Fiction,Fantasy, and YA Review #3- RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale. Illustrated by Nathan Hale

1.     BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hale, Shannon and Dean Hale. Illustrated by Nathan Hale. Rapunzel's Revenge. New York, N.Y.: Bloomsbury, 2008.

ISBN 978-1-599-90288-3

2.     PLOT SUMMARY

Rapunzel’s Revenge is a fantasy graphic novel in which Rapunzel is separated from her real family as a little girl and taken in by the evil Gothel. At age 12, Rapunzel decides to look over the wall and see what it outside. What she sees is desolate and ugly. Beyond the wall, she meets the woman who is her real mother.  She is separated from her again and is taken back to Gothel who punishes her by locking her up in a tall tree for four years. During this time, Rapunzel’s hair grows to incredible lengths, and she eventually escapes her prison vowing to find and free her mother. This vow takes her on an adventure where she meets Jack. Jack and Rapunzel become good friends and work together to find a way to free Rapunzel’s real mother from the evil Gothel.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Set in the Wild West, Rapunzel’s Revenge has familiar elements to the classic tale but is different from the traditional story. One of the main differences is the setting.  This allows Hale to have Rapunzel braid her hair into two long braids and use them as lassos.  The illustrations are clever at sharing the exciting, non-stop action of the Wild West.  The colorful and vibrant frames are filled with illustrations that complement the storyline. The layout of the book is a graphic novel which allows many alterations in plot and setting. While the plot is engaging and is a pleasant departure from the more traditional Rapunzel, the inclusion of Jack as a side kick instead of a prince is unusual.  This change may appeal to some readers, and it also might encourage more young male teenagers to read the book. While the traditional tale is appropriate for younger readers, the altered format limits the audience to readers who are older and may be familiar with the graphic novel format. 

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens - 2009

Young Readers Choice Award: Intermediate

ALA Notable Children’s Book- Middle Readers Category- 2009

From School Library Journal: “The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive.”

From Booklist: “Rich with humor and excitement, this is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers.”

5. CONNECTIONS

Gather read-a-like books to read such as:

Levine, Gail Carson, Ella Enchanted, ISBN: 978-0-060-27510-5

Yolen, Jane, Foiled, ISBN: 978-0-606-14452-0

Gather other Shannon and Dean Hale books to read such as:

The Princess in Black, ISBN:  978-0-763-67888-3

Calamity Jack, ISBN:  978-1-599-90373-6

Fiction, Fantasy, and YA Review #2- LOOKING FOR ALASKA

Looking for Alaska by John Green

1.     BIBLIOGRAPHY

Green, John. Looking for Alaska: A Novel. New York: Dutton Children's Books, 2005.

ISBN 978-0-525-47506-4

2.     PLOT SUMMARY

Miles Halter is a sixteen-year-old with a fascination for last words.  He transfers to a boarding school in Alabama and becomes fast friends to his roommate Chip "Colonel" Martin. The Colonel introduces him to Alaska Young, a beautiful, literate and intellectually gifted teenager with a head full of elaborate pranks. Under the guidance of his new friends, Miles learns to drink, smoke, escape punishment, and understand people. Miles learns valuable lessons about loyalty, friendship, and life throughout the entire book.
 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The writing in this book is as great as I always expect from John Green, and the story unfolds with a great pace that makes you never want to put the book down. You will probably feel some excitement, sadness, and maybe even a little anger reading this book, but I think this book will be memorable. This is an outstanding coming-of-age novel that does not resort to a "happily ever after" ending, but the characters each seek closure on their own terms. The characters are well drawn, witty, and full of individual quirks. This book also includes some fun pranks, some great humor, and some shocking turns of events. I loved the "before"/"after" and the whole countdown. I thought that was a really neat tool that helped build suspense. This book is for older or more mature teens who can handle raw truth presented with none of the rough parts buffed off.  Also, this book is on many schools “banned book lists” because of the drinking, smoking, and sex, so be sure that you do not present this book to your students if your school has a banned book list.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Michael L. Printz Award

YALSA Best Books for Young Adults - 2006

School Library Journal Best Books - 2005

From School Library Journal: “Green draws Alaska so lovingly, in self-loathing darkness as well as energetic light, that readers mourn her loss along with her friends.”

From Kirkus: “What sings and soars in this gorgeously told tale is Green's mastery of language and the sweet, rough edges of Pudge's voice.”

5. CONNECTIONS

Gather read-a-like books to read such as:

Asher, Jay, Thirteen Reasons Why, ISBN: 978-1-595-14171-2

Hubbard, Jenny, Paper Covers Rock, ISBN: 978-0-385-74055-5

Gather other John Green books to read such as:

The Fault in Our Stars, ISBN:  978-0-525-47881-2

Paper Towns, ISBN:  978-0-525-47818-8

Some discussion questions:

Miles tells the story from his own first-person voice. How might the book differ if it had been told in Alaska’s voice or the Colonel’s? Or even in 3^rd person?

The Colonel says, “everybody’s got a talent.” Do you? 

What do you think “The Great Perhaps” means?