In this novel based on the story of Cinderella, Ella struggles against the childhood curse that forces her to obey any order given to her. Newbery honor book : 1998.

In the Kingdom of Ayortha, Aza, an unattractive woman with a magical voice, learns to balance her appearance with her talent, meanwhile, her singing attracts both Prince Ijori, who cannot resist it, and Queen Ivi, who plots to use it to benefit herself.