their own independence. Parents will appreciate how the book rewards Ella's intelligence and resilience rather than just her beauty or luck.
