Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson LevineFiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1997

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Introduction

Before Reading

During Reading

After Reading

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.