Just Ella
Originally published by Aladdin Paperbacks
Written by Margaret Peterson Haddix
The last time I had a teacher incorporate a read aloud into my school schedule (before Dr. Johnson, of course), was Mrs. Shields in fifth grade. We read a number of books throughout the year, but the one that has stuck with me is Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine. I was obsessed with Ella’s go-getter approach to life and her constant perseverance in breaking her curse (for those of you who are not familiar with that story, Ella was given the “gift” of constant obedience by her fairy godmother at birth and is trying to break the spell as a young adult). Ella Enchanted is a variation of the classic Cinderella story and the events that led to young Ella at the ball in a beautiful gown with glass slippers; Just Ella is about her supposed happily ever after.
I first bought Just Ella after my wonderful classroom read aloud experience because I thought it was the sequel to or a spin off of Ella Enchanted, but I was very, very wrong. Despite what the people of the kingdom say about Cynthiana Elenora, the mysterious and beautiful princess to be, she’s just Ella Brown, a girl who escaped her wicked stepmother to make it to Prince Charming’s ball. She lost her glass slipper while running home at midnight and got swept to the castle by the Prince and his entourage the very next morning. Once in the castle, a slew of teachers and counselors are assigned to make her into the princess she never intended to be. She tolerates her etiquette lessons and tight corsets all in the name of love, until she questions whether or not she is in love with Prince Charming.
Ella’s story is filled with inspiration for young girls. At times, its feminist undertones may be a little to extreme for some young readers (and even adults). When Ella stands up to Madame Bisset, her primary instructor/advisor, because she and her ladies in waiting are forced into, “a change of pace to do needle point in a cloth prison instead of a stone one,” she is drugged and dragged into temporary confinement (102). Ella later finds out that she was selected to be the future queen not because Charm fell hopelessly in love with her, but because she was the most beautiful girl at the ball and “the Charmings must always produce beautiful children.” Things get even more complicated when Ella decides that she does not want to marry Charm, but that would be giving away too much!
I think that this fantasy story would be a great addition to upper-level elementary discussion on stereotypes and human rights. Most children are familiar with the classic fairytales, but they probably have never thought about why there’s often a wicked stepmother, a dead father, a hopeful girl, and a brave prince. Disney addressed some of these stereotypes in their movie Enchanted, but there are plenty of books that delve into more realistic experiences. Scholastic (who now publishes the book and it’s companion tale, Palace of Mirrors) has a useful discussion guide available on their website to help inspire student conversations http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=10860_type=Book_typeId=4672. When talking about alternative fairy tales, I have to mention a favorite book from my childhood: The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. This book would be a great read aloud for younger students, but it would be a great tale to revisit after discussing literary stereotypes and gender roles. You can hear the story read aloud by the author for free on his website to see if you like it, but seeing the pictures is definitely worth it http://robertmunsch.com/the-paper-bag-princess/#.
I had always assumed this title was a sequel to "Ella Enchanted" but now realize that it packs quite a message and a punch about female independence and life choice. I wish Megan and I had read this book together back in the day! Thanks for the interview; it was a terrific supplement to your synopsis. I also liked your connection to "Paper Bag Princess." It's amazing to me how early gender stereotypes take hold. Munsch's book is a valuable conversation starter.
ReplyDeleteI'm drawn to books that address / challenge stereotyping. Perhaps it's because I remember living under my mother's "ladylike" ethos that prohibited me from numerous ambitions and activities such as wearing pants to school. When I used my allowance in 6th grade to buy a profoundly hideous pair of houndstooth "elephant bellbottoms", I hid them under my winter coat (no backpacks in those days) and changed into them at school. Academic achievement was scoffed at ("don't scare away the men") and college was actively discouraged. So, when our brilliant and beautiful baby girl came into our lives, the sky was the limit but I was on high stereotyping alert. "Just Ella" sounds like it would have passed muster and made it into the house! Based on your review, I have just recommended it to my sister to read or give to my 6th grade niece.
This book is going on my long list of books to read this winter break or summer. I've never read Ella Enchanted, but I saw parts of the movie (I know that doesn't count, but I intend to read Ella Enchanted too).
ReplyDeleteI love that this is not just another princess story! I think it is good for young readers to see women making decisions that challenge expectations and go against the belief that everyone wants to be a princess. Now, if only we could get more sensitive male characters!