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Cinderella Smith
- By Stephanie Barden
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
Spirited tap-dancing girl loses her shoe but not her spunk.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is not a retelling of the traditional Cinderella fairytale. True, this Cinderella does lose her shoe (more than once), and that does add to her problems. But there are no princes, pumpkins, or fairy godmothers involved. This is a growing-up tale of a spunky second grade girl who is figuring out how to fit in with family and friends as they all go through inevitable changes. Though not all the loose ends are connected, there is nothing objectionable or particularly complicated about the story, and it would be a good chapter book for younger school-age readers. A sequel will be published in April 2012.
What's the story?
Part dancer, part detective, part your typical klutzy kid, Josephine-Katherine Smith (called Cinderella because she has the habit of losing just one of her shoes) is a little out of step with a few of her dance class friends, who are also her second grade classmates. They are becoming cliquish and a bit too obsessed with piercing their ears and shopping. Cinderella doesn't fit in with them like she used to, and she is not sure what to do about it. When she gets the lead in the dance recital, things look a bit rosier ... that is until she loses yet another shoe, this time her new red tap shoe. One moment she wavers between embarrassment and hurt feelings; the next moment she feels funny and strong. Luckily, she and the new girl become friends, linked together by their spunky spirits, creative independence, and love of adventure. They both have problems to solve, and together they make life work.
Is it any good?
Cinderella Smith has an indominatable spirit, and a voice to go with it. That, and the author's ability to make that voice sound so natural, is exactly what makes CINDERELLA SMITH a winner. A few issues are not addressed, or only partially solved, but overall the story hangs together well and offers good lessons, an entertaining adventure, and a realistic glimpse into the life of a spunky second grader in the throes of changes brought on by just plain growing up.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about peer pressure and what to do when what friends think is important conflicts with family values. Getting their ears pierced was a big thing among Cinderella's friends, but Cinderella's mother thought her daughter was too young. What problem did that cause? How did Cinderella feel, and what do you think about the solution?
Why do you think Cinderella had mixed feelings when she was walking to school, holding the hands of her family? Have you had any moments when you felt caught in a similar situation? How did you manage the moment?
Do you think the author's pen-and-ink cartoon-like drawings add to the story? Do you like this kind of artwork, or more realistic illustrations? Why?
Do you see any similarities between this story and the fairytale of Cinderella? What role does the shoe play in the outcome of each story?
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| Topics: | great girl role models |
| Author: | Stephanie Barden |
| Illustrator: | Diane Goode |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Harper |
| Publication date: | April 26, 2011 |
| Number of pages: | 148 |
| Hardcover price: | $14.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 8 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 12 |
| Read alone: | 12 |
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