Awards

1998 Newbery Honor Book
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
ALA Booklist Editors' Choice
ALA Notable Children's Book
Arizona Young Readers' Award
California Young Reader Medal
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (Vermont)
Iowa Teen Award
IRA/CBC Young Adults' Choice
Indiana Young Hoosier Award
Maine Student Book Award
Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Medal (MD)
New York Times Paperback Bestseller List
Publishers Weekly Best Book
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award (Illinois)
SLJ Best Book
YALSA Best of the Best (Best Books of the past ten years)

Reviews

As finely designed as a tapestry, Ella's story both neatly incorporates elements of the original tale and mightily expands them, not only with the myriad consequences of the curse but also with a heroine so spirited that she wins readers' hearts.
★ Booklist

A thoroughly enchanting novel that deepens and enriches the original tale.
★ School Library Journal

This refreshing take on one of the world's most popular fairy tales preserves the spirit of the original but adds plenty of humorous twists and a spunky, intelligent female lead.
Kirkus Reviews

Levine provides a winning combination of memorable characters and an alluring fantasy realm that will leave readers with hopes of future tales of Ella and Prince Char.
★ Publishers Weekly