Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Reviewed by Lori
Just Ella
Title: Just Ella

Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 167305

Description: In this continuation of the Cinderella story, Fifteen-year-old Ella finds that accepting Prince Charming's proposal ensnares her in a suffocating tangle of palace rules and royal etiquette, so she plots to escape.

Rubric Rating: Level 1: Leave it.

Why I Read It:  The premise of the story sounded quite interesting.  What happens once Cinderella moves into the castle.

Lori's Notes: A slow read, starting after Ella has moved into the castle.  Happily ever after is not everything she dreamed it would be.  The prince isn't so charming, life isn't so good, she's bored and repressed, and falling in love with her tutor.  The action in this novel is a long time coming and not worth the read.  I was happy when the book ended.

Recommended Reader: If you have a girl who is a budding feminist and enjoys fairytales this would be a good selection.  Grade 6 and Up.

Themes: Fairy Tale Retold, Rights and Role of Women, Family, Appearances, Freedom, Judgement, Falling in Love, Romance.

Cross-Genre Links: 
Movie: Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)
Movie: Ella Enchanted (2004)
Wikipedia: Cinderella
Fairy Tale: Cinderella
Music: Cinderella Stay Awhile performed by Michael Jackson

Post Reading Discussion Questions and Activities:
  • Do all fairy tales end in Happily Ever After?
  • How does Ella's life change once she moves into the castle?  Does she have more or less freedom?
  • Why are there so many rules regarding decorum and the way Ella should act?  
  • How does Ella's impression of the Prince change as she gets to know him?  Discuss how appearances can be deceiving.
  • Write a letter from Ella to the prince that explains why she's leaving.

Other Support Materials:

Other Titles by Margaret Peterson Haddix:

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