Cinderella Smith
By Patricia Tauzer,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Spirited tap-dancing girl loses her shoe but not her spunk.
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What you will—and won't—find in this book.
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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 indomitable 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 this book 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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Book Details
- Author: Stephanie Barden
- Illustrator: Diane Goode
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Harper
- Publication date: April 26, 2011
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 148
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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