"Here’s a fast-paced, riveting adventure story for young fantasy fans to enjoy, right down to its 'happily ever after' ending" —ALA Booklist

"Kathy Lasky embellishes and burnishes the time-honored tropes of the Cinderella tale with her customary clarity of storytelling and novelty of invention. Glass sparkles." —Gregory Maguire, New York Times bestselling author of Wicked

Newbery Honoree and New York Times bestselling author of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series Kathryn Lasky delivers an enchanting prequel to the Cinderella story from the perspective of a young fairy godmother.

In a grand glass house, there was a girl named Bess whose power would, one day, change the fate of her family. . . Bess Wickham has always felt like a bit of an outcast among her family of extraordinary glassblowers, but then an immense, magical power that’s lain dormant in her bloodline begins to emerge. So, when she suspects her family’s business has taken a sinister turn, Bess must find the strength to defeat dark magic and save a certain cinder girl. But will she shatter under the weight of such evil or get her happily ever after?

From Newbery Honor–winning author Kathryn Lasky comes a captivating Cinderella companion, with enchanting spells and endearing animal friendships, reminding us that we have the power to forge our own happy endings.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!

• Fairy Godmother Origin Story: Before the ball and the glass slipper, there was Bess Wickham—a girl who had to discover her own magic before she could help a certain cinder maid find her happily ever after.
• A World of Dark Magic: Bess’s family of famous glassblowers holds a terrible power, one that traps living souls in crystal. Can she find the strength to shatter their sinister legacy?
• Found Family and Animal Friends: From a wise owl to loyal wolves, Bess finds her true family in the enchanted forest, proving that friendship is the most powerful magic of all.
• A Thrilling Fantasy Adventure: Perfect for fans of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole and classic fairy tales, this prequel is packed with enchanting spells, high stakes, and the courage to forge your own path.