Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale and Nathan Hale


1.     Bibliography

Hale, Shannon, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale. Rapunzel's Revenge. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2008.

ISBN: 978-1599902883


2.     Plot Summary


This graphic novels follows more or less the beloved and well-known tale of Rapunzel, but with a few twists! Rapunzel’s long hair is used as a lasso as she embarks on a wild adventure with Jack to seek revenge on the woman who took her away from her mother.

3.     Critical Analysis

Wife and husband duo Shannon (Newbery Medal award-winning author) and Dean Hale team up to recreate the classic Rapunzel story with a wild west twist. Rapunzel's Revenge more or less follows the same storyline of the classic fairy tale, but the Hales have incorporated several fun changes, twists, and explanations to this tale. Firstly, the story is presented in a graphic novel format. Shannon and Dean Hale do an A+ job of writing the story so that it flows. Also, props to Nathan Hale and his imaginative illustrations. The images are brightly colored and enhance the story, adding to the humor and charm of this graphic novel. The story takes place in the Mother Gothel's realm. From inside the palace, all is well, but outside the palace's tall surrounding wall, Rapunzel discovers that Mother Gothel has stripped the surrounding land of its beauty and resources. Also, after climbing over the wall Rapunzel discovers Mother Gothel has taken Rapunzel from her real mother. Becuase of her disobedience, Rapunzel is locked away into a tower in the forest. Mother Gothel has mysterious growth magic which provides food for Rapunzel in the tower and causes her hair to grow.
After escaping, Rapunzel encounters Jack and his goose and together they embark on several adventures together. Particularly amusing, Rapunzel uses her long hair as a lasso.
Rapunzel in this story shows spunk and determination,


4.     Review Excerpts

From GoodReads: “Watch as Rapunzel and her amazing hair team up with Jack (of beanstalk fame) to gallop around the wild and western landscape, changing lives, righting wrongs, and bringing joy to every soul they encounter.”

From Publishers Weekly: “With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody.”

From Kirkus Reviews: “The Hales apply a new twist (or three) to the classic tale, creating a strong, sassy, braid-whipping character who waits for no prince. 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

Also by Shannon Hale

Also a Graphic Novel: Calamity Jack
By Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale
ISBN: 978-1599903736

 Goose Girl
By Shannon Hale
ISBN: 978-1681193168

The Princess in Black (for younger readers)
By Shannon Hale
ISBN: 978-0763678883

After reading Rapunzel's Revenge, it would be fun for students to create their own "graphic story" of a beloved fairy tale with a twist. 

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