Adelita, A Mexican Cinderella Story

by Tomie dePaola

Book reviews Story Characters Use of Magic Country of origin & printable map Related Books

Booklist, August 2002 (Vol. 98, No. 22)
PreS.-Gr. 2. The Cinderella story gets a new setting in this original fairy tale. DePaola uses all the familiar elements but removes much of the magic, giving this version a realistic patina that in no way diminishes listening enjoyment. Children will recognize Adelita’s story: her father’s remarriage and death; the cruelty of her stepmother and stepsisters; the longing to go to a ball, and her disappearance from the party. But here, her fairy godmother is a loyal family retainer; the "prince" is a childhood friend; and Adelita is recognized through her own efforts, not with a glass slipper. It’s a bit disconcerting that the story’s characters seem to know of the Cinderella story (Adelita’stepmother mocks the glass slipper), and the insertion of Spanish phrases into the text immediately followed by the English translation is clunky at times. But the text also has a fresh flair that is matched by the bright, airy artwork, in which shades of peach, teal, and lemon predominate. Mexican tiles frame the action and provide impressive borders for the lovely Adelita. Pair with Domitila (2000) by Jewell Reinhart Coburn, another Cinderella from the Mexican tradition. A glossary of phrases with pronunciations is a boon for tellers.

Kirkus Review, September 1, 2002
Placing this Cinderella variation in upper-class Mexico in the last century, dePaola (A New Barker in the House, p. 409, etc.) has framed the story in a more realistic vein than usual. There are no magical elements, yet the prolific author-illustrator weaves together a very satisfying tale of the beautiful and good Adelita and her sweet young man, Javier, a childhood friend. The fairy godmother is a faithful servant who has always worked for the Mercado family. The dress belonged to Adelita’s mother and instead of the glass slipper, Adelita uses her beautiful rebozo, a shawl covered in birds and flowers, to lead her rich young gentleman back to her after she leaves the fiesta early. The human relationships remain the same: the evil stepmother and the selfish stepsisters are depicted here in the usual way, yet kindly Adelita invites them all to her wedding at the end. Esperanza, the servant who quietly manages to bring an end to Adelita’s sufferings, brings a cart to take her to the hacienda, not a coach made out of a pumpkin. Spanish phrases and their translations are used throughout the text and a list providing pronunciations is given at the end. The acrylic paintings are handsome and dignified, with borders of Mexican tile and many archways giving a graceful unity to dePaola’s signature characters. The rich colors change in tone as sad times, mourning, and great happiness are all depicted in different double-page spreads. The endpapers explode with the lively pattern of the all-important rebozo. Decorative objects, including religious items, pottery, Mexican crafts, and kitchenware give the illustrations an authentic touch. Heartwarming, but not sappy, this version will lead young writers off in many directions as they write their own Cinderella tales in locations of their own choosing. An enjoyable read-aloud, this is a fine addition to the author’s growing collection of stories set in Mexico. (Picture book. 6-10)

Publishers Weekly, July 1, 2002
There’s no pumpkin coach or glass slipper in sight, but Cinderella fans will find much to like in dePaola’s (26 Fairmount Avenue) original twist, infused with Mexican warmth and color. 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, making certain that the girl has something to wear to the party thrown by a local wealthy family to honor their (eligible bachelor) son, Javier. Adelita makes an unforgettable impression at the gala, draped in a dramatic red shawl that was her mother’s; Adelita uses it to signal to Javier when he comes looking for her the next day. DePaola tweaks just enough details to make his version fresh; his liberal use of Spanish phrases (translated within the text) and cultural details enlighten as they enliven. He humorously winks at readers, too, by having his characters refer to the classic story (“All Doña Micaela and her two daughters could talk about was ‘the mysterious Cenicienta’ [Cinderella] who had appeared and then disappeared from the fiesta, just like the fairy tale”). His vibrant acrylics incorporate folk art motifs as well as rustic domestic items. The jazzy design features mosaic-like tile backgrounds of varying shades that frame smaller panels and portraits throughout. Ages 5-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal, September 1, 2002
K-Gr 3 - In this folktale variant, lovely Adelita gains a family when her father remarries. Following the traditional story line, Dona Micaela and her daughters, Valentina and Dulce, are utterly impossible, but all is well as long as Adelita’s father is alive. However, when he dies, she is relegated to helping in the kitchen. Eventually, Dona Micaela evicts old Esperanza, and her stepdaughter is left to do all the work. On the night of the fiesta at the Gordillos’ hacienda, it is Esperanza who takes the fairy godmother role, sends Adelita to the party, and sees to it that young Javier is smitten. True to form, he locates the young woman when she flees, and they marry. The prose is straightforward and crisp, though the habit of including a Spanish phrase that is translated immediately afterward (e.g., “Soy yo-only me-” or “-mi peque-ita-my little one-”) interrupts the narrative flow. However, this is a minor quibble given the beauty of dePaola’s signature artwork. Making perfect use of clear, warm hues, the full-color acrylic illustrations are a feast for the eye. Depth and brilliance in composition combine with economy of line and form to create a true tour de force. Use this with either Robert D. San Souci’s Little Gold Star (HarperCollins, 2000) or Joe Hayes’s Little Gold Star/Estrellita de oro (Cinco Puntos, 2000) for different looks at “Cinderella” through Mexican eyes. -Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma, WA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

A long time ago in Mexico, there lived a young couple named Francisco and Adela. They were excited because they were going to have a baby. Francisco insisted that Esperanza, a young girl who looked after Mercado family, should be called to help.

Esperanza came right away. She took good care of Adela until the baby girl, Adelita, was born. Shortly after the baby’s birth, Adela became ill and died. Franscisco was so sad and lonely, but Adelita soon filled his life with happiness. As time passed, Adelita grew into a beautiful young woman.

One evening, Franscisco informed Adelita and Esperanza that he was to be married. He was marrying Senora Micaela de la Fortuna. She had two daughters, Valentina and Dulce. Adelita was happy for her father, but Esperanza saw Dona Micaela and her daughters as cold.

Eventually, Adelita’s father grew ill and died. Dona Micaela was always jealous of Adelita. When her father died, Dona Micaela moved Adelita to the attic and forced her to wear hand-me-downs. Valentina and Dulce were mean and hateful to her.

Adelita spent most of her time in the kitchen with Esperanza. She helped her with the meals while listening to stories about her mother and father when they were young. She knew Esperanza loved her.

One day Dona Micaela entered the kitchen complaining that too much money was being spent. She told Adelita she would take over the duties of the kitchen and Esperanza was to leave. Even after Esperanza offered to stay and accept no pay, Dona Micaela threw her out. In the same instant in a cold voice, she told Adelita to never call her mama again. She was to be called Dona Micaela.

The days ahead left nothing but loneliness for Adelita. She was left to do all of the chores. Valentina and Dulce ordered her around. They were extremely mean to Adelita.

One morning at breakfast, Dona Micaela announced that they were invited a homecoming party for Javier, the son of Senor and Senora Gordillo. Rumor was that Javier was looking for a bride. Valentina and Dulce had always secretly wanted to be Javier’s wife.

Upon hearing the news, Adelita asked if she might go. She explained that she had known Javier since they were young. Dona Micaela refused Adelita’s wish. She complained about her appearance and how embarrassed she would be to be seen with her. Adelita returned to the kitchen.

The next few days were hard for Adelita. Besides her normal daily chores, she had to prepare Valentina and Dulce’s clothes for the party. When Dona Micaela and her daughters left, Adelita sat by the fireplace and cried. She was so lonely for her father and terribly missed Esperanza. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. It was Esperanza. She had a dream that Dona Micaela would not let Adelita go to the party; so, she came to help. She had a cart to take her to the party. She showed Adelita her mother’s trunk. She removed a white dress, fixed her hair, and found a magnificent shawl. Adelita was afraid of Dona Micaela’s anger, but Esperanza assured her that she would not be recognized.

When she arrived, no one recognized her. Senor Gordillo asked who she was, and Adelita told him that she was Cinderella. Senor Gordillo informed everyone of her name.

Javier fell in love with her the minute he saw her. He spent every moment with her. He never left her side. At midnight when he declared his love for Adelita with a kiss, she became frightened. She knew his family would never accept a kitchen maid as his bride. Adelita immediately ran away and found Esperanza. She thanked her for her wonderful evening. Esperanza told Adelita if she ever needed her help, she should call her name. She would hear her.

The next day all Dona Micaela and her daughters could talk about was the mysterious Cinderella. They knew that Javier was going from house to house searching for his Cinderella. Dona Micaela had her daughters prepare for his visit. Maybe they could make Javier forget about Cinderella.

Valentina and Dulce screamed for Adelita’s help. Before she left, she hung her mother’s shawl out of her window. She helped her sisters dress and returned to her room. As Javier rode up, he recognized the shawl. He ran to the door and knocked. When Dona Micaela opened the door, he insisted on seeing Cinderella. Dona Micaela immediately called her daughters. When he saw that neither daughter was his Cinderella, he asked to see another. As Dona Micaela persistently denied that there was another daughter, Adelita appeared dressed in her mother’s white dress and beautiful shawl.

Confused and unsure of what was happening, Dona Micaela assured Javier that it was only Adelita. Adelita explained who she was and how they knew each other when they were younger. Javier remembered and happily asked Adelita to marry him. Because she was an orphan, she insisted he asked Dona Micaela. After some hesitation, she agreed.

At the wedding, Dona Micaela, her two daughters, and Esperanza were invited. Esperanza stayed on after the wedding and cared for Javier and Adelita. Like the Cinderella story, they lived happily ever after.

Francisco - He was happy to have a baby. He was sad that Adela died. He remarried Senora Micaela de la Fortuna. He died from an illness.

Adela - She was the wife of Francisco. She gave birth to Adelita. She became ill and died.

Esperanza - She looked after Adelita. She did not like Dona Micaela and her daughter. She was told to leave by Dona Micaela. She helped Adelita prepare for the party. After Javier and Adelita were married, she cared for them.

Dona Micaela - She had a cold temperament. She spoiled her daughters. She made Adelita do all of the chores. She fired Esperanza. She was cruel to Adelita. She okayed the wedding to Javier and Adelita but with hesitation.

Dulce and Valentina - They were the spoiled daughters of Dona Micaela. They were cold towards Adelita. They were described as being mean and vinegar. They ordered Adelita like she was their slave. They were jealous of the mysterious woman’s beauty. They were angry that Adelita married Javier.

Senor Gordillo - He was the father of Javier.

Javier - He was the son of Senor Gordillo. He took one look at Adelita and he fell in love. He searched for Adelita at every home. He married Adelita.

Adelita - She was happy with Francisco and Adela. She was sad when her mother died. Esperanza looked her after. She was made to do all of the chores. She went to the party and met Javier. She lost her shoe. She married Javier. She lived happily ever after.

There is no magic in this story. When Adelita needs a dress, Esperanza helps her by giving her a white dress and beautiful red shawl of her mothers. There is no glass slipper. Instead, the red shawl is what tells Javier where his true love is.

Go to a Printable Map of Mexico from National Geographic

Mexico is a Spanish speaking country that is proud of its culture (Heinrichs 10). This is apparent throughout the book in words like mucho tiempo and les tengo noticias.

Many of the country’s people live in villages (Berendes 18). This would include Adelita and her family.

“Many Mexicans work for themselves as street vendors” (Kalman 21). This story describes Adelita’s father as a merchant.

Feistas are exciting events in Mexico. They are celebrated with music, dancing, and food (Heinrichs 37). This would explain the party that takes place in the tale.

Finally, traditional native clothing is embroidered with colorful patterns or designs (Kalman 14). This would explain Adelita’s rebozo that eventually leads Javier to her.

Berendes, Mary. Mexico, The Child’s World, 1998.

Heinrichs, Ann. Mexico. New York: Children’s Press, 1997.

Kalman, Bobbie. Mexico: the People. New York: Crabtree, 2002.