Ella Enchanted ch 1-15

I recently read chapters 1-15 of Ella Enchanted. When I set out reading the book, I guess I should have realized from the title, but I wasn't aware that the book was actually a fairy tale. I thought it was just more of a children's book. I really enjoyed reading this though and was suprised by the intellectual capabilities given to Ella in the story. After one unfortunate event occurs, she learns her lesson and appears as a versatile character. She finds quirky ways to get around her spell and make things difficult for those ordering her around. She offers a look at a grieving child with a fairly absent father, and therefore offers a rolemodel of a little girl that perseveres. This may be one reason that the book could be so popular in schools, as many children have to deal with divorce, which can sometimes feel like one parent is gone for a very long time. I loved the fairy tale part of the book, obvious and magically present through the elves, giants, ogres, and mystic languages that Ella wishes to learn. I loved reading the first half of the book and look forward to the second.