More than 500 versions of the Cinderella story have been found -- just in Europe! The tale's origins seem to date back to a Chinese story from the ninth century, “Yeh-Shen.” Almost every culture has its own version, and usually includes an evil stepmother and stepsisters, some sort of party, a lost item and a successful search to return it. Charles Perrault is believed to be the author of the American “modern” 300-year-old Cinderella that Disney popularized. Check out some of the other Cinderella stories in the books below to find self-reliant characters, devoted to family and ancestors, and willing to make her or his own future. I like that! Yes, you'll even find male "Cinderellas." |