21 Cinderella Fractured Fairy Tales We Love

There is more than one way to retell a classic.

cinderella fractured fairy tales

Students love fractured fairy tales because the stories are familiar. Teachers love fractured fairy tales because they are great for teaching theme, plot, and other literary devices! Today, in part two of our series on fractured fairy tales, we’re sharing our favorite Cinderella fractured fairy tales — from a Wild West adventure to an Egyptian version your students will love!

1. Cindy Ellen: A Wild Western Cinderella by Susan Lowell

A hilarious cowgirl version, complete with a “spur-jangling, gun-firing, no-nonsense fairy godmother,” a pair of diamond-studded spurs, and a handsome rodeo champion.

Book cover of Cindy Ellen: A Wild Western Cinderella by Susan Lowell

2. Seriously, Cinderella is SO Annoying!: The Story of Cinderella as Told by the Wicked Stepmother by Trisha Shaskan

A tongue in cheek mockery of Cinderella’s perfect image from the viewpoint of the jealous stepmother.

Book cover of Seriously, Cinderella is SO Annoying!: The Story of Cinderella as Told by the Wicked Stepmother

3. Cinder Edna by Ellen Jackson

The untold story of Cinderella’s self-sufficient neighbor Cinder Edna who follows a different path but still ends up living happily ever after.

Book cover of Cinder Edna

4. Cinder-Elly by Frances Minters

This Cinderella fractured fairy tale is an ultra-cool, urban retelling of the classic.

Book cover of Cinder-Elly

5. Prince Cinders by Babette Cole

The male version of the Cinderella story — this Cinderella fractured fairy tale is a charming spoof. Book Cover of Prince Cinders

6. The Rough-Face Girl by Rafe Martin

A powerful version from the folklore of the Algonquin Indians.

Book Cover of The Rough-Face Girl

7. Cinderella Penguin, Or, the Little Glass Flipper by Janet Perlman

Adorable penguins act as the main characters in this silly fractured fairy tale. Book cover of Cinderella Penguin, Or, the Little Glass Flipper

8. Smoky Mountain Rose: an Appalachian Cinderella by Alan Schroeder

A unique adaptation, complete with the rhythm of local dialect, set in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

Book cover of Smoky Mountain Rose: an Appalachian Cinderella

9. Cinderella: the Dog And Her Little Glass Slipper by Diane Goode

Clever plays on words make this pooch version a fun retelling.

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Book cover of Cinderella: the Dog And Her Little Glass Slipper

10. Joe Cinders by Marianne Mitchell

A double fractured fairy tale— this one’s not only set in the wild west, it features an overworked cowpoke as the hero.

Book Cover of Joe Cinders

11. Sootface: An Ojibwe Cinderella Story by Robert D. San Souci

A beautiful Native American version of the story.

book cover of Sootface: An Ojibwe Cinderella Story

12. Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella Story by Tomie de Paolo

A Mexican version featuring the always lovable illustrations of Tomie dePaolo.

Book cover of Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella Story

13. Trollerella by Karen Stegman

Trolls, the Tooth Fairy, and a giant glass slipper play a role in this Cinderella fractured fairy tale!

book cover of Trollerella

14. Cinderella Skeleton by Robert D. San Souci and David Catrow

The Halloween version complete with creepy ghouls and bizarre illustrations.

book cover of Cinderella Skeleton

15. Chickerella by Mary Jane Auch

Poor overworked Chickerella wants to go to the prince’s Fowl Ball and her dream comes true when she gets help from her fairy Goosemother.

Book cover of Chickerella

16. The Golden Sandal: A Middle Eastern Cinderella Story by Rebecca Hickox

A delightful retelling of the Iraqi folktale version of Cinderella “The Little Red Fish and the Golden Clog.”

17. Fair, Brown and Trembling: An Irish Cinderella Story by Jude Daly

A charming variation on Cinderella set in the green hills of Ireland.

18. Domitila: A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition by Jewell Coburn

A charming Mexican version of the fairy tale with the strong and humble Domitila playing the starring role.

19. Cinderella:The Untold Story by Russell Shorto

An upside down tale—two versions of the story, one on each side.

Cinderella fractured fairytales

20. The Turkey Girl: A Zuni Cinderella by Penny Pollock

This Cinderella tends turkeys for a living and yearns to go to the Dance of the Sacred Bird.

21. The Egyptian Cinderella by Shirley Climo

A Grecian slave with rose-red slippers ends up as the queen of Egypt in this Cinderella fractured fairy tale.

Do you teach fractured fairy tales? Share your favorites in the comments!