Fantasy/Graphic Novel_Rapunzel's Revenge_Hale & Hale

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon and Dean Hale. 2008. RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York, NY: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books. ISBN 9781599902883.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Rapunzel is young girl living a sheltered life in an elegant, but well guarded villa with Gothel—the woman she believes is her mother. As Rapunzel begins to grow, so does her curiosity for what exists outside the enormous walls that surround the villa. On her twelfth birthday, Rapunzel sneaks out during her party determined to see what Gothel has forbidden her to see. Rapunzel is condemned to live in the hollow of a towering tree for having disobeyed Gothel. After four years in solitude, Rapunzel finally escapes using her lengthy braids as her weapon of choice. She makes the decision to rescue her birth mother and the people under Gothel’s evil power; thus, sets out west.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
When Rapunzel learns of Gothel’s sorcery and the evil she casts on the land and people, a courageous female character is born. Husband and wife team, Dean and Shannon Dale, have developed a whimsical, lovable heroine in Rapunzel. The fearlessness and nobility she portrays are qualities young readers and tweens will identify with—especially since children of all ages have, at one time or another, draped a bath towel over their backs and run amuck as cape crusaders.

Although Rapunzel’s Revenge is a fractured fairytale, the journeys the protagonist takes and the characters she encounters along the way are creatively consistent and maintain the reader’s enthusiasm and curiosity. Readers want to spy the villains, attack and conquer them with Rapunzel.

Hale and Hale’s choice for the story’s setting in the American west is well suited for the western antics that take place and the dialect emitted from characters. Illustrator Nathan Hale—no relation to the authors—does justice to the setting with his eye for detail. For instance, the “Wanted Dead or Alive” poster of Rapunzel, the riding and roping she does on a bull, horse and colossal snake; the outlaws she battles, and the inclusion of the map of “Gothel’s Reach” all add flavor to the scenes of the wild, wild, west.

The theme of good versus evil, which transcends time and place, is evident throughout the book. On her journey to rescue the people under Gothel’s clutches, Rapunzel and her sidekick come upon the kidnapping of a rancher’s daughter. “…that poor girl, trapped and alone,” whimpers Rapunzel. Shortly thereafter, Rapunzel adamantly declares, “We’re going to rescue his daughter.” The dangers that lurked didn’t keep her from accomplishing what she set out to do.

Shannon and Dean’s incorporation of a western dialect with sass complement the framework of the story. Readers will hear the twang of the characters in their respective speech bubbles or captions. “I figured the cowardly rogue had tricked me proper” fretted Rapunzel. “Whipping me ain’t gonna work sister,” scowled the bandit. The western drawls, scruffy characters, and creative settings draw the reader closer to this humorous fictitious world. Readers will appreciate Rapunzel and her adventures. She proves to be a force to be reckoned with, rather than a damsel in distress.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
2009 Leah Adezio Award For Most Kid-Friendly Work

ALA 2009 Notable Children’s Book award

YALSA 2009 Great Graphic Novel for Teens award

Eisner Award nomination

★Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody.”

★Starred review in THE HORN BOOK: “Shannon and Dean Hale’s graphic novel treatment transforms Rapunzel into a spunky, hair-whip-toting cowgirl. Rapunzel’s maturation and growing sophistication are enjoyable to watch, as is the deepening friendship-flowering-into-romance between her and Jack (and yes, he’s that Jack). With such a successful debut, one hopes to see more graphic novels from this trio.”

★Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “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 the there are more graphic novels to come from this writing team brings readers their own happily-ever-after.”

Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “The Hales apply a new twist (or three) to the classic tale, creating a strong, sassy, braid-whipping character who waits for no prince. Nathan Hale’s art, stylistically reminiscent of a picture book, provides a snazzy counterpoint to the folksy text. A dash of typical fairy-tale romance, a strong sense of social justice and a spunky heroine make this a standout choice for younger teens.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*An example of a strong female protagonist.
*This tale definitely lends itself to Readers Theater.
*Compare this tale to Paul O. Zelinsky’s, RAPUNZEL.
*Read the classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

Realistic Fiction_Joey Pigza Loses Control by Gantos

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gantos, Jack. 2000. JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 9781400086160 (CD book: Unabridged Production).

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Protagonist, Joey Pigza, tells of his long awaited visit with his father, Carter. During his stay, Joey desires to establish a father-son relationship through meaningful conversations that bring up his father’s past. Joey quickly learns that his father refuses to recount the past. Carter, on the other hand, desires to create a new beginning with his son—one that will erase all of his wrongs with Joey. Consequently, Carter decides to make up for his wrongdoing by liberating Joey from the prescription patches that he wears. As a result, Joey Pigza loses control.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jack Gantos has done a superb job immersing the reader into the chaotic mind, inner struggles, and life of his star character Joey Pigza in his unabridged CD book. His use of Craig, the second main character, adds depth to the estrange relationship. Consequently, readers will develop sympathy for Joey as they become aware of the internal emotional tug-of-war that rages within him. They will also grow fond of Joey because his desire to believe in his father—and do right by him—is a testimony of his love and strength. Another element that audiences will be receptive to is the dialogue between the different characters. This element complements the three dimensional characters Gantos created.

It is safe to say that audiences at one time or another have come in contact with a child like Joey. Therefore, can recognize some of the ADD characteristics Joey exhibits. Despite, Joey’s impulsivity, readers will grow fond of him. His sense of humor in times of uncertainty is very relatable. Joey’s infamous phrase, “Can I get back to you on that?” makes one chuckle. Furthermore, the audience can identify with some of the complex issues Gantos imbeds; for instance, being the odd ball, divorce, fractured families, poor parenting, disrespect, disappointment, yet in the midst of it all love. Though troublesome, these issues create rising action that leads to a strong climax and a plausible ending.

Joey’s desire to have his parents get back together is a subtle theme that Gantos brings to the surface. However, the subject of making up for lost time and correcting the error of your ways is highly evident throughout Joey and Craig’s interactions. Craig frequently exalts his revelations, decisions, and advice. On several occasions Craig reveals his new self through figurative language. He contrasts putting his life back together to Humpty Dumpty and repairing his relationship with Joey by seeking him out like the giant sought Jack out in Jack and the Beanstalk. Even though Craig’s intentions are sincere, they go awry.

Similar to Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, the audience sees Gantos’ forthright trademark manifests itself again in Joey Pigza Loses Control. He stays true to Joey by authorizing him to tell the events from his perspective. Joey’s voice is an investment to the tone, mood, and plausibility of the story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Booklist
2001 Newbery Honor Book
NY Time Book Review Notable Book
Booklist Editor’s Choice
Horn Book Fanfare Book

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Readers will be drawn in immediately to the boy's gripping first-person narrative and be pulled pell-mell through episodes that are at once hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately heartening as Joey grows to understand himself and the people around him. The ride home isn't smooth, but it is hopeful and loving. Does this mean that he is on the way to a happy, "normal" life?”

Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Like its predecessor (Joey Pigza Swallowed The Key), this high-voltage, honest novel mixes humor, pain, fear and courage with deceptive ease. Struggling to please everyone even as he sees himself hurtling toward disaster, Joey emerges as a sympathetic hero, and his heart of gold never loses its shine.”

Review in KIRKUS: “As if Joey didn't get into enough trouble in his unforgettable debut, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (1998), Gantos has him wig out again in this sad, scary, blackly funny sequel.... A tragic tale in many ways, but a triumph too.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*To become familiar with Joey Pigza and his history, have groups of students read Gantos’ books and present them to the class via Readers Theater.
a) 1998—JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY.
b) 2000—JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL
c) 2002—WHAT WOULD JOEY DO?
d) 2007—I AM NOT JOEY PIGZA.

Contemporary Realistic Fiction_Johnson

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Johnson, Angela. 2003. THE FIRST PART LAST. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9781442403437.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
On his sixteenth birthday, Bobby skips school to celebrate it with his friends. Later that day, he learns from his girlfriend that she is pregnant. The pregnancy alters their lives. Their decisions are no longer about where to hang out, but about doctor appointments and adoption. Bobby’s boyhood antics are traded in for the responsibilities that define a man.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Johnson has developed a prime example of contemporary realistic fiction indicative of teenage pregnancy issues. Through brief chapters entitled “then” and “now,” readers become familiar with Bobby, his family’s dynamics, his girlfriend—Nia, his two closest friends, and his daughter Feather. The language, thoughts, and behaviors elicited by the characters make the story plausible. Confronting their parents with the truth gives you the sense of the parents’ disappointment and Bobby’s regret. In anticipation of his parents response, Bobby plays out the following in his mind, “How did this happen? Where was my head? Where was my sense? What the hell were we going to do?” (13).

The “then” chapters seize moments of Bobby’s youth when it was simple, free of fatherhood, or in his new supportive-boyfriend role. These chapters depict his desire to be carefree and his conscience to do the right thing. “Hell, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Nothing ever is, anymore,” remarked Bobby after an argument with his girlfriend erupts in the obstetrician’s office (27).

The “now” chapters illuminate his inner struggles with his role as a father and the level of maturity that it is going to take to raise his daughter. Johnson does not stop short of illustrating the realities that come with teenage parenting; the “rules” exemplify one aspect. “If she hollers, she is mine. If she needs to be changed, she is always mine. In the dictionary next to “sitter,” there is not a picture of Grandma. It’s time to grow up. Too late, you’re out of time. Be a grown-up” grieved, Bobby during the middle of a night he wakes to tend to Feather
(14).

Johnson’s unique style is evident in the informal dialogue exchanged between the teenagers. Irritated by his friends’ laughter after he confides in them Nia’s pregnancy, Bobby yells, “What the hell is so funny?” K-Boy stops laughing, but J.L. replies, “Hey, Bro, I was just going to make a call for you to 1-800-ISTUPID” (37). Though crass, you witness Johnson’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach style via J.L.’s upfront statement. Readers will find Johnson, her characters, and the conflicts believable.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Winner of the 2004 Coretta Scott King Award (Writing Category)
Winner of the 2004 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting.”
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “The author skillfully relates the hope in the midst of pain.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Johnson makes poetry with the simplest words in short, spare sentences that teens will read again and again.”
Review in CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “[The First Part Last] teach[es] about life, growth, and maturity.”
Review in KLIATT: “Johnson has a way of getting to her readers’ emotions with few words, creating characters we really care about. Her young people are thoughtful, conscientious, and loving—certainly with failings, but trying to do better.”
Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “A story that is always complex, never preachy.”
Review in U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT: “Johnson has carved a niche writing realistically about young people’s issues.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Read the following two books by Angela Johnson to complete the Heaven trilogy:
• Heaven. 1998. ISBN 9781442403420. (Coretta Scott King Award)
• Sweet, Hereafter. 2010. ISBN 9780689873850. (The final book in the Heaven Trilogy)

*If you are open to reading and discussing the teenage issues of guilt and grief checkout the following:
• Johnson, Angela. LOOKING FOR RED. 2003. ISBN 978-0689863882.