The Golden Sandal: A Middle Eastern Cinderella Story

The Golden Sandal is an Iraqi retelling of the Cinderella story, following kind Maha, whose stepmother makes her do all the chores while a magical red fish she shows mercy to becomes her unexpected helper. When Maha is forbidden to attend a beautiful henna celebration, the fish grants her wish—and a golden sandal becomes the key to her happily ever after. This book is a wonderful choice for students because it introduces them to a lesser-known cultural tradition of the Cinderella story from the Middle East, encouraging them to explore how universal themes of kindness and justice appear across world cultures.

Publishing Details

Author : Rebecca Hickox

Illustrator : Will Hillenbrand

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture Book

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 32

Size: 9.75 x 9 inches

Year Published: 1999

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: Kindergarten

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Traditional Literature

Theme: Culture, Fairy Tale, Fables & Folktales