LSSL 5360: Module 6 -- Realistic Fiction, Fantasy, & Graphic Novels


Rapunzel’s Revenge
By Shannon and Dean Hale


1)    BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, S., Hale, D., & Hale, N. (2008). Rapunzels revenge. New York, NY: Bloomsbury.


2)    PLOT SUMMARY
Rapunzel was stolen away from her parents when she was three years old by Mother Grothel.  She was raised to believe that Grothel was her real mother and never allowed to go past the wall in the villa.  One day Rapunzel manages to make it past the wall and is shocked at the devastation she sees.  Mason, a guard who is nice to her, tells her to get a drink of water and then head back to the villa.  A woman offers her a drink from her bucket and feels an instant connection to her.  Its Rapunzel’s real mother who has been working as a slave in the mines since Rapunzel was taken from her.  When she gets back to the Grothel, she confronts her, and is sentenced to live in a tower.  While she’s planning her escape she notices that her hair is growing extremely fast.  Once it’s long enough she manages to escape.  Along the way she picks up a sidekick Jack and she battles a boar, outlaw kidnappers, coyotes, and a sea serpent.  Rapunzel fights them all off in exchange for help along the way to reach her mother and put an end to Grothel’s wrath.  With the help of Jack’s beanstalk she rescues her mother and banishes Grothel to life inside a tree.  The story ends with a happily ever after for Rapunzel and Jack!


3)    CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The husband and wife duo did a fantastic job of putting their own spin on a fairytale.  Everyone is familiar with the story of Rapunzel, her hair, and the tower, but they brought her to life and sent her on some crazy adventures.  Rapunzel learns to rely on her strengths and to trust people along the way.  There are great themes throughout of perseverance, bravery, loyalty, justice, and friendship.  The Hales set Rapunzel’s Revenge in the time period of the Old West, and not only put a unique spin on that fairytale, but Jack and the Beanstalk and The Golden Egg too.  The graphic novel includes wonderful illustrations that bring Rapunzel’s heroics to life and take it step by step as she defeats those who oppose her.  Nathan Hale truly brings the action to life with his depictions of Rapunzel’s adventures.  The Hales created a great role model for young girls with their version of Rapunzel and I look forward to reading more about Jack in Calamity Jack. 


4)    REVIEW EXCERPT(S)


Kirkus’ Review:  “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.”  (Reviewed 9/1/08) 

Booklist’s Review:  “This graphic novel retelling of the fairy-tale classic, set in a swashbuckling Wild West, puts action first and features some serious girl power in its spunky and strong heroine.  Hale’s art matches the story well, yielding expressive characters and lending a wonderful sense of place to the fantasy landscape. Rich with humor and excitement, this is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers.”  (Reviewed 9/1/08)


5)    CONNECTIONS
o   After reading Rapunzel’s Revenge have students put their own twist on their favorite fairytale.  Collaborate with the art teacher to have their students bring the stories to life with illustrations. 
o   Other similar stories:
Hale, Shannon and Dean.  CALAMITY JACK  ISBN 9781599900766
Larson, Hope.  COMPASS SOUTH  ISBN 9780374300432
Moore, Leah.  DAMSELS, VOLUME 1  ISBN 9781524102036
Hatke, Ben.  MIGHTY JACK ISBN 9781626722651

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