Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella Story

Last updated Monday, September 8, 2003

Author: Tomie De Paola
Illustrator: Tomie De Paola
Date of Publication: 2002
ISBN: 0399238662
Grade Level: 5th
Date(s) Used: September 2003

Synopsis: Following her father's sudden death, Adelita is left to suffer the abuse of her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Adelita's kindly nanny/housekeeper takes on the role of fairy godmother.

Craft ideas:

• Make some thank you cards in the style of Adelita’s rebozo, and write thank you notes to those (parents, teachers) who have taken care of you as warmly as Esperanza had done for Adelita.
• Make a picture frame like the pages in the book with ripped paper “tiles” for a picture that tells part of the story, or a family portrait.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!