Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale. Illustrated by Nathan Hale

1.    BIBLIOGRAHY

Hale, Shannon and Dean. 2008. RAPUNZEL”S REVENGE. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN: 159990070.

2.    SUMMARY

Hale creates a different twist on the famous tale of Rapunzel.  After discovering the woman that has been raising her behind a wall is not her mother and is wicked, Rapunzel plots her escape. Captured, she is placed in a tower where her hair grows considerably long…long enough to escape her prison and end up meeting Jack (of the beanstalk fable).  There adventures take them through the wild west avoiding outlaws and witch’s henchmen in an attempt to dethrone her wicked adopted mother and free her own mother and the rest of the people throughout the land.

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Illustrator, Nathan Hale, who is no relation to the authors, matches his art to the story wonderfully. The setting is prominently depicted with the comic style drawings of the old west and Gothel’s castle. Just by viewing the cover, the reader can tell that this isn’t the traditional tale, as Repunzel is decked out in western wear. Characters are expressive and when the story requires no text, Hales drawings are depicted in a way that allows the reader to keep up with what is going on in the story.

Both authors did a wonderful job collaborating on this unique take on a classic.  Rapunzel is spunky and full of “girl power”.  Giving her a witty male “sidekick” adds to her strong character. Braiding her long hair and using it as rope to lasso evil-doers, adds to the mystique of this heroine. The writing is neatly written and conveys the emotions felt by each character and the role they play in the story.  Hidden suprises can be found in the story as the reader discoveres Jack is the lad from Jack and the Beanstalk.  The authors also included other hints of fairy tales and legends,The format of a graphic novel makes it fun and easy to read. Fast moving, action and scoundrals plus the hint of romance will entice Middle School age students to take a look at this tale.

4.    AWARDS/REVIEWS

ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens (2009)
Booklist’s Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth (2009)
Cybils Award (2008)
Eisner Award nominee (2009)
ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young  Adults (2010)

BOOKLIST review- “Rich with humor and excitement, this is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers.”  --Tina Coleman

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review “…the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive. Knowing that there are more graphic novels to come from this writing team brings readers their own happily-ever-after.”–Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library

5.    CONNECTIONS

Teaching guide- http://www.squeetus.com/stage/Rapunzel_TG.pdf

Paper Dolls- http://spacestationnathan.com/rapunzeldolls.pdf

Reader’s theater script- http://www.squeetus.com/stage/rap_script-rt.html

Read- A-Likes

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No Girls Allowed by Susan Hughes.

Children can write and develop their own fractured style fairy tell.