Rapunzel's Revenge

Title: Rapunzel's Revenge
Author: Shannon and Dean Hale
ISBN: 9781599902883
Published: 2008
Other books in the series: Calamity Jack
Characters: Rapunzel, Jack
Genre: fiction, graphic novel
Reading Level: 3rd grade
Interest Level: 4th-7th grade
Plot Summary: Rapunzel lives in a grand villa with a woman she thinks is her mother, Gothel. Rapunzel is forbidden to leave the villa but one day she can't help herself and she climbs over the wasll to find that things are not so great outside her villa. Gothel has people working as slaves in the mines and Rapunzel finds a woman there who claims she is Rapunzel's real mother, that Gothel took Rapunzel from her as punishment for trying to steal lettuce to feed herself and Rapunzel. When she confronts Gothel about her real mother Gothel traps her inside a tall tree. Gothel has magical growing powers and creates a magical tree that is very tall and grows food inside to keep Rapunzel alive. But the tree isn't the only thing that is growing, Rapunzel's hair grows super long due to Gothel's magic. So Rapunzel uses her hair to escape from the tower.  While she is on the run she become unlikely friends with an outlaw named Jack and his goose. The two are on a mission to get to Gothel's Villa and get rid of her magical powers that have brought drought and hungry across the lands. Rapunzel is also determined to save her mother. It's amazing what a girl can do with a little hair.
Review: This story is a great twist on the fairy tale of Rapunzel. I like that Rapunzel is not a damsal in distress and instead is a girl who uses her hair as weapons and take matters into her own hands. There is also Jack from Jack the Beanstalk and his magical goose. I enjoy the wild west feel of the story, it fits Rapunzel's new persona. The story is action packed and fun to read. I also really enjoy that artwork of the story.
Reader's Annotation: This isn't your typical Rapunzel story. This one isn't waiting to be rescued, rather Rapunzel is after revenge.
Main Themes: fairy tales, outlaws, magic, family,
Read Alikes: Foiled by Jane Yolen, Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale
Why for Tweens? Tweens girls will love this new take charge outlaw version of Rapunzel. Boys will enjoy the graphic novel form and the non stop action and adventure.