Module 13: Rapunzel's Revenge

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
illustrated by Nathan Hale
published in 2008, by Bloomsbury (New York, NY).

Summary

The classic tale of Rapunzel, but with a twist: a western setting and Rapunzel is not one to wait to be rescued!  After she discovers that her "mother", Gothel, is not her real mother and is using people as slaves, including her real mother, in the mines Rapunzel is put in a tall tree.  There her hair grows extremely long and extremely fast; she uses her hair to practice lassoing.  She finally escapes and runs into Jack.  Together they face foes and meet friends as they work their way back to Gothel's to save Rapunzel's mother.  

Impressions

The different setting and Rapunzel's personality are refreshing and give new life to the classic fairy tale.  The illustrations are fun, the humor is great, and it's just an enjoyable read. 

Reviews
"This is the tale as you've never seen it before...The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive.  Knowing there are more graphic novels to come from this writing team brings readers their own happily-ever-after." --Cara von Wrangel Kinsey. (2008).  School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"Illustrator Hale's detailed, candy-colored artwork demands close viewing, as it carries the action--Rapunzel's many scrapes are nearly wordless.  With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody."  --(2008). Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses
Rapunzel's Revenge would be a great book to use for a teen group.  The group could discuss the book and what they liked about it.  Then the group could pick another classic fairy tale and find ways to add twists and give it new life.  Then they could even work on putting together their own graphic novel.