Domitila: Adapted by Jewell Reinhart Coburn, Folk

This story is a Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition. It’s quite different from the traditional Cinderella. Most of the classic elements for the Cinderella story can be found in Domitila, however there is no glass slipper that is fought over and no fairy godmother to transform her into a princess. Domitila eventually becomes the Governor’s bride because of her natural qualities and her family legacy. The one major change throughout this story is the Governor, Timoteo, who is very rude and arrogant to Domitila in the beginning but in the end falls in love with her and becomes a compassionate family man. I would use this book in a classroom to compare and contrast different versions of the Cinderella story. The book could also be used to discuss different cultures with students.