From: Beth Wright <Beth>
Date: Mon, 9 Feb 1998 15:42:53 +0000

On February 6, Nina Lindsay wrote:

"I think that, among this year's Newbery books, the Honor books
 are the ones more likely to become the popular favorites (as, I suspect, is often the case)."

In my library, Ella Enchanted already has been a popular favorite. The kids like the fact that they already know the story
(or think they do). I appreciate the way Gail Carson Levine fleshed out Cinderella's story so much, without adding anything that directly contradicts the basic elements of the story. I thought the magic book that gives the real explanations for various fairy tale characters' actions was extremely clever (but never overly so). Most of all, I appreciate Ella herself -- because who hasn't wanted to subvert or disobey an order, just because it's an order? Even a perfectly sensible one? I think Ella's predicament will resonate with anyone who has even a mild rebellious streak, especially children and teenagers, who have to take orders from adults all the time. I'm delighted that this fine piece of fantasy was awarded a Newbery Honor.

Beth Wright Children's Librarian Edythe Dyer Community Library Hampden, Maine
Received on Mon 09 Feb 1998 09:42:53 AM CST