Ella Enchanted

Ella of Frell was cursed at birth by a careless fairy named Lucinda, who gave her the "gift" of obedience: Ella must do whatever anyone tells her to do, no matter how foolish or dangerous.

With a stepmother and two unkind stepsisters in the house, the curse becomes a real danger, and Ella determines to take control of her own life and break the spell. Her journey takes her past ogres and giants, and her friendship with Prince Charmont grows along the way.

A Newbery Honor book and a witty retelling of Cinderella, it was Gail Carson Levine's first book for children.