Bound To Stay Bound

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 Rat prince
 Author: Hodder, Bridget

 Publisher:  Farrar Straus Giroux (2016)

 Classification: Fiction
 Physical Description: 260 p.,  21 cm.

 BTSB No: 449852 ISBN: 9780374302139
 Ages: 9-12 Grades: 4-7

 Subjects:
 Fairy tales
 Rats -- Fiction
 Princes -- Fiction
 Stepfamilies -- Fiction

Price: $21.88

Summary:
A new take on the Cinderella story, told from her point of view as well as that of a royal rat turned coachman.

Accelerated Reader Information:
   Interest Level: MG
   Reading Level: 5.90
   Points: 8.0   Quiz: 187319

Reviews:
   Kirkus Reviews (06/01/16)
   School Library Journal (05/01/16)
   Booklist (08/01/16)

Full Text Reviews:

School Library Journal - 05/01/2016 Gr 4–7—Told in alternating chapters, this retelling brings together Cinderella and the prince of the local rats, Prince Char. Like most fairy-tale retellings, the story unquestioningly portrays heteronormative relationships and characters of white European heritage. However, the inclusion of a fully fleshed-out male lead and a romantic relationship that develops over time are valuable modernizations. Although the quickly moving plot is intriguing, with a new sense of suspense created through a love triangle, it stumbles with the arrival of the fairy godmother Ashiira. Cinderella's poorly considered wish to attend the ball becomes a thinly disguised plot contrivance to deliver Cinderella and Char to the palace for the climax. Cinderella spends a good deal of time observing the food preparation, in fear that someone will try to poison her father. Hodder's plot does incorporate more elements of adventure and mystery than is typical, with the rat-scale escapades and the tension regarding the poisoning. Loose ends such as why none of Cinderella's previous acquaintances come to her aid are neatly tied up with the father's dementia and the stepmother's schemes. The writing is a bit heavy-handed, with touches of purple prose. - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 08/01/2016 You may think you know the story of Cinderella, but Prince Char will set you straight. Did we mention Char is a rat? Char pities Cinderella because of her unfortunate stepmother situation, and hopes for the best for her: that Prince Geoffrey will fall in love with her at the king’s ball. However, after some spying, Char and his friends discover that Geoffrey is fatally cruel. Upon returning home, a goddess recruits Char to serve as a temporarily human footman so Cinderella can attend the ball in style. While trying to protect her, Char realizes that he is in love with Cinderella. Even crazier, she returns his regard! But after the clock strikes 12 and the spell dissolves, can they find a “happily ever after”? Notable differences between this and the mainstream tale include an especially spirited Cinderella, a sweet stepsister, and, of course, supersentient rats. The alternating first-person viewpoints of Prince Char and Cinderella make for steady pacing, and although the inter-species romance is incredible, this story will still appeal to fans of fractured fairy tales. - Copyright 2016 Booklist.

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