kelsiandherbookshelf 's review for:

Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

4.0

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Cinderella Is Dead is the classic childhood fairytale flipped upside down! This is not a tale about a poor step-sister who is saved by the prince and lives happily ever after. Instead, this story takes place 200 years after the fairytale we all know and love has ended.

Here, Sophia is a brown and queer rebel that insists on defying the rules of her patriarchal kingdom. With the annual ball approaching, the ball where the girls in the village must find a suitable match …because their life depends on it, Sophia must confront the Cinderella legend and decide whether happily ever after truly exists.

I loved the way the author flipped this classic fairytale on it’s head and showcased black and queer representation that is often absent in these stories. This is a great YA novel that any age can enjoy. The symbolism and themes in this book are also reflected in today’s society and make for a great book club discussion. I am looking forward to a new generation of fairytales that are inclusive and aren’t afraid to illustrate women who can save themselves.