Bring on the Books: Cinderella Smith

Showing posts with label Cinderella Smith. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

CINDERELLA SMITH: THE SUPER SECRET MYSTERY by Stephanie Barden

There are several secrets and mysteries in this story - the "Group in Cahoots" is trying to keep their endangered animal report a secret. There's the mystery of the missing library books, the mysterious note Cinderella receives - and the mystery of where Cinderella's new blue ballet flat is!

Another cute Cinderella Smith story - you can see the reviews of the others here. This story has a nice family, reasonable antics for elementary students, social squabbles and misunderstandings that feel authentic to the situation. The endangered animals research reports anchor the story. This could be a great classroom read-aloud and a chance to talk about the social and educational aspects of the story.

Friday, November 15, 2013

THE MORE THE MERRIER by Stephanie Barden

In book two of the Cinderella Smith series, Cinderella is still having issues with her former friend and neighbor, Rosemary T. This time the girls are both competing in the spelling bee, and Rosemary is saying rude things about Cinderella and her family. Cinderella tries giving Rosemary T. the silent treatment as "revenge" but it ends up making things worse rather than better.

I love Cinderella Smith! She is top of my list of great female characters alongside Fancy Nancy and Judy Moody. This is a book I can confidently recommend to girls in 2nd or 3rd grade as well as those in 5th and 6th. This story addresses the topic of bullying and "mean girls" without being heavy handed or preachy. Cinderella has a great group of friends and a wonderful family support system. I look forward to sharing this one with my students!

4 out of 5 stars
AR Reading Level of 4.3

Monday, September 30, 2013

CINDERELLA SMITH by Stephanie Barden

This is a cute story about Cinderella Smith, a girl who got her nickname because she has a habit of losing shoes. In this book, Cinderella makes a new friend, deals with old friends who don't seem to have time for her, and studies the characteristics of "wicked step-sisters."

This was a delightful surprise! Honest, relate-able discussion of relationship issues both for Cinderella at school as well as for her friends at home. I would love to add this whole series to the library. I think my students will love Cinderella! This is just the right book for my younger readers who are reading a grade level or two above their age.

4.5 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 4.2

Other books in the series:
Cinderella Smith: The More the Merrier

Review Policy

I am honored when an author or a publisher offers me a book for review. My approach to these offers is to accept only the materials that sound like something I will like and to review the book as quickly as possible. I will accept electronic or physical books for review.

Not every book works for every reader. Because of this, I will not post a negative review. This could discourage a reader who would actually like the book I didn't care for. Unless a publisher requires a review, I will not post a review on a book I did not like.

At certain times of the year I may take a break from accepting review copies from authors or publishers unless I have a previous relationship with them. This allows for busy seasons at work and for the holidays, and also helps when I have a backlog of review books.

If you have a book to offer, I'd love to hear from you.

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