About This Book
Gail Carson Levine's "Ella Enchanted" is a beloved Newbery Honor-winning fantasy novel that reimagines the classic Cinderella story with a compelling twist. As a baby, Ella is given a "gift" of obedience by a well-meaning but misguided fairy, which becomes a terrible curse forcing her to comply with any order. The story follows Ella's journey to break this curse, navigate a cruel stepfamily, and find love with Prince Char. It's a powerful narrative about self-determination, resilience, and the importance of free will, making it an excellent choice for middle-grade readers aged 8-12. Parents will appreciate its strong themes of empowerment and standing up to injustice.
In this novel based on the story of Cinderella, Ella struggles against the childhood curse that forces her to obey any order given to her.
Concepts
Self-Confidence & IdentityResilience & PerseveranceFreedom & IndependenceFear & BraveryJustice & FairnessLove & FamilyFriendship & LoyaltyEmpathy & KindnessGood vs. EvilAnger & FrustrationLoneliness & BelongingBeing DifferentBullyingGrowing UpDeath of a Loved OneSibling RivalryMaking FriendsFantasy & MagicFriendship & SocialPrincesses
bullying
peril_danger
separation_from_parent
Discussion Prompts
1
If you had a "gift" like Ella's, how would you try to use it or break it?
2
How does Ella show bravery even when she's forced to obey?
3
What does it mean to have free will, and why is it so important to Ella?
4
How do Ella's stepsisters use her curse to bully her, and what could someone do if they saw that happening?
5
How does Ella's love for Char ultimately help her?
External Reviews
Google Books
4.5/5 (2 ratings)
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