Cinder
by Marissa Meyer · · 2011
Set in a futuristic New Beijing, this sci-fi reimagining of the Cinderella story follows a skilled cyborg mechanic who becomes entangled in imperial politics and a deadly global plague. As tensions rise between Earth and the Lunar colony, she must navigate prejudice against cyborgs while keeping secrets about her own identity. The story explores themes of personal sacrifice, human dignity, and resilience in the face of societal prejudice.
- Age range
- Ages 3–14
- Category
- General
- ISBN
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Content ratings
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Parent notes
Cinder offers an engaging science-fiction twist on a classic fairy tale, bringing up thoughtful questions about empathy, prejudice, and sacrifice. Parents should note that the story features a deadly pandemic, intense geopolitical stakes, mind-manipulation powers, and harsh treatment of the protagonist by her stepmother, making it best suited for middle-grade or young teenage readers.
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Discussion questions
- 1When Queen Levana uses her bio-electric abilities to control citizens or when Adri punishes Cinder unfairly, how do those actions reflect a lack of mercy, and what would true justice look like in New Beijing?
- 2Describe your favorite moment involving Cinder and her android companion Iko, and explain why that particular scene stood out to you.
- 3Do you think the author was mainly trying to highlight the inherent worth of outcast individuals, or was her primary goal to write an entertaining sci-fi adventure?
- 4What is one practical step you can take this week to show kindness to someone in your school or group who feels overlooked?
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