1. Ella is a retelling of the classic fairy tale. Compare and contrast the portrayal of Ella, her fairy godmothers, the Prince, and her father to the original story.

2. Discuss which you would choose if you had to live with one of Ella's parents, Sir Peter and Dame Olga.

3. Ella, Hattie and Olive were sent off to Mistress Edith's school to become "finished." What skills were they expected to acquire? What do parents and society expect "finished" or educated children to accomplish today?

4. Although Ella is controlled by the gift of obedience, she is not the only character being manipulated. What motivates Dame Olga, Hattie, Sir Peter, and the fairy godmothers? What are the things which control teenagers today?

5. Lucinda bestows three gifts to mortals: obedience to Ella, eternal love to Sir Peter and Dame Olga, and constant companionship to the giants. Discuss why the...