Levine, Gail. Ella Enchanted. 1997. Harper Trophy, 232 pages. $16.99 ISBN 0060275111
Plot Summary:
Ella of Frell has been cursed since birth when meddling fairy Lucinda gave Ella the “gift” of obedience. Ever since Ella has to obey any command she is given. Only two people know about Ella’s curse: her mother and beloved fairy godmother Mandy. When Ella’s mother passes away her father sends her to finishing school with the obnoxious daughters of Dame Olga, Hattie and Olive. It does not take Hattie long to figure out Ella’s secret and she proceeds to make Ella’s life miserable until Ella runs away from school determined to find Lucinda and put an end to her terrible curse. Along the way Ella encounters Prince Charmont, or Char, with whom she develops a friendship that continues through letters and eventually turns into more.
Unable to contact Lucinda, Ella returns home to find her father broke and proposing marriage to the Dame Olga. So much for escaping Hattie’s torture; with her father travelling constantly, Ella is now forced to become a servant in her own home. When Ella realizes her curse could be used against Prince Char she knows she must find a way to break the curse or give up the man she loves.
Critical Review:
In Ella Enchanted Levine puts a new spin on Cinderella. Despite her curse of obedience, Ella is free thinking and a little bit rebellious! Ella is independent and in the end determines not to be used and bullied by others. Ella does not wait around to be saved, she realizes that the only person who can control her fate is herself.
Genre:
Fantasy
Interest/Reading Level:
5th to 8th grade
Similar Books:
Savvy by Ingrid Law
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
The Tale of the Frog Princess by E.D. Baker
Awards:
Newberry Honor Medal 1998
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 1998
Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children’s Literature 1999 Finalist
ALA Notable Children’s Book 1998
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