This was an excellent choice to read with my third-graders as a complement to two units they are studying with their classroom teacher: writing adaptations of fairy-tales in ELA, as well as a unit on Mexico, which they are studying in Social Studies.
As we read the book, we discussed how this is similar and also how it is different from the traditional story of Cinderella.
After reading the book we identified the elements of the story such as the setting, the characters, the "magic elements" (none in this version), conflict and conclusion.
The students enjoyed the story! ( )

Me: Good story.

The Rabbit: *listened to the whole story* (She must of liked it then.)

Guinea Pigs : *hid in their hidey huts * ( )

In this Mexican version of the classic Cinderella story, our main character is Adelita. Adelita's mother dies, and she is raised by her nanny (Esperanza) and her father. When she gets older, her father remarries to a woman named Dona Michela. After her father passes away, her stepmother and stepsisters becomes cruel to Adelita. She even fires Esperanza. But when the stepsisters go to Senor Javier's ball, Adelita goes in disguise. There, she falls in love with the prince.
I thought this was a really interesting adaptation of cinderella, and I thought it was cool how magic was mostly left out, it was mainly just the kindness of Esperanza. ( )

Adelita is a good version of Cinderella. I thought it was really interesting to read a Mexican version of the story. I liked the colorful, geometric borders of the illustrations. I also liked the incorporation of Spanish phrases and translated to English, for example, “La casa Mercado se llenó de alegría – the Mercado house was full of happiness.” I also thought it was a good twist that the story was more realistic. Instead of having a fairy godmother, Adelita’s former cook and friend, Esperanza, helped her get to the fiesta to meet Javier. Esperanza was one of my favorite characters because she loved those around her. When Adelita was sad, she spent time with her. “Because she knew that Esperanza loved her, Adelita’s heart stayed as warm as the fire in the hearth.” I think the big idea of this story is love for others can go a long way, and to stay positive and hopeful even if your circumstances are negative. ( )

Adelita is a twist on the classic fairytale Cinderella. Similar to Cinderella, Adelita becomes an orphan and has to live with her unpleasant step mother and her two step sisters. Adelita struggles to be accepted by them and is treated as a slave rather than a family member. When the opportunity arises for her to attend the fiesta, Adelita takes a risk and goes. She falls in love, but has to leave the party before she is identified. The prince goes out looking for her after the party and ends up finding her. They get married and live happily ever after. The theme of Adelita is to never give up on your dreams, and pursue them no matter who is against you. In doing so, one may find unexpected treasures. This story brings diversity into the classroom, combining Mexican culture into a classic tale.