Sootface: An Ojibwa Cinderella Story

A mistreated girl mocked as Sootface by her cruel older sisters sets off to try her luck with a warrior who can only be seen by someone with a kind, honest heart.

For the kid who roots hard for the underdog and wants to see kindness actually pay off, Sootface delivers that satisfaction in a setting rarely seen on picture book shelves.

• Big idea: True worth shows on the inside — what makes you seen has nothing to do with how you look.
• Vibes: Quietly hopeful, grounded in Ojibwa tradition, with the steady pull of a classic tale being retold.

• enjoy Cinderella stories and retellings from other cultures
• are working on understanding kindness versus cruelty
• respond well to underdog characters who never give up
• like to talk about what makes someone truly see another person

• Story & problem-solving: Why do you think only someone with a kind and honest heart could see the warrior?
• Feelings & empathy: How do you think Sootface felt when her sisters laughed at her and called her names?
• Real-life connection: Has anyone ever teased you for how you look? What did you do?
• Imagination: If you set off on your own journey like Sootface did, what would you bring with you?
• Character: What do you think made Sootface's heart different from her sisters' hearts?