Hale, Shannon and Dean Hale.
2011. Illustrated by Nathan Hale. Rapunzel’s
Revenge. New York, NY: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books. ISBN 978-1599902883
2. PLOT SUMMARYRapunzel is young girl with long flowing hair who is raised in a tower by her mother. Upon learning that the woman raising her was not her mother, Rapunzel escapes from the tower that has imprisoned her for her entire life. In a twist to the traditional tale, Rapunzel partners with Jack; he is the boy from the classic story, Jack and the Beanstalk. When Rapunzel and Jack decide to dissolve her mother’s malevolent hold on the outlying empire, the true adventure begins.
3.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Set in the Wild West, Rapunzel’s Revenge has familiar elements to the classic tale, but
may be different enough to turn off more traditional readers. One of the main
differences in the story is the setting.
This enables Hale to include examples of Rapunzel braiding her hair into
two long braids and using them as lassos.
The illustrations are adept at sharing the exciting, non-stop action of
the Wild West. The colorful and vibrant
frames are filled with illustrations that augment the storyline.Some readers may embrace the changes and enjoy the additions to the story. The layout of the book is a comic book graphic novel which allows many alterations in plot and setting. While the plot is engaging and is a pleasant departure from the more traditional Rapunzel, the inclusion of Jack as a side kick instead of a prince is incongruous. This unorthodox change may appeal to some readers, and may also encourage more young male teenagers to read the book.
While the traditional tale is appropriate for younger readers, the altered format limits the audience to readers who are older and may be familiar with the graphic novel format. However, the altered story line will appeal to older elementary school readers and older. Rapunzel’s strong, yet carefree personality will appeal to young female readers, and may encourage them to expand their reading choices into the world of graphic novels.
There is no doubt that Rapunzel’s Revenge is well written and exquisitely illustrated, but the not so subtle plot alterations may baffle readers who are familiar with the traditional tale.
4. REVIEW
EXCERPTS
- ALA Notable Children’s Book
- Cybils Award Winner
- Indie Next Pick
- Will Eisner Award Nominee
- YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens
- Texas Lone Star Reading List Nominee
- Kidsread.com Best Book
- Teensread.com Best Book
Starred Review from School Library Journal: “The dialogue is
witty, the story is an enticing departure for the original, and the
illustrations are magically fun and expressive.”
Starred Review from Horn Book: “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 from Publishers Weekly: “With its can-do
heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something
for nearly everybody.”
Kirkus
Review: “Nathan Hale’s art, stylistically reminiscent of a picture book,
provides a snazzy counterpoint to the folksy text. A dash of typical fairy-tale
romance, a strong sense of social justice and a spunky heroine make this a
standout choice for younger teens.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Other books written by Shannon and Dean
Hale, and illustrated by Nathan Hale:
Calamity
Jack. ISBN 978-1599900766
*Other Graphic Novels for Teens:
Tan, Shaun.
The Arrival. ISBN 978-0439895293
L’Engle, Madeline. Illustrated by Hope
Larson. A Wrinkle in Time: A Graphic
Novel. ISBN 978-0374386153
Shelley, Mary. Adapted by Jason Cobley. Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel (American English, Original Text). ISBN 978-1906332495