Module 5 Fantasy Fiction

Rapunzel's Revenge 

Book Summary:

We all know the story of Rapunzel, locked in the tower. This story takes the basics and adds some fancy twists. Rapunzel had been kidnapped when she was younger and the evil witch uses her magic to keep everyone in the story under her control. The story has moral lesson throughout the story. Rapunzel escapes the same way by letting her hair down. She meets a lot of colorful characters along the way. Her hero happens to be Jack as in Jack and the Beanstalk They steal horses, but feel remorseful all the way through the story. At the end, Rapunzel admits she had grown pretty fond of her horse and she wants to return the horse or offer to buy the horse.

The dwarfs from Cinderella's story was there and helped Rapunzel and Jack escape and find a way down the river. 

This story was interesting , pictures were great and the sense of humor was right on. This would be a great book to read to any class that does AR points. 

APA Reference of Book: 

 Hale, S., Hale, D., & Hale, N. (2008). Rapunzel's revenge. New York, NY: Bloomsbury. 

 Impressions: 

I did find the book fun and interesting at the beginning. The middle of the book seemed a little slow and boring, then after chapter 3 my interest was peaked.The drawings were drawn out nicely, and it was a compliment to the story. The adventures were well planned and thought out. The characters were funny and the names of the towns were cute. This is a very good book to help students practice their reading. Since the book is a graphic novel, students would enjoy reading this and sharing with their friends, over the comics.

The chapters were a bit too long for my preference. The flow of the story went smoothly, and I liked how other characters were woven into Rapunzel's story. All of the storybook characters we grew up on, were in this story. All were heroes in their won right in this story. 

 Professional Review: 

Book Review: Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale

Posted on October 22, 2011 by Rachel

When Rapunzel finds that she was kidnapped as a small child, the woman she thought was her mother locks her away…you guessed it…in a tall, secluded tower.  That will likely be the last prediction you make as this re-imagined classic unfolds.

Rapunzel frees herself and learns that the evil ways of her adopted mother, Gothel, were not reserved for her alone, but the heartache and depression across the land have been caused by Gothel’s sinister reign. 

Rapunzel’s cohort, Jack, as in Calamity, unwittingly helps her find courage and strength throughout their adventures, all while toting around a goose that just won’t lay a seemingly innocuous egg.  Jack, in turn, is given a purpose to abandon his vigilante life, as he helps Rapunzel seek revenge and justice.

This is a story of growth, revenge, love and friendship that is both entertaining and absorbing. The colorful illustrations and witticisms complement each other in the telling, and the reader is allowed to experience the actions, emotions and hair-whipping brawls of the main characters as a result.

The illustrations, including a detailed map of “Gothel’s Reach,” are convincing in their portrayal of Rapunzel’s world. The plight, made clear by the presence of the barren lands and affected characters throughout the tale, is intensified by Nathan Hale’s (unrelated to the authors) attention to artistic detail.

This story re-introduces us to classic fairytale characters in a new way, and the heroine’s determination to pursue justice by honorable means is a particularly relevant theme to offer young readers at any time.

Rapunzel’s Revenge is the recipient of the 2008 Cybils (Winner Graphic Novels) for elementary/middle grades in the United States, but should be on everyone’s must read list.  If you’ve never found yourself drawn to graphic novels, this may be one to whet your appetite.  The story continues in Calamity Jack, also by the Hales.

“Rich with humor and excitement, this is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers.” (Booklist/September 2008)

“The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive.” (School Library Journal/September 2008)

“…Nathan Hale’s full-color panel illustrations fulfill the possibilities of this witty tale full of long-haired heroism.” (CCBC/2009)

Book Review: Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale. (2011, October 22).                           Retrieved, from http://dallaslibrary2.org/blogs/bookedSolid/2011/10/book-review-               rapunzels-revenge-by-shannon-and-dean-hale/ 

 Library Uses: 

This book could have great use as lessons of moral values. I would use this book to just have a good story with some funny names and characters. This would be a good book just for the entertainment.