Manna, Anthony L. & Mitakidou, S. 2011. THE ORPHAN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM GREECE. Ill. by Giselle Potter. New York: Random House. ISBN 9780375866913 [Suggested Grade Levels 1- 6]
REVIEW
In this Greek version of the Cinderella story, a young girl becomes an "orphan" upon her mother’s death. Like other versions of this well-known tale, the father remarries, giving the girl a cruel stepmother and two malicious stepsisters. Particular to this version, however, the young girl’s good fortune begins when she returns to her mother’s graveside and hears the message to “go do good.” Other distinct features of this account include encounters at church and the prince’s strategic plan for meeting the girl. While this good-over-evil tale provides an account with features in common with its counterparts told throughout the world, this version uniquely reflects Greek culture and customs. This tale is noteworthy of its own accord, but its value is particularly evident when considered with Cinderella tales from other cultures.
CONNECTIONS
Gather other culturally specific versions of the Cinderella story and compare and contrast them. Identify folk elements that reveal the cultures and customs of the peoples reflected in the tales.
RELATED BOOKS
Other Cinderella stories:
Ai-Ling, Louie. YEH-SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA. ISBN 0698113888
Coburn, Jewell Reinhart. DOMITILA: A CINDERELLA TALE FROM THE MEXICAN TRADITION. ISBN 1885008139
Hickox, Rebecca. THE GOLDEN SANDAL: A MIDDLE EASTERN CINDERELLA STORY. Ill by Will Hillenbrand. ISBN 0823415139
Martin, Rafe. THE ROUGH-FACE GIRL. Ill by David Shannon. ISBN 0698116267
San Souci, Robert D. CENDRILLON: A CARRIBEAN CINDERELLA. ISBN 2914692285
Steptoe, John. MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS: AN AFRICAN TALE. ISBN 0140559469
By Maria Cahill
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