52 pages • 1 hour read
Ella Enchanted
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1997
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Introduction
Teacher Introduction
Ella Enchanted
- Genre: Fiction; Fantasy; Middle Grade
- Originally Published: 1997
- Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 670L; Grades 3-7
- Structure/Length: Divided into 29 chapters and an epilogue; approximately 240 pages; approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes on audio
- Protagonist/Central Conflict: The protagonist, Ella, is cursed with the “gift” of obedience, which forces her to obey any command given to her. The central conflict revolves around Ella’s quest to find a fairy named Lucinda and get her to remove the curse, all while navigating a world filled with ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and a prince she may or may not want to save.
- Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of coercion and lack of autonomy; mild fantasy violence; elements of emotional manipulation
Gail Carson Levine, Author
- Bio: Born in 1947; American author best known for her children’s and young adult books; celebrated for her strong female protagonists, humor, and imaginative reinterpretations of classic tales
- Other Works: The Two Princesses of Bamarre (2001); Ever (2008); Fairest (2016)
- Awards: Newbery Honor for Ella Enchanted (2010)
CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:
- Magic
- Romantic Love
- The Power of Family and Friendship
STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:
- Develop an understanding of the literary and sociological contexts related to the structure of classic fairy tales, which connects to Levine’s readaptation of the Cinderella story.
