Title: Rapunzel’s Revenge
Author: Shannon and Dean Hale
Illustrator: Nathan Hale
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Copyright: 2008
Price: $18.99
ISBN: 978-1-59990-070-4
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Have you ever wondered what happened to Rapunzel before she was placed into her tower of solitude? Did she live an idyllic life? Rapunzel’s Revenge tries to answer some of the before questions by presenting a young Rapunzel, who has an independent streak that causes Mother Gothel, her witch mother, no end of grief. One day though, Rapunzel goes too far, causing her to be locked away for four years. As time passes, she thinks, she reads, she eats, and she trains, especially when the day comes that she might never get out of the tower. When she escapes, she meets the possible Prince Charming of the fairy tales, only to trick him so she can make her way into the world. Rapunzel’s life is about to change as she is confronted with a world of hatred and “eat or be eaten” wild west world that Mother Gothel has created. With the help of Jack (of Beanstalk fame) and his goose Goldy, Rapunzel sets out on adventures to right the wrongs and end Mother Gothel’s reign, once and for all.
---------
Recommended Audience: Middle school and up.
--------
Things to be aware of:
----------
Further Thoughts: Take the wild west, mix in a little fairy tale of Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and maybe even Hansel and Gretel and you have this book. Rapunzel is a strong character, very unlike the ones who wait in the tower for their prince to come along. This Rapunzel is out for a taste of adventure, and to save her real mother. While 20 feet of long hair as whips and lassos is slightly unbelievable, this is a fun romp of a heroine’s tale. I enjoyed discovering the world that she was in and facing some of the same feelings.
The art partially makes this title so believable. Hale (no relation to the authors) creates detailed scenes, living characters, and more as readers travel the story. Overall, this book deserves all the praise it has received over the years and is a fine fit in school libraries.
------
Bonus: PA Young Readers Choice Nom.
Source: Library Copy.
Showing posts with label tween. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tween. Show all posts
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Lou!: Secret Diary
Title: Lou!: Secret Diary (volume 1)
Author: Julien Neel
Illustrator: Julien Neel
Publisher: Graphic Universe (Lerner)
Copyright: 2012
Price: $27.93
ISBN: 978-0-7613-8776-3
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Precocious tween Lou is in love with the boy across the street. How will she ever confess her love to him? Although, this is only one of the many problems she faces in this book. A few of the problems she faces include being taken seriously as a fashion designer, setting her mom up with the new neighbor, and helping her mom when it comes to a visit from Memaw (Grandma). Lou’s story is told in one to two page comic spreads that can easily be read in small sittings, but you have to read it in order as the spreads do build upon each other.
---------
Recommended Audience: upper elementary
--------
Things to be aware of: revealing clothing, characters in underwear.
----------
Further Thoughts: Oh look, another French import. My first thought when I grabbed this one was that I wasn’t going to enjoy it. Why? It was too bright, too kiddy, too girly, and lastly, it was Graphic Universe. I’m still not used to them putting out anything decent.
Well, this one was decent. Frankly, I enjoyed this a bit more than I thought I would. Lou is fun. Lou is actually really smart and a bit wise for her age of 12 going onto 13. Her mom is completely childish (I mistook her for an older sister in the beginning), but they obviously care about each other. Also, the timing in the comics is impeccable. I found something funny in everything, excepting Lou’s back story about her parents. That was just touching and I know that we’re going to be exploring that more in the future.
The art is colorful and things are easily recognizable, like cell phones and the now past Game Cube. I don’t think that detracts from the story though. It will be recognized as “video games” and the phone is still as cell phone. Otherwise, these are full color comics with fantastic, comedic details.
Any tween will easily relate from the fact their crush picks his nose to parent troubles to just general tween drama. A strong yet relatable heroine makes this a great pick for that tween generation.
------
Source: Library copy.
Author: Julien Neel
Illustrator: Julien Neel
Publisher: Graphic Universe (Lerner)
Copyright: 2012
Price: $27.93
ISBN: 978-0-7613-8776-3
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Precocious tween Lou is in love with the boy across the street. How will she ever confess her love to him? Although, this is only one of the many problems she faces in this book. A few of the problems she faces include being taken seriously as a fashion designer, setting her mom up with the new neighbor, and helping her mom when it comes to a visit from Memaw (Grandma). Lou’s story is told in one to two page comic spreads that can easily be read in small sittings, but you have to read it in order as the spreads do build upon each other.
---------
Recommended Audience: upper elementary
--------
Things to be aware of: revealing clothing, characters in underwear.
----------
Further Thoughts: Oh look, another French import. My first thought when I grabbed this one was that I wasn’t going to enjoy it. Why? It was too bright, too kiddy, too girly, and lastly, it was Graphic Universe. I’m still not used to them putting out anything decent.
Well, this one was decent. Frankly, I enjoyed this a bit more than I thought I would. Lou is fun. Lou is actually really smart and a bit wise for her age of 12 going onto 13. Her mom is completely childish (I mistook her for an older sister in the beginning), but they obviously care about each other. Also, the timing in the comics is impeccable. I found something funny in everything, excepting Lou’s back story about her parents. That was just touching and I know that we’re going to be exploring that more in the future.
The art is colorful and things are easily recognizable, like cell phones and the now past Game Cube. I don’t think that detracts from the story though. It will be recognized as “video games” and the phone is still as cell phone. Otherwise, these are full color comics with fantastic, comedic details.
Any tween will easily relate from the fact their crush picks his nose to parent troubles to just general tween drama. A strong yet relatable heroine makes this a great pick for that tween generation.
------
Source: Library copy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)