Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon & Dean Hale

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon, & Hale, Dean. (2008). Rapunzel’s Revenge. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York, NY: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books. ISBN 1599902885

PLOT SUMMARY
Rapunzel wonders and begins to question what is beyond the huge wall of her massive and lush castle villa. After discovering the truth about Mother Gothel and her own enslaved mother, she is locked into a magical tree tower. Full of pluck and spirit, Rapunzel bravely escapes in search of justice and to bring an end to Mother Gothel’s greed and power.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Set in the Wild West, this graphic novel written by Shannon Hale and her husband, Dean, presents an action-packed, original story featuring witty dialogue and impressive girl power. Rapunzel pairs up with Jack (and his goose) in her efforts to defeat cruel Mother Gothel and free her mother from the oppressive mines. Rapunzel’s self-sufficiency is evident in the way she uses her long braids as rope and weapons to defend both herself and Jack on their many encounters. Nathan Hale’s expressive artwork readily accompanies the story line while creating spirited characters and detailed, fantasy backdrop scenery. Readers are sure to enjoy this fast-paced, good-vs-evil, unique version of familiar fairy tales in a compelling graphic format.

*Guest reader, Reace, liked “all of the action” in the story that created anticipation to the very end!

REVIEW EXCERPTS
2009 American Library Association Notable Children’s Book

2009 YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens

Eisner Award nominee (the Oscars of comics)

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – "The dialogue is witty, 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."

Starred review in HORN BOOK – "Readers familiar with graphic novels will feel at home...Newbies may not realize how particularly well-matched the Hales' gutsy tale is to its format, but this introduction--with its high action quotient, immediate sensory thrills, and wisecracking heroes--should win many converts. With such a successful debut, one hopes to see more graphic novels from this trio."

Starred review in PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY – “With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody."
CONNECTIONS
* Teachers can use the book in literature circles that address the theme of perseverance as well as the role of women and girl characters in fairy tales.

*A teaching guide is available here.

*A readers theatre script can be found here.

*A Newbery Award winning book by Shannon Hale:

Hale, Shannon. Princess Academy. ISBN 1599900734

*Another graphic novel from Shannon and Dean Hale:

Hale, Shannon & Dean. Calamity Jack. Ill. by Nathan Hale. ISBN 1599903733