Local teacher reimagines Cinderella in children’s book

A Lakeland teacher is bringing a fresh perspective to a classic fairy tale – one that reflects the diversity of today’s students.

George Washington Elementary school teacher Chris Becker decided to write a children’s book that reimagines the classic fairy tale “Cinderella.” However, this version comes with a modern twist, as the story offers young readers a tale of identity, courage — and soccer.

“I care a lot about making sure all kids see themselves in books, because when they feel seen, everything changes,” he told Yorktown News.

The book, titled “The Perfect Match: A Soccer Cinderella Story,” follows the journey of a young male protagonist named Leo, who, much like Cinderella, faces adversity at home via his step fathers. However, after he makes a winning goal with an assist from a prince, his life changes. 

Instead of a prince and princess storyline, the book’s narrative expands on the idea of who gets to experience a fairytale ending. According to Becker, the book includes “two mean stepbrothers, a fairy ‘squad’ father, and a magical race car ride to a big soccer game.” Additionally, instead of a glass slipper, the book features a soccer cleat.

“Everyone deserves to see themselves in stories, and everyone deserves their happily ever after,” Becker said. 

Becker, a Mahopac native who once attended Lakeview Elementary School, initially began teaching in 2015. He has been with the Lakeland Central School District since 2018. Writing the book became a passion project during Covid lockdown. Becker credits the flexibility that comes with teaching, that allowed him to write during school breaks, including summer. However, writing is only a small part of who he is. 

“I always loved working with kids,” he said. “From the time I turned 18–and still currently as a side job–I work[ed] as a birthday party host, and childcare worker at Club Fit in Jefferson Valley, and it really confirmed that I love what I do.” 

As a teacher and a writer, Becker always wants learning to feel exciting. “I love creating that spark, whether I’m teaching or writing,” he said. 

Becker credits many of his teachers for igniting that spark, making a difference in his life and influencing the type of person and teacher he wanted to emulate. 

“It was more how they made me feel as a student, rather than what I had learned,” he said. 

He specifically acknowledged his fifth grade teacher Mary Kurtz, math teacher Christ Miller, journalism teacher Bernadette Lingardo and literature teacher Beth McKeon for galvanizing him. 

In regards to his book, some of the inspiration came from one of his favorite children’s books, “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.”

“I think that particular book really inspired my love for taking a story you know and completely flipping it on its head,” Becker said. “It’s a story written from the perspective of the Big Bad Wolf, and it makes readers question who is really the bad guy.”  

Inspiration for the book also came from a unit Becker was teaching. “First, as a second grade teacher, we spend a whole unit reading fractured fairy tales and encouraging students to write their own — and I figured, if they can do it, why can’t I?” 

The author also said he was inspired to make sure children could see themselves in literature, no matter their background.

“I didn’t see myself or the kind of family I hoped to have represented in books or on TV,” he said. “It was important to me to write a story about a family with two dads, full of love. I also loved weaving in more traditionally ‘masculine’ interests, like soccer, into an LGBTQ+ story.”

Additionally, Grace Lin’s TED Talk,“The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child’s Bookshelf,” further influenced Becker to see the importance of showing students stories where they see themselves. “It completely shaped how I choose books and how I think about teaching,” he said.”

While the story maintains recognizable elements, it also introduces characters and relationships that challenge the traditional fairy tale expectations. Becker hopes the book will spark conversations about inclusion and remind young readers that everyone deserves their own happily ever after. 

“I hope readers walk away knowing that families can look different, but they’re all built on love,” Becker said. “I want kids to see that it’s okay to be exactly who they are, and that their family, their interests, and their story all belong. And if it also inspires them to create their own twisted fairy tales, that would be pretty amazing too.”

“The Perfect Match: A Soccer Cinderella Story” is slated for publication this May and will be available via Amazon, Target, Barnes and Noble, and other book sellers. Additionally, Becker will be doing a book and craft event at the Somers Library in June.