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).