CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella

by Shana Keller, Laura Freeman (illustrator)

A Cinderella retelling with a young enslaved girl in the title role. On a Maryland plantation, CeeCee’s story doesn’t end with a prince, but a different type of rescue.

By author-to-watch Shana Keller and illustrated by Coretta Scott King Honor and NAACP Image Award winner Laura Freeman, this classic fairy tale reimagined is one you won’t soon forget.

CeeCee is a young enslaved girl growing up alongside the two spoiled daughters she must work for on a plantation in Maryland. She takes care of them, catering to their every whim and suffering their casual cruelty. She learns to read by listening to their lessons and stories with the threat of punishment if caught.

CeeCee receives help from the caring cook, Binty, and hope comes in the form of a different kind of escape. CeeCee chances everything for the possibility of a new life.

While many are familiar with the traditional Cinderella story, this retelling is sure to empower and uplift a new generation of young readers.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Historical, Childrens, Cinderella, Retellings, African American

35 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

Shana Keller is passionate about history. She began her studies of African American history at the University of Miami in Florida and has delved deep into our nation’s diverse past ever since. She is the author of several award-winning picture books including Do You Know Them? Families Lost and Found After the Civil War, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection; Ticktock Banneker’s Clock, Best STEM book, Children’s Book Council; and Bread for Words: A Frederick Douglass Story, an Irma Black Award Honor. Other titles include Fly, Firefly!; The Peach Pit Parade: A World War I Story; The Sole Man: Jan Matzeliger’s Lasting Invention, a EUREKA! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Honor; and soon to be released, CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella (2025). Shana has traveled her whole life and has lived all over the United States and in Europe, too. Shana currently resides in North Carolina where she continues to write stories linking our past to the present.

Reviews

[Chasing Silhouettes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reimagined Cinderella. I adore most fairytale retellings or reimaginings for adults or children - it doesn't matter, as long as it captures the imagination.

Love how emotive the expressions are, as depicted in the illustrations.

Cee Cee is made to do the chores and be the scapegoat. She is bullied, beaten, and/or teased, whilst the girls, Amelia and Georgina, show and hold no love or affection for her. The only one who shows any semblance of care for her is the cook, Binty.

Dreams bring stories alive for Cee Cee, and she hashes a plan of escape.

It is an amalgamation of a fairytale, Biblical, and historical references, with exploratory notation at the end of the book. Interesting take and mashup.

eARC courtesy of NetGalley / Charlesbridge

[Srujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely retelling of Cindrella! We really loved it. If you are looking for a Cindrella Retelling for your child, this might just be the book you need.

📌 Before diving in, a quick note: I got a chance to read an advanced DRC copy of this book thanks to NetGalley, CharlesBridge Publications and Shana Keller. As always my thoughts here are completely my own, honest and sincere.

Set on a Maryland plantation, it is the story of an enslaved girl, Cecilia who in face of immense cruelty and mistreatment from the family of the plantation owner, never gives up her hope for a better life. A new life. And so when the help arrives, not in the form of a Prince Charming, but something entirely different, she takes the courageous leap of faith. CeeCee is the story of how she gets there. I won't reveal the spoilers for you, but if you have some background on the Underground Railroad, you will see the end coming, at least partly. In anycase, you are in for a pleasant surprise at the end. We highly recommend it.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this brilliant retelling of the Cinderella folktale, an enslaved girl dreams of escaping the drudgery, humiliation, and injustice of captivity. With careful planning and meticulous preparation, she begins her flight to freedom, hoping that her prince will meet her at the stroke of midnight. Who is this mysterious Moses? Will he lead her to the promised land? The story ends where the journey begins with the hope that CeeCee will live happily ever after somewhere beyond the Mason-Dixon Line. End pages include more information about Moses’ true identity and the power of names, a central theme in this retelling, plus a short summary of the folktale’s long history. Poignant illustrations draw readers into CeeCee’s world to experience her humiliations, her hopes and fears, and the gathering of her courage to free herself. Bravo!

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10
3+

A brunette Cinderella! A dream come true for many adults of today who were raised with blonde and blonde Cinderella only, including myself...

CeeCee is hardworking. When she has dreams of wearing a dress like the one in the story she read, she works very hard to achieve her dream and sews her a dress just like the story's.

Also, CeeCee isn't with her stepmother but rather with the woman and her daughters she was on a plantation with. I think it is very cool to adjust the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella Kindle Edition by Shana Keller (Author), Laura Freeman (Illustrator)

Rating: 4 Stars

I just finished CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella by Shana Keller, and I’m still thinking about it. This retelling of Cinderella takes the familiar fairy-tale beats and places them in a much darker, more real setting: a Maryland plantation where CeeCee, a young enslaved girl, quietly shoulders all the labor and the cruelty that comes with it. Rather than waiting for a prince, CeeCee’s story moves toward a different kind of rescue—one rooted in courage, community, and the desperate hope for freedom.

Keller’s version keeps the essence of the Cinderella arc—service, longing, and a transformative chance—but reshapes it with historical weight. CeeCee grows up in the house with two spoiled daughters she must care for, learning from their lessons in hushed moments and risking punishment every time she reaches for a bit more knowledge. Her small acts of learning, and the kindness she receives from the cook Binty, are woven into a narrative about resilience more than romance. When an opportunity for escape comes, it’s not a fairy-tale twist but a life-or-death decision that demands everything from her.

I have to say, the book is gorgeous. The cover grabbed me right away—there’s something striking and tender about it that matches the story inside. The interior illustrations are equally lovely and do so much to deepen the emotion on the page; they make the characters feel present and the stakes feel real. The whole package feels carefully crafted: it’s moving, often heartbreaking, and utterly memorable.

What I loved most was how the retelling honors both the original fairytale themes and the historical realities it introduces. CeeCee’s longing isn’t for a ballroom or a prince; it’s for self-determination and safety. The caring relationships—especially with Binty—bring warmth and moral clarity to a story that could easily have been only bleak. And yet Keller doesn’t shy away from the brutality of the setting; that tension is what gives the book its power.

If you like historical reimaginings, or if you’re looking for a picture book that treats young readers to serious themes without talking down to them, this one’s worth your time. It made me feel a lot—sadness, anger, hope—and I think that’s exactly what good storytelling should do.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Joey Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Charlesbridge and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Ceecee is such a stunning story, based upon a telling of Cinderella but through the eyes of a young enslaved girl wanting to find her freedom. It was such a captivating story and it is heartbreaking and so powerful all at her same time.

I really loved reading this story, Ceecee wasn’t her name at all but she held her name close for when she could use it again. Being forced to work for two rich children who were very rude, she doesn’t get to have freedom, she doesn’t get to learn like they did. But she loved stories and wanted to learn, wanted to live instead of what she was forced to do.

Seeing this strong girl start to build up a plan was so powerful, she knew she needed to not be there, she worked so hard doing her normal chores but then secretly worked hard for herself so she could find Moses and be taken to freedom. I loved it so much it’s such an incredible created story of the Underground Railroad and how a child in captivity could find strength to be free.

The book has the most gorgeous illustrations and I loved looking at them all, they were mostly very big illustrations that took the whole page but it was perfect for this story and really enhanced it. We also got some extra information at the end which is always perfect to give a bigger broader insight to the topic of the story.

I throughly loved this story, though it was really sad as any story is about enslaved people, but this story also gave you hope, it helped share exactly how hard it was for them and how long planning took to find a way out. A great and educational read with a wonderful fairytale inspired story.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was initially drawn to this book curious how this author would intertwine the story of Cinderella and a fictional CeeCee as an enslaved child. I was hoping it wouldn’t follow a more traditional Cinderella path, and was pleasantly surprised by the plot.

First of all, I think the author and illustrator did a phenomenal job working together to tell this story. The illustrations were beautiful with the characters faces showing emotion, the surroundings showing depth, and the food looking good enough to eat. This is obviously a serious subject matter despite the fairy tale tilt and I think it was illustrated very well.

Furthermore I thought the story was interesting and especially so when taking into account the historical context pages at the end. This is a heavy subject, but this story was told in a way I think would be approachable for children while also championing the incredible people such as Harriet Tubman who did such inspiring and courageous work leading others to freedom, and the people who showed such courage to leave.

Would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fairy tale can inspire great bravery, and the story of Cinderella became the hope needed to Follow the Drinking Gourd and be led to Freedom by Minty aka Harriet Tubman. This story is incredibly reworked to encourage many people in a wonderful way.
Note at the end tells about the woman Harriet Tubman.
The illustrations by Laura Freeman are detailed and with vibrant colors that emphasize the prose.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof galley from Charlesbridge via NetGalley.
***** review #goodreads #storygraph #NetGalley #BookBub #librarything Aug 12, 2025
#CeeCee by Shana Keller @theshanakeller with illustrator @laurafreemanart #UndergroundRailroadCinderella @charlesbridgepublishing #bookstagram #picturebook #cinderellastory #cinderellaretelling #childrensbooks #childrensbookillustration #kidlit #courage @childrensbookcouncil #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #moreillustrations #kidlitart #inclusion #children_illustration #fairytaleretellings #historyteachersofinstagram #mustreadbook #picturebookmagic #cinderellainspired

[Annie Brechbuhler · Rating 5 out of 5]

CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella is a beautifully illustrated story. Cecelia, shortened to CeeCee, is a young slave girl bullied by the white children she serves. She longs to be able to live the life she wants: learning, reading, and eating the same food as her owners. Her friend, Binty, the cook, tells her about Moses freeing the Egyptians. Secretively, she also encourages her to find freedom with the Underground Railroad. Emboldened by her dreams of freedom, mixed with the stories of Cinderella and Moses, CeeCee begins sewing herself a new dress to wear when she escapes slavery. As it turns out, CeeCee's rescuer is Harriet Tubman, who leads her to safety.

This book would be a great resource as part of a unit on Black History. This is a book that I plan to buy for my classroom.

Thank you very much to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this title received multiple star reviews for its beautiful illustrations and eloquently delivered story of a young slave girl's mistreatment by her white family and final escape, be forewarned that there are scenes that would be frightening for young readers.

From the Kirkus review: "whenever Mrs. Townsend notices CeeCee so much as glancing at the pages of a book, she locks the girl in the mouse-infested attic. But her hopes are sustained by Binty, the cook, who plays the role of fairy godmother in this grounded retelling of “Cinderella.”

Follow this illustrator, Laura Freeman, for fantastic picture books on Stacy Abrams, Ketanji Jackson, and Kamala Harris, all created in her signature digital bold colors. For this serious story, Freeman's use of stark and dark colors highlights the horrors that CeeCee endured.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cinderella story has hundreds of versions that span countless cultures and time periods. Keller has created one that centers around a young slave girl, separated from her mother at a young age. She lives in Maryland with two demanding white girls who are sisters and their cruel mother. They make CeeCee's life miserable. The cook, Binty, is her encourager. She tells her the story of Moses, who freed the slaves. And encourages CeeCee to not lose hope.

One tiny shred of hope for CeeCee is that she gets to hear books being read - and learns to read a bit herself. One of the stories CeeCee hears is Cinderella. This inspires CeeCee and Binty to formulate a plan for CeeCee to escape and head further north. But who will be her prince?

The author's note at the end adds additional details to the story.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

CeeCee, a young enslaved girl, dreams of being as carefree as the young white girls she's forced to care for. She especially wishes she could learn to read. When the enslaved cook of the household gives her a little hope and wisdom, she realizes that she can set out to her own kind of freedom in her own way. Just like Cinderella hears tell of her prince, CeeCee hears tell of the mythical Moses willing to help others to freedom in the North. But can she find Moses?

A beautiful story (with beautiful illustrations, as well!) about the resilience of the enslaved, their determination for freedom, and the people willing to help along the way -- all wrapped up within a fairy tale.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Thank you to Charlesbridge in connection with SLJ's Picture Book Palooza for the eARC. This in no way changed my rating**

I'm so glad I ordered this one for the library where I work. This is a great way to combine the typical story of Cinderella with the real history of the Underground railroad. I appreciated that there isn't any magic in this story, just people who find ways to make what they need and create community in a difficult situation. The emphasis on names and the power of our true names was a nice touch, added to by the author's note. This would be a first choice picture book for me.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Charlesbridge Publishers.
Gorgeously illustrated retelling of Cinderella. In this book, CeeCee is a slave on a plantation in Maryland. Readers see how she is treated and the connections to the fairy tale are obvious. She dreams of a prince rescuing her and engages with the cook. We then see her begin her journey on the Underground Railroad with Harriet Tubman. We see a very different type of rescue and self empowerment rather than waiting on a prince to rescue.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Charlesbridge and Netgalley for this digital arc.
The beauty of the cover drew me to “CeeCee” by Shana Keller and illustrated by Laura Freeman, and the mesmerizing and atmospheric artwork continued throughout the book. The comparison of CeeCee to older versions of the Cinderella story, and how their names were changed, presented themes I did not expect. The plot incorporates CeeCee being directed to Harriet Tubman, also called Moses or Minty, and underground railroad. I highly recommend this historical fiction title for all elementary and middle grades.
#CeeCee

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely picture book. It’s not quite a Cinderella story, but the comparisons are there. It is about a little black girl in the time of slavery who is mistreated while the white girls of the home are lazy and mean. This is about CeeCee escaping to freedom and claiming her original name and not the CeeCee she has been called. This was a very well-done story and the illustrations match. I love that the author talks about names and how names have power and how names were changed in servitude and rejoicing.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisitely illustrated, powerfully narrated, important and necessary. A must have for your collection. From a curricular standpoint, it fits in beautifully with all of the Cinderella from Many Cultures, right up there with Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. But this is a very important Cinderella Tale, one that needs to be remembered and retold. It's a relief to see books like this, which need to be shared, acknowledged and understood. Thanks to author Shana Keller and illustrator Laura Freeman.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are parallels to the Cinderella story and in fact it’s in the title. But the book is deeper and unfortunately more realistic. It starts with CeeCee’s mother being taken away (sold) and their separation. Of her being punished for trying to learn to read. Ending with her meeting Harriet Tubman.
There is no fairy tale ending here where everyone lives happily ever after. Edea’s future is uncertain and dangerous.

This is a wonderful book about resilience and courage.
It is beautifully illustrated.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella (Kindle Edition)
by Shana Keller
This is the story of the hopes and dreams of a young girl. Whom was born into slavery. after many years of hard work, and restricting of education, hopes and dreams were all she had left. In her mind her prince, her savior was the Prince Moses from the bible that will lead her to freedom. What she finds with planning, and a little help she can find her Moses and her freedom. Even if its not what she expected. The use of the underground railroad is brought to young readers with this story.

[Elizabeth E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful retelling that can spark meaningful conversations about history and enslavement. As a Cinderella story, there are opportunities for kids to compare to the classic fairy tale, identifying the traditional elements such as the stepsisters, the fairy godmother, the magic, the dress, the prince, etc. With stunning illustrations and vivid writing, this book belongs in every home, school, and public library.

Thank you to the publisher for sharing this book. All opinions are my own.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Fairytale retellings.. Shana Keller has combined the folktale and history by reimaging Cinderella as a young slave. Rather than stepsisters, she must wait on the owners two daughters. But she does not dream of a handsome prince to marry. She dreams of freedom to learn and freedom to live her own life and even use her own name. When she hears about a Moses who helps her people escape, she does more than dream, but plans and prepares her own escape. When she meets this person, Moses introduces herself. This story manages to honor a serious subject of slavery and the underground railroad, while still staying in the framework of the original folktale. This great story with its beautiful illustrations by Laura Freeman is a great way to teach youngsters about Harriet Tubman and the underground railroad.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent version of Cinderella with very real history. The references to the old, well-known story are sensible, and the new additions that place the story in a new historical setting also make sense. The art seemed a bit two-dimensional at first, but as the book progressed it began to feel almost luminous. I like the uncertain ending, very true to it's time.

[Hannah]

I was a little worried about the premise, but this was mostly pulled off! I did think the dress being made of "scraps" yet being illustrated as clearly just a dress made from one material was silly, but that's it.

[Malika Sahib · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear CeeCee,

Your story ignited a spark in me. One that screamed to stand beside other CeeCee like you. You compelled me to let your story be known. Knowing that there are other girls like you all around the world, my heart shattered completely. I won't be silenced and I won't be silent.

[Bookworm4Life · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale that features a young enslaved girl named CeeCee and her journey to freedom on the Underground Railroad. This book will teach children about the time of slavery in America and the determination of many longing for the chance to be free.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolutely stunning retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale, where an enslaved girl becomes her own fairy godmother and Harriet Tubman serves as the "Moses" who grants her deepest wish. I am totally taken with this book and its illustrations. I will be adding it to my personal library.

[Sydney Coffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Keller's fusion of Cinderella and stories of the Underground Railroad is incredible. I really, really enjoyed this book and the illustrations were gorgeous. I also learned new information from this book, such as Harriet Tubman being called Moses.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely re-telling of the Cinderella story with a young slave girl as the heroine. Keller incorporates examples of the lives of many enslaved children and the work of Harriet Tubman who saved so many.

Beautiful illustrations bring the story based on the times to a child's understanding.

[Sassygirl87 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful way to explain the "Underground Railroad".

[Shoshanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really beautifully illustrated story of an enslaved girl escaping to freedom, mixing together themes from the story of Moses and the story of Cinderella!