Saturday, August 21, 2004
Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Just Ella continues the story of Cinderella after the slipper fits. Ella was dazzled by the ball and the handsome prince but life as the bride in waiting is boring. Ella was never a princess but it would not be proper for the world to know that and being proper is what princess should be so she is getting a crash course in princess behaviour and dress. Ella struggles to find a real connection with the other people in the castle but she is discouraged until a health emergency brings her a new, young tutor. Ella isn't what Jed expected and he is shaken into answering honestly and meaningfully to her questions.
When Ella starts to chafe at the restrictions of the castle and her new role, her resistance is met with violence and threats. She sees things more clearly and must decide if she will face a reality that is not her lifelong dream but is much more satisfying and true to who she is.
There is a scene where Ella is imprisoned in the care of a rapist troll. He does not rape her but her fear is well described.
I recommended this book to a 12 year old girl, and a classroom library for 4-6th graders.
I recommend other of Margaret Peterson Haddix's books:
Running Out of Time the story of a young girl who finds out that she is part of an historic re-creation of life in colonial times. A mysterious person in control has changed the rules under which the families entered the experiment and children are dying. Jessie must venture out into the current world (1996) and deal with the technology and life of another century.
And the Shadow Children series which is about a future where familes are limited to 2 children and the realities of life for 3rd and 4th children and their families in that culture. Among the Hidden, Among the Imposters, Among the Betrayed, Among the Barons, and Among the Brave.
When Ella starts to chafe at the restrictions of the castle and her new role, her resistance is met with violence and threats. She sees things more clearly and must decide if she will face a reality that is not her lifelong dream but is much more satisfying and true to who she is.
There is a scene where Ella is imprisoned in the care of a rapist troll. He does not rape her but her fear is well described.
I recommended this book to a 12 year old girl, and a classroom library for 4-6th graders.
I recommend other of Margaret Peterson Haddix's books:
Running Out of Time the story of a young girl who finds out that she is part of an historic re-creation of life in colonial times. A mysterious person in control has changed the rules under which the families entered the experiment and children are dying. Jessie must venture out into the current world (1996) and deal with the technology and life of another century.
And the Shadow Children series which is about a future where familes are limited to 2 children and the realities of life for 3rd and 4th children and their families in that culture. Among the Hidden, Among the Imposters, Among the Betrayed, Among the Barons, and Among the Brave.
# posted by JJ @ 8:32 PM 
