A tale of Rapunzel, the girl with the extremely long hair, like you've never read before. Rapunzel grows up with her mother, or who she thinks is her mother, in a castle surrounded by a very tall wall. Rapunzel is very curious to see what is on the other side of the wall, so one day she ventures out and climbs the wall. Mother Gothel finds out that she has ventured beyond the wall and locks Rapunzel in a tower, where her hair grows and grows. Set in the wild west, Rapunzel and an outlaw, Jack, go on many adventures seeking Rapunzel's true mother.
Hale, Shannon and Dale. Rapunzel's Revenge. illustrated by Nathan Hale. New York: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books, 2008. ISBN 9781599900704
In this graphic novel retelling of the fairy tale classic, Shannon and Dean Hale create a very strong feminine character who ends up being the heroine. Rapunzel proves to be independent, smart, and saves the day. The reader will have trouble putting this book down, waiting to find out how Rapunzel gets out of another dilemma. The plot somewhat follows the classic fairy tale, but is set in the wild west with cowboys and horses. The authors pack this graphic novel full of action and adventure on every page as Rapunzel seeks her true mother to save her from slavery and to overtake the cruel Mother Gothel from her magical powers.
The illustrations throughout the graphic novel are marvelous and add emotion to the story. The illustrator, Nathan Hale, does a wonderful job of adding images that show action on every page. Hale adds emotions in the characters' faces and the sequence of the illustrations helps the story flow. Throughout the story, Rapunzel must use her ridiculously long hair as a weapon. Without the detailed illustrations, the reader probably would not have a complete picture of this, however Nathan Hale illustrates Rapunzel's use of her hair magnificently and adds humor to the adventure.
Awards for Rapunzel's Revenge
ALA 2009 Notable Children's BookYALSA 2009 Great Graphic Novel for Young Adults
Eisner Award Nominee
2011 Young Reader's Choice Award
Cybil Award Winner
ALA 2009 Popular Paperback
Reviews for Rapunzel's Revenge
"With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody."~ Publisher's Weekly
"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."~ Horn Book
"Rich with humor and excitement, Rapunzel's Revenge is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers."~ Booklist
More Books by Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale
Calamity Jack. New York: Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2010. ISBN 9781599903736
Books by Shannon Hale
The Goose Girl. New York: Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2005. ISBN 9781582349909
Book of a Thousand Days. New York: Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2009. ISBN 9781599903781
Princess Academy. New York: Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2007. ISBN 97881599900735
Classroom Connections
After reading, brainstorm other settings for a fairy tale, such as outer space or under the sea. Then have students choose a fairy tale to rewrite with the new setting.
Discuss general elements of a fairy tale. Which elements does Rapunzel's Revenge have? Compare/contrast Rapunzel's Revenge with the classic Rapunzel fairy tale.
Collaborate with the history teacher and explore what life was really like in the "old west". Discuss the illustrations by Nathan Hale and parts that are fanciful/fantasy and parts that are true to the "old west".
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