RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE by Shannon Hale

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hale, Shannon. 2008. RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. New York: Bloomsbury. ISBN

9781599900704

PLOT SUMMARY

Rapunzel grew up inside of a lovely castle with her mother.  Or was it her mother?  As young Rapunzel grew older her curiosity of the outside would grew larger.  She climbed the castle wall to get a glimpse of the world beyond the castle.  She was punished for doing so and was placed in a large hollow tree for doing so.   With the help of Jack she was able to escape and begin to carry out her plan to free the land from the witch.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Shannon and Dean Hale turn this old fairy tale in to a graphic novel.  They turn this fairy tale character into a character of her own, an action hero.  Readers will not be able to put down this action packed and witty novel.  This novel is set in the Wild West which might be difficult for some readers to grasp but overall this book will be loved.  “This graphic novel retelling of the fairy-tale classic, set in a swashbuckling Wild West, put action first and features some serious girl power in its spunky and strong heroine.”  (BOOKLIST)  Overall the story portrays good over evil and Rapunzel saves her mom from evil at the end.  The language is full of sarcasm whish students will enjoy. 

Nathan Hale, the illustrator, paints the reader a clear mental image of the characters and their characteristics.  At times the illustrations accompany the text while other times the illustrations tell the story.  This graphic novel will be enjoyed by both boys and girls.  This book proves that fairy tales are not just for girls but will catch the interest of boys through the Wild West setting and the cowboy based characters. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, September 2008: “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.”

*BOOKLIST, September 2008: “Rich with humor and excitement, Rapunzel’s Revenge is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers.”

*HORN BOOK, April 2008: “Readers familiar with graphic novels will feel at home…newbies may not realize how practically well-matched the Hale’s gutsy tale is to its format.”

*PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY, August 2008: “With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody.”

*KIRKUS REVEWIS, August 2008: A dash of typical fairy-tale romance, a strong sense of social justice and a spunky heroine make this a standout choice to younger teens.

*LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION, November 2008

EXEMPLARY OR FAVORITE LINES

*“WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE: RAPUNZEL

For horse thieving, kidnapping, jail breaking, and using her hair in a manner other than nature intended!

REWARD”

*“Hey, times are tough, and thirty gold coins can do a lot of good.  But I guess you wouldn’t know about needing money, since you grew up like a little princ…”

(Rapunzel glares)

“Prin…soner.  I mean, prisoner!  A prisoner in a tower, such a shame, that.”