CeeCee
Underground Railroad Cinderella
by Shana Keller
Charlesbridge Publishing 2025
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.1 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- freedom
- courage
- resilience
- hope
- ingenuity
- justice
- empathy
- literacy and learning
About this book
This lyrical picture-book retelling places Cinderella in Maryland during the era of the Underground Railroad. CeeCee, an enslaved girl, endures harsh treatment while quietly building strength, courage, and a love of learning. Instead of a prince, her story centers on community, hope, and the brave steps people took toward freedom. With rich artwork by Laura Freeman, it’s a powerful, age-appropriate introduction to history for young readers.
Setting: a Maryland plantation and routes of the Underground Railroad, mid-1800s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is CeeCee right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for CeeCee. The reading level is AR 4.1, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include freedom, courage, resilience.
How long does it take to read CeeCee?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, CeeCee takes around 7m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does CeeCee have an AR quiz?
Yes — CeeCee has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is CeeCee?
CeeCee has an AR reading level of 4.1, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.