Sootface
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1994 · Est. 13 min read-aloud

Sootface

Written by Robert D. San Souci

A kind heart sees the invisible warrior. Can Sootface find love despite her sisters' scorn?

4.8/7 Bookroo expert·4.1/5 Goodreads · 485 ratings
32 pages· 1,603 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
$7.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Sootface, burdened by her sisters' cruelty, dreams of a better life. When an invisible warrior seeks a bride who can truly see him, only a pure heart will succeed. Despite ridicule, Sootface embarks on a journey of courage and hope. Will her kindness reveal the warrior and change her fate? Discover a tale where inner beauty triumphs over adversity.

From the publisher

Once, an Ojibwa man whose wife had died raised three daughters alone. The two older girls were lazy and bad-tempered, and made their youngest sister do all the work. When the flames from the cooking fire singed her hair or burned her skin, they laughed and called her Sootface. While she worked, Sootface dreamed that one day she would find a husband. Then a mighty warrior with the power to make himself invisible decides to marry. Only a woman with a kind and honest heart could see him, and be his bride. Though her sisters ridicule her, Sootface sets off to try her luck, never looking back. Her courage and good nature bring her the husband she has longed for.

At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
32
Words
1,603
Reading age
6–9
Audience
Picture
Lexile
AD640L
Themes & topics
Books about cinderella storiesBooks about princessesBooks about cultureBooks about race and ethnicity
What readers & critics say

Reviews

4.8

out of 7

4.8

This Native American re-telling of the Cinderella story is somewhat harsher than the story many will be familiar with, with the cruelty coming from Sootface's own sisters (rather than step-sisters) and the fact that she is actually burned by the fire. Sootface also very clearly states that her happiness will come if she can find a husband, which is a little off-putting for modern sensibilities, but overall it's a beautiful story!

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
The author

More from Robert D. San Souci

Explore Robert's bookshelf
The Talking Eggs
Sale price
$1899

The Talking Eggs

Ages 4–8 · 1989

Sukey and the Mermaid

Ages 5–8 · 1992

The Faithful Friend

Ages 5–8 · 1995

Cinderella Skeleton

Ages 4–7 · 2000
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

The Rough-Face Girl

Ages 4–8 · 1998

Yeh-Shen

Ages 4–8 · 1982

The Golden Sandal

Ages 5–8 · 1998

Squanto's Journey

Ages 4–7 · 2000

Cinderella

Ages 1–12 · 2000

Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back

Ages 4–8 · 1992

What's the Most Beautiful Thing You Know about Horses?

Ages 6–8 · 1998

Cinder Edna

Ages 4–8 · 1994
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
4.4
F&P level
~P
AR points
0.5
AR interest level
MG
AR quiz
45888
Publication
Published
May 12, 1997
First published
May 1, 1994
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780440413639

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Top contributors: Literary Leslie

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo