PLOT SUMMARY
12-year-old Rapunzel is shocked to find out that "Mother Gothel" is not really her mother at all, but her kidnapper. After confronting Gothel about the truth of her parentage, the witch locks Rapunzel in the highest tree in the forest, from which it takes her years ─ and many yards of hair ─ to escape. Her quest for revenge on Gothel leads Rapunzel through a slew of Wild West-style adventures alongside her new friend, Jack, and his pet goose (who, it just so happens, lays golden eggs).
MY IMPRESSIONS
The book, written by Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrated by Nathan Hale, is an expert blend of genres, as fairy tale meets Western in a beautifully-drawn graphic format. Rapunzel is an instantly likable heroine, while Jack is a charming, if trouble-making, sidekick. Children who are familiar with the source material should get a kick out of reading this revision, and young girls will benefit from this Rapunzel's take-charge attitude, including her quick dismissal of a preening prince.
REVIEWS
"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."
Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2008, Vol. 76, No. 15
"The Hale team creates an engaging heroine ... This novel presents entertaining girl power at its quirkiest."
Laura Lehner, VOYA, October 2008, Vol. 31, No. 4
"Nathan Hale's illustrations are colorful, fun, and full of action. They clearly communicate not only what is happening, but also how the characters feel. Nothing but pure fun and a great book for reluctant reader girls."
Kate Reynolds, Childrens Book and Play Review, September/October 2008, Vol. 29, No. 1
USES IN THE LIBRARY
Rapunzel's Revenge would easily fit into a display of revisionist fairy tales, which could include YA novels such as Beastly and The Poison Apples, as well as picture books such as The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and Where's the Big Bad Wolf? This, in turn, could inspire a contest where young patrons write (or perhaps even film) their own revisionist tale. Also, Rapunzel's Revenge could be included on a reading list of graphic novels for girls.
CITATION
Hale, D. and Hale, S. (2008). Rapunzel's revenge. New York: Bloomsbury.
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