Rapunzel's Revenge Book Review
By Kelly Hartman
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon and Dean. Rapunzel's Revenge. New York: Bloomsbury, 2008 ISBN 9781599900704
PLOT SUMMARY
Even though Rapunzel has all that she needs, something is missing. One day she rebels against Mother Gothel and climbs a forbidden wall, discovering the truth that she was taken away from her parents. As a punishment, she is banished to a tower, but finds a way to escape. She meets up with Jack and they work together as outlaws to bring justice to a world controlled by a cruel Mother Gothel. Will Rapunzel's brave acts and determination be enough to reunite her with her long, lost mother?
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is not your grandmother's fairy tale. Shannon and Dean Hale create a fractured tale of Rapunzel in Rapunzel's Revenge, a graphic novel. Just as the title suggests, Rapunzel is far from a damsel in distress.
Readers will find comfort in the framework of a familiar story. They will quickly recognize the story of a young girl who is stolen from her parents and grows up under the control of a magical mother.
Yet, the plot takes a creative twist when the authors break the mold of a young woman who awaits her Prince Charming. Rather than needing assistance, Rapunzel's actions are courageous and intelligent. Her quest leads her to male partner, Jack, but she takes charge rather than follows. Boy and girl readers alike will feel connected to this heroine who feels compelled to the right the wrongs in her world.
The vivid illustrations provide the readers with the stark difference between the grand villa and the outside world. The old wild west setting becomes important to the feel of lawlessness in the land. It makes way for Rapunzel and Jack to take matters into their own hands. Throughout her quests and in her final victory over Mother Gothel, Rapunzel's Revenge rings true with a theme that transcends time: Love is greater than power.
AWARD AND REVIEW EXCERPTS
Cooperative Children's Book Choice, selection 2009
Great Graphic Novels for Teens, selection 2009
CONNECTIONS
Check out the author's blog
Writing
Provide dialogue for "silent sequences" on pages 21-23 and 92-93.
Gather similar themed books
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Bone Vol. 1: Out from Boneville by Jeff Smith
Before Midnight: A Retelling of “Cinderella” by Cameron Dokey
Swan Lake by Mark Helprin
The Witch’s Boy by Michael Gruber
Use this teaching guide to analyze and discuss Rapunzel's Revenge.
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