If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince?

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to find their footing within a new blended family or feeling isolated after a major life transition like moving schools. It is a modern, relatable take on the Cinderella motif that moves beyond the fairy tale to address the real friction of step-parent dynamics and the pressure of high school social hierarchies. Lucy's journey is less about being rescued by a prince and more about developing the self-respect to navigate her own complicated reality. While it features a sweet romantic subplot, the core value lies in Lucy finding her voice and learning that her worth is not defined by her stepmother's disapproval or her peers' opinions. It is a light but emotionally resonant choice for readers aged 12 and up who feel like they are living in someone else's shadow.