CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella, written by Shana Keller and illustrated by Laura Freeman. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2025. $22.99 ages 5 and up

 

"CeeCee carried a heavy tray into the study. 
It was loaded with a teapot, cups, and the little 
cakes that she was never allowed to eat. 
The smell of the fresh strawberry jam made
her tummy growl. The sight of books made 
her heart ache."

I have always loved reading alternative versions of familiar fairy tales. At one time, I had a collection of more than 150. For many reasons, that is no longer the truth. Those books did go to new homes when I was ready to unload some book shelves. This one has historical significance. 

Enslaved, the child was given the name Cecelia, which was then shortened to CeeCee. It was not her real name; that is a secret. She lived with the Townsend family on a plantation where she toiled day and night to make life easier for the family and their two spoiled daughters. She was blamed for every mess and treated badly. As the girls were tutored in reading, writing, and manners, CeeCee watched from the sidelines. 

While CeeCee learned to doubt herself and what she might accomplish, the cook encouraged her. One night, while banished to the cold attic, she pulled a wrapped book from her pocket. She could not read it; she had memorized all the words while listening to the story. Her dreams were of better times.

While enjoying a breakfast prepared by the cook, Binty, CeeCee gave up the book in case it brought trouble. Instead, Binty told her a new story about Moses and the underground railroad that helped free enslaved people. She wanted CeeCee to hold onto hope. The Townsend stories added to her hope that someone might come along to change her life. 

Not long after, CeeCee made her plan to go North. She knew she it would take time to have everything she needed for the journey. An old watch, given to her by Binty, would help her to be in the right place at the right time to meet Moses, the prince who would save her from life on the plantation. She needed to be patient, and to have grit and determination if she were to take the chance. 

In the end it was not the prince Moses; it was Harriet Tubman who helped her find her way. 

This is a well-told story. It is a variation that includes the elements of the familiar tale, including a fairy godmother in Binty who provides a way out, and Moses who is there when CeeCee has the greatest need. The textured spreads and bold color in the digital artwork offer historical detail and the full emotional impact for the events. In back matter, there is a note about Harriet Tubman and names during slavery, and another about fairy tales, especially Cinderella. 

"It’s possible that CeeCee might have forgotten her real name over time. But her mother had written it down on a scrap of paper before she left. It was a secret CeeCee kept close to her heart."