The most recommended Cinderella books

Who picked these books? Meet our 51 experts.

51 authors created a book list connected to Cinderella, and here are their favorite Cinderella books.
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What type of Cinderella book?

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Book cover of This Poison Heart

Kelly Vincent Author Of Uglier

From Kelly's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Agender person LGBTQ+ advocate Reader Wordsmith Data nerd

Kelly's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Kelly Vincent Why did Kelly love this book?

This book surprised me, and I do love a pleasant surprise.

I originally wasnā€™t that interested in This Poison Heart because I knew it had something to do with plants, and I donā€™t care much about plants. But I picked it up because Bayronā€™s first book had a twist I enjoyed, and it turned out that Briseis ā€” the teenage star of this bookā€” was awesome and engaging, and the story was full of twists, with a feminist twist on classical mythology, a healthy spattering of diverse characters, and LGBTQ+ relationships.

This is my kind of book because Briseis learns a lot about herself and discovers an inner strength she never knew was there. I love to read and write stories like this.

By Kalynn Bayron,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked This Poison Heart as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

_______________ 'Kalynn Bayron does more than re-write a fairy-tale ... She breaks it apart and rebuilds it into a wholly original and captivating story where girls finally decide for themselves who lives happily ever after' - Brigid Kemmerer 'Brings much-needed inclusivity and contemporary flavor to the teen fantasy genre' - Kirkus Reviews 'A delicious mix of intoxicating fantasy and coming of age, steeped in Greek mythology and peppered with references to the Jordan Peele films Get Out and Us' - Observer New Review _______________ Ever since she can remember, Briseis has had power over plants. Flowers bloom in her footstepsā€¦


Book cover of A Spark In The Cinders

Robyn Tocker Author Of Don't Go Swiftly, Darling

From Robyn's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Entrepreneur Gym monkey Book lover Dog wrangler

Robyn's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Robyn Tocker Why did Robyn love this book?

This is by far my favourite "evil stepsister" retelling, and definitely in the top three of my favourite Cinderella retellings.

The sass! The romance! The magic and fae lore! There were just so many different parts that I loved that it's almost impossible to narrow it down. So often, villain retellings try to redeem the villain without having them acknowledge the harm they caused, but Moke made Aralyn's redemption believable ā€“ I was rooting for her from the beginning!

By Jenny Elder Moke,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Spark In The Cinders as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Holly Blackā€™s The Cruel Prince meets Jennifer Donnelly's Stepsister in this fairytale reimagining about a kingdom on the brink of ruin, and one wicked stepsisterā€™s journey to become the heroine of her own quest.
 
Aralyn has lost everything - the coveted glass slipper, the prince's hand in marriage, and her only chance to save her mother and sister from destitution. Now she spends her days sweeping the cinders and washing dresses as her stepsister Ellarose once did, plotting her revenge against the girl who robbed her of her future.
 
But when Ellarose, now the princess, comes to beg her helpā€¦


Book cover of Cinder

Christina Bacilieri Author Of The Last Refuge

From my list on YA books that blend fantastical magic with dystopian worlds.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve always been drawn to stories where characters discover the magic within and channel it to confront overwhelming odds. Dystopian fantasies meld the intricate worldbuilding of an oppressive world with a characterā€™s unique abilities to fight back. When I was a young adult, these types of books made the most challenging moments in life manageable, not only for the escapism but for their message of hope. They reminded me I wasnā€™t alone and that my voice mattered. At their core, theyā€™re made for the dreamer in all of us. They inspired me to become an author and write about the transformative power of self-discovery.

Christina's book list on YA books that blend fantastical magic with dystopian worlds

Christina Bacilieri Why did Christina love this book?

Between the high-stakes worldbuilding, Earth on the brink of war with Luna while battling a global pandemic, and Marissa Meyerā€™s fresh sci-fi take on magic, the story drew me in and wouldnā€™t let me go.

Iā€™m not ashamed to say I devoured this in one sitting. I was fascinated by the lunar peopleā€™s ability to use their ā€œgiftsā€ to manipulate bioelectricity, casting glamours and bewitching their victimā€™s minds. It added yet another layer of tension to the story.

The seamless fusion of dystopia, sci-fi, and elements from classic fairytales creates a powerhouse narrative that centers around Cinder, a cyborg mechanic whose fate is inexplicably twined with the princeā€™s in a race to find a cure and prevent the impending war.

By Marissa Meyer,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Cinder as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

A forbidden romance.
A deadly plague.
Earth's fate hinges on one girl . . .

CINDER, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She's reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen - and a dangerous temptation.

Cinder is caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. Now she must uncover secrets about her mysterious past in order to protect Earth's future.

This is not theā€¦


Book cover of Ella Enchanted

Ariele Sieling Author Of Midnight Wings

From my list on Cinderella retellings with a unique spin.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a science fiction and fantasy author with a love of fairytales. I enjoy genre-bending, genre-blending, and new takes on old stories. As a child, I had a book of fairytales illustrated with embroidered illustrations. In high school and college, when I had the opportunity, I always chose to read fairytalesā€”I've even taken classes that exclusively explore fairytales. Now as an author, Iā€™ve leaped feet first into fairytale retellings. My first series, Rove City, features fairytale retellings set in an intergalactic spaceship, and my second series is made up of collections of original fairytales. Next, Iā€™m planning to take the original fairytales and turn them into my own retellings. 

Ariele's book list on Cinderella retellings with a unique spin

Ariele Sieling Why did Ariele love this book?

This classic retelling of Cinderella is the one that first got me into fairytale retellings. We see El as a young woman living with her stepmother, stepsisters, and godmother who can only do small magic. El is cursed with a spell of obedience, and she must do anything if someone else commands it. She keeps her curse a secret to the best of her ability, with only the aid of her godmother to keep her safe. The story spans several years of Elā€™s life and features a slow, sweet romance with the prince, whom she gets to know throughout the entire story. My favorite part is the ending, where we see how her strength of character has grown to the point that she is able to stand up and do the right thing, despite the power of the curse.

By Gail Carson Levine,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Ella Enchanted as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

ELLA ENCHANTED is a witty, refreshing take on the popular fairytale, Cinderella which preserves the spirit of the original but adds plenty of humorous twists and a spunky, intelligent female protagonist. "If you've read HARRY POTTER, try ELLA ENCHANTED" Publishers Weekly

Ella is given a blessing at birth by a very stupid fairy: She gets the gift of obedience! but the blessing turns into a horror for Ella who literally has to do what anyone and everyone tells her, from sweeping the floor to giving up a prrecious necklace! She has to battle with ogres and wicked stepsisters, make friendsā€¦


Book cover of If the Shoe Fits

Kevin J. Haar Author Of Intercession

From Kevin's 8-year-old's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Educator Father Social justice advocate Lover of folklore Armchair adventurer

Kevin's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, Kevin's 8-year-old's favorite books.

Kevin J. Haar Why did Kevin's 8-year-old love this book?

My daughter loved this book because of its humor and relatability.

A group of kids end up in Cinderellaā€™s world and shenanigans ensue. The voice of the book is funny, sarcastic, and full of empathy. My daughter loved making connections to other fairy tales she read. 

By Sarah Mlynowski,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked If the Shoe Fits as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

This second book in Sarah Mlynowski's charming series puts a fresh spin on the Cinderella story!

Tonight the mirror swept us into Cinderella's fairy tale. Now, we are NOT messing this story up. No way. Cinderella is going to marry her prince just like she's supposed to. Uh-oh. Cinderella broke her foot and there's massive swelling. The glass slipper won't fit, the prince won't know she's the one for him, and they won't live happily ever after. And it's all our fault!To save the day we'll need to:- Learn how to use a dustpan- Stay out of jail- Find Cinderellaā€¦


Book cover of The Glass Slipper

Rachanee Lumayno Author Of Heir of Amber and Fire

From my list on awesome fantasy you may not have heard of.

Why am I passionate about this?

Fantasy is my favorite genre, and honestly, Iā€™m pretty deep in it. Not only do I read a lot of fantasy, I also write fantasy novels. Iā€™ve been an active TTRPG player for the last few years, even creating and running a few campaigns. In addition, I wrote a one-shot campaign set in the world of my fantasy series, the Gifted Lands, which people can get for free when they sign up for my newsletter on my website. So itā€™s safe to say, I like fantasy. :) If you check out any of these books, let me know what you think of them! 

Rachanee's book list on awesome fantasy you may not have heard of

Rachanee Lumayno Why did Rachanee love this book?

From the songwriter who penned the hymn ā€œMorning Has Brokenā€ comes one of my most beloved books from childhood.

The Glass Slipper is a charming and fairly faithful retelling of Cinderella (meaning, thereā€™s no ā€œsubversive fairy taleā€ elements here). But it makes sense ā€” this book was published in 1946.

The Glass Slipper is a lovely, simple version of the Cinderella story, and through it all the power of hope and dreams shines through.

It was out of print for a few years, but readers, rejoice! Itā€™s back in print! Definitely worth picking up a copyā€”and if you can get a used version, you can see the lovely illustrations that accompanied the book as well.

By Eleanor Farjeon,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Glass Slipper as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

More than anything, Ella wants to go to the ball at the Royal Palace.

But Ella is the slave of the household, waiting on every wish and whim of her horrible stepsisters. They call her Cinderella for the ashes that cling to her face, hands and hair. How can Ella go to the Royal Palace?

Then, on the evening of the ball, something wonderful happens. Ella's Fairy Godmother comes to her rescue.

Now her dreams may come true at last . . .


Book cover of Rhythm & Muse

JN Welsh Author Of In Tune

From my list on epic romances in the music world.

Why am I passionate about this?

Since the ripe old age of four, Iā€™ve loved the DJ. The first? My father, whose in-demand mix of music became the staple party starter in our Jamaican-American community on 176th Street in the Bronx. Iā€™d be at his knee watching him spin vinyl records on his turntables at home or carrying album crates for a club party. I have three loves: music, books, and romance. It seemed preordained that I'd become a writer and incorporate music. I wrote my first book in 2005. Twelve titles later, music, books, and anything romantic still top my list. I hope you enjoy the one Iā€™ve cultivated just for you.

JN's book list on epic romances in the music world

JN Welsh Why did JN love this book?

Aww. I love YA reads and India Hill Brown created a masterpiece with this story.

My heart cheered Darren on, wanting to just push him in front of Delia, who he believes is "the one". They're so cute as they fumble their way with tons of hilarious and nostalgic missteps. Being raised in the Bronx, I loved all the attention to details of city life that are sometimes missed, as well as how city kids, especially teens, navigate through it.

Itā€™s a heartwarming story filled with amazing poetry and lyrics and a satisfying ending. I smiled and laughed out loud while reading. I didnā€™t want it to end. 

By India Hill Brown,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Rhythm & Muse as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Cinderella meets Cyrano in this pitch-perfect YA rom-com that is a celebration of Black joy, first crushes, and putting your heart on the line for love.

Darren Johnson lives in his head. There, he can pine for his crushā€”total dream girl, Delia Dawsonā€”in peace, away from the unsolicited opinions of his talkative family and showboat friends. When Delia announces a theme song contest for her popular podcast, Dillie D in the Place to Be, Darrenā€™s friendsā€”convinced heā€™ll never make a moveā€”submit one of his secret side projects for consideration.

After the anonymous romantic verse catches Dillieā€™s ear, she sets outā€¦


Book cover of Stepsister

Mary DeSantis Author Of Grimmfay: The Circus of Fairy Tales and Dreams

From Mary's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Disney nut Literary analyst Story whisperer Mistress of words Fantasy author

Mary's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Mary DeSantis Why did Mary love this book?

I loved this book because it was about me. Not literally (obviously), but when I put myself into fairy tales, I rarely see myself as the princessā€”classically beautiful, polite, kind under all circumstances, soft-spoken.

Not that I donā€™t have these qualities sometimes, but they arenā€™t the first things that jump to mind when I think of myself, and this book nailed how out-of-place and pushed aside not being the princess character can make you feel. For better or worse, Iā€™m a ā€œstepsister.ā€ Iā€™m messy and loud, and I say things I regret later.

And you know what? Thatā€™s okay.

By Jennifer Donnelly,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Stepsister as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

'In an ancient city by the sea, three sisters - a maiden, a mother, and a crone - are drawing maps by candlelight. Sombre, with piercing grey eyes, they are the three Fates, and every map is a human life . . .'

Stepsister takes up where Cinderella's tale ends. We meet Isabelle, the younger of Cinderella's two stepsisters. Ella is considered beautiful; stepsister Isabelle is not. Isabelle is fearless, brave, and strong-willed. She fences better than any boy, and takes her stallion over jumps that grown men fear to attempt. It doesn't matter, though; these qualities are not valuedā€¦


Book cover of This Poison Heart
Book cover of A Spark In The Cinders
Book cover of Cinder

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