amylandranch 's review for:

Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly

4.0

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A fairy tale that puts an end to all fairy tale notions of pretty princesses with no character development. Isabelle is one of Ella’s ‘ugly’ stepsisters and she has lost pieces of herself as she tries to please her mother and others. The fierceness, courage and strength she showed as a child slips away. Enter Fate and Chance, who both think they can influence her life in a wager they make between themselves. It did take me a little to get into the story, but once I did, I was rooting for all the flaws and strengths that Isabelle and Tavi showed. Great writing and a wonderful way to show that strength and power in women should be praised and not looked down upon. Some war time violence and a few milder swears. 7th grade and up.