Punkerella: A Cinderella Retelling with Grandma Rhonda Reads

by Grandma Rhonda Reads, Ami Agisi

Join Grandma Rhonda Reads as she presents this Cinderella reimagining set in the world of punk rock...
Do the dishes, sweep the already clean floors, finish her homework, pass the test, fold the clothes, refold the clothes, and now do it all over again.
And again.
And again.
Ella is locked in a circle of schoolwork and daily chores, leaving her no time for the one thing she wants to do—play her bass guitar and create music with friends.
But how can she even make friends when she has to survive eighth grade while pleasing her overly strict stepmother, taking care of their entire home, and fulfilling the whims of her demanding older stepbrothers?
Enter Granny Gaz, her punk rock grandmother and all-around carefree spirit who whisks Ella away from the daily toil of her life like some kind of fairy godmother. Ella is quickly swept up onto a music stage with an all-girl punk band that soon asks her to join for more than one magical night.
The already-too-busy Ella tries to live two an overly domesticated one at home and the carefree musical one on stage, and both are quickly heading toward an epic collision. Especially with everyone else's expectations dictating her life before it's truly even begun...

74 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2024

Reviews

[Shan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Jordan for gifting me this book. You Rawk!
This is a Cinderella retelling with a punk rock twist. Inventive. But first, can we just talk about the cover art? Holy cow... stunning! Really had me excited to read this book.
This was a short read (great for busy teens) and packs a good message. Just like the fairytale, there is a nice, shiny package and bow at the end.
I loved the names of the competing bands being fairytale-themed (The Breadcrumbs, The Glass Slippers).
The backstory on Pumpkin (the bass guitar) was a muddled and seemed poorly written, making it hard to understand. I think this part may lose some readers but it was easy enough to say "ok, whatevs" to that part without missing the message.

[Sofi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Punkerella: A Cinderella Retelling with Grandma Rhonda Reads" by Grandma Rhonda Reads is an absolute delight! This modern twist on the classic Cinderella tale bursts with originality and charm, capturing the hearts of both young readers and the young at heart. Grandma Rhonda's storytelling is vibrant and engaging, bringing to life a punk rock Cinderella who exudes strength and individuality. The narrative is beautifully complemented by whimsical illustrations that perfectly match the story's lively spirit. "Punkerella" is a must-read, offering a fresh, empowering take on a beloved fairy tale that will inspire and entertain. Grandma Rhonda Reads has truly outdone herself with this enchanting retelling!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to review this book as it sounded interesting and unique, and I felt drawn to the bold, eye-catching cover.

Punkerella is a Cinderella retelling, and the protagonist, Ella Cinderson, is an aspiring rock star. I enjoyed the rock music theme and found this a very entertaining, upbeat story to read.

This is a novella, so it was a shortish read, but I thought it was a lot of fun. it was a very individual and interesting take on the original Cinderella story. I think young readers will enjoy it.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Punkerella” is such a fun retelling of Cinderella. The story revolves around Ella, a young girl who is under appreciated by her family and is desperate to play music like her brothers. I grew up always wanting to play in a punk band and I have enjoyed punk music greatly since I was young. Having this story revolve around music, friends, and complicated family life made it easy for me to relate to the main character and enjoy the story from the beginning. This is a great coming of age story with classic themes but a great tie to modern times.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Est · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable fast read !! I liked the characters, the story, and the fact it was cinderellla. I'd wish it was longer to be honest. I would read more about Ella.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mark Bending · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the Goodreads giveaway!

I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun, delightful and entertaining read.