LS 5623 Module 6: RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale; illustrated by Nathan Hale

Hale, Shannon and Hale, Dean. RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York: Bloomsbury USA Children’s. ISBN 9781599900704.

What do you get when you mix the traditional fairy tale Rapunzel with the wild, wild west? If you ask authors Shannon and Dean Hale or illustrator Nathan Hale the answer is simple- the action packed, hilarious graphic novel called RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. In this variation on the traditional story, the Hale trio has combined the key elements of Rapunzel (long hair, locked away in a tower) with a new western flare. Once young Rapunzel learns that Mother Gothel has deceived her into believing she is her mother, she is locked away in a magical tree and hidden from the world. After four years, Rapunzel manages to escape and seeks revenge on Mother Gothel for imprisoning both her and her real mother. Along the way, she joins forces with Jack (as in Jack and the Beanstalk) and together they make their way through the badlands, getting into trouble and wreaking havoc on any outlaw they encounter.

RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE is a welcome departure from the original fairy tale. “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” (Coleman, 2008). Not needing a hero to rescue her, Rapunzel embodies the strength and determination to solve her own problems, making her an ideal role model for young readers. “Rapunzel is no damsel in distress-she wields her long braids as both rope and weapon” (Von Wrangel Kinsey, 2008). Also present is the theme of good conquering evil, an important characteristic of both fairy tales and graphic novels.

Although it may take new readers a few pages to adjust to the graphic format, “readers familiar with graphic novels will feel at home with the conventions of image cropping, text placement, and facial emotional cues” (Burkam, 2008). No matter how experienced a graphic novel reader, anyone will be rewarded with a refreshing spin on Rapunzel’s story through both text and graphics. While the authors create edgy characters with attitude and witty banter, illustrator Nathan Hale does an exceptional job of updating the traditional look and feel with a trendy, western twist. “Hale’s art matches the story well, yielding expressive characters and lending a wonderful sense of place to the fantasy landscape” (Coleman, 2008). Readers will be equally amused with both the artwork and dialogue present in RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE.

Awards/Recognition:
• Young Reader’s Choice Award in 2011
• ALA Notable Children’s Book Award in 2009
• YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens Award in 2009
• Cybils Award Winner in Graphic Novels in 2008

References:
Coleman, Tina. 2008. "Rapunzel's Revenge." Booklist 105, no. 1: 100. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 3, 2011).

Von Wrangel Kinsey, Cara. 2008. "Rapunzel's Revenge." School Library Journal 54, no. 9: 215. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 3, 2011).

BURKAM, ANITA L. 2008. "Rapunzel's Revenge." Horn Book Magazine 84, no. 6: 705-706. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 3, 2011).

LS 5623 Module 6: WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW by Sonya Sones

Sones, Sonya. 2003. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689855532

Presented as a novel in verse, WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW is the story of Sophie, a teenage artist who battles the typical teenage dilemmas: falling in love, dealing with parents who don’t understand you, and the bonds of friendship. At the beginning of the book, Sophie has fallen madly in love with Dylan only to find out the flames of her new romance don’t burn for very long. Yearning for romance she attempts to find her soul mate in cyberspace but quickly realizes that online dating isn’t for her. With all her friends out of town and her parents constantly fighting (her mom never gets off the couch and her dad if always at work), Sophie takes herself on vacation around town and crosses paths with the butt of the school joke, Murphy. Reluctant at first, Sophie spends the day with Murphy and slowly finds herself enjoying his company and wanting to date him but is worried about what kids will say at school.

“Told in Sophie's own free verse poems, the story moves and evolves quickly in a satisfying and tantalizing manner” (Miller, 2008). The pages fly by as the reader is absorbed into the world of a teenage girl. Author Sonya Sones’s trademark verse novel makes it possible for even the most reluctant of readers to have no trouble comprehending and connecting with the teenage experiences presented within WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW. “Sones’s poems are glimpses through a peephole many teens may be peering through for the first time, unaware that others are seeing virtually the same new, scary, unfamiliar things” (Korbeck, 2001).

While story is edgy and spiked with humor, the underlying tone of WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW is maturation. “Sonya Sones's novel draws listeners into the private thoughts and longings of a ninth grade girl on the verge of finding love and learning what it means to mature” (Miller, 2008). Throughout Sophie’s spunky tale, the reader watches as she matures from the awe of first relationship to the realization that true love can be found where you least expect it; from the fear of her friends’ rejection to the knowledge of that everything will be alright in the end; and from a mother-daughter relationship laced with secrets and lies to a place of honesty and acceptance.“Female readers of any age will love and identify with Sophie as she weathers the storms of growing up and the scary, unfamiliar emotions that accompany first love” (Childs, 2002).

Those who enjoy this well written book will be quick to locate Sones companion novel, WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW, and read all about Murphy’s point of view through his budding romance with Sophie!

References:
Korbeck, Sharon. 2001. "What My Mother Doesn't Know (Book Review)." School Library Journal 47, no. 10: 171. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 5, 2011).
Childs, Kathryn A. 2002. "What My Mother Doesn't Know (Book)." Book Report 20, no. 5: 51. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 5, 2011).
Miller, Jessica. 2008. "What My Mother Doesn't Know." School Library Journal 54, no. 10: 76. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 5, 2011).

LS 5623 Module 6: BRONX MASQUERADE by Nikki Grimes

Grimes, Nikki. 2003. BRONX MASQUERADE. New York: Speak. ISBN 0142501891

“I woke up this morning
exhausted from hiding
the me of me
so I stand here confiding
there's more to Devon
than jump shot and rim...
I dare you to peep
behind these eyes,
discover the poet
in tough-guy disguise....”

While studying the Harlem Renaissance, a New York high school student writes a poem in place of an assigned essay and begins a new trend at his inner city school. Surprised at the positive reception of poetry, the English teacher, Mr. Ward, starts Open Mike Fridays where students are free to express their feelings through verse. Students of all backgrounds and races learn to communicate their fears, dreams and secrets during Open Mike Fridays and slowly come to realize that their perceived differences may not be all that different.

Author Nikki Grimes does a masterful job and creating a set of characters that jump off the page with real problems and emotions. Whether white, black, Hispanic or Italian, these students all try to overcome two of the biggest teenage obstacles- self-discovery and acceptance. “A poet herself, author Grimes creates a montage of voices whose commonality rests in their sense of isolation and yearning to belong” (Bloom, 2002). Among the different voices, different styles of poetry are used to create a smooth, easy read that will not intimidate reluctant readers yet educates the audience on diversity and individuality. Each poem is preceded by a short narrative from its “writer” to provide background into his/her thoughts and feelings. “These unique characters also have a universal voice that will be recognizable to listeners” (Wysocki, 2006). Any reader who picks up a copy of BRONX MASQUERADE can relate to his/her days in high school when kids judged each other based on weight, social status, or even race or his/her own feelings of insecurity.

Although set in an inner city New York high school the story transcends geographical locations. Students across the world will connect to characters like Devon who wants to be seen for more than a jock or Raynard who is afraid to tell his friends that he is dyslexic. The overarching theme of acceptance – whether from themselves or others- is prevalent with every student who shares a poem. Even the toughest kid at school finds release through poetry and shares his dreams for the future through verse and lyrics.

“This Coretta Scott King award-winning novel offers numerous avenues to encourage young poets and may even promote more honest communication among teens” (Wysocki, 2006). A must read for high school students as much discussion, and maybe even a little poetry, are likely to be shared.

Awards/Recognition:
2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award
Best Book for Young Adults
Quick Pick for Young Adult Reluctant Readers
Junior Library Guild Selection
New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
Tayshas High School Reading List (Texas)


References:
Bloom, Susan P. 2002. "Bronx Masquerade." Horn Book Magazine 78, no. 2: 213. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 5, 2011).

Wysocki, Barbara. 2006. "Bronx Masquerade." School Library Journal 52, no. 11: 66-67. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 5, 2011).