Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon & Dean Hale - Ages 10+

Rapunzel's Revenge

What's the Story?

Once upon a time, in a land you only think you know, lived a little girl and her mother . . . or the woman she thought was her mother.

Every day, when the little girl played in her pretty garden, she grew more curious about what lay on the other side of the garden wall . . . a rather enormous garden wall.

And every year, as she grew older, things seemed weirder and weirder, until the day she finally climbed to the top of the wall and looked over into the mines and desert beyond.

Newbery Honor-winning author Shannon Hale teams up with husband Dean Hale and brilliant artist Nathan Hale (no relation) to bring readers a swashbuckling and hilarious twist on the classic story as you’ve never seen it before. Watch as Rapunzel and her amazing hair team up with Jack (of beanstalk fame) to gallop around the wild and western landscape, changing lives, righting wrongs, and bringing joy to every soul they encounter.

What's the Buzz?

"The Hales seem like they’re having a ball with this story, and they like to mix in generous helpings of other myths and legends to flesh out the action. (Also, a couple other fairy tales find their way into the telling of Rapunzel’s Revenge, but it would take an evil stepmother to give them away here.)" - Graphic Novel Reporter

"Shannon and Dean Hale take Rapunzel's story, make Rapunzel totally kick-butt, plunk it down in a magical version of the American Old West, and add a little Jack (and the Beanstalk). It's fantastic." - Abby the Librarian

"Yee haw! Shannon Hale and her hubby Dean have taken the tired old princess-in-a-tower-tale and re-imagined Rapunzel as a rootin’ tootin’ cowgirl, complete with scarlet lassoin’ braids, and a sassy sidekick named Jack (yeah, he of the magic bean fame)." - Reading Rants

"For the first time, the story of a girl locked in a tower by an evil stepmother and her excessively long hair makes a certain amount of sense. Shannon and Dean Hale give Rapunzel character and motivation — she’s active, making choices, instead of someone bad things are done to." - Comics Worth Reading

"This is a story of growth, revenge, love and friendship that is both entertaining and absorbing. The colorful illustrations and witticisms complement each other in the telling, and the reader is allowed to experience the actions, emotions and hair-whipping brawls of the main characters as a result." - Dallas Library

"After reading the first 30 pages of Rapunzel’s Revenge I knew two things: 1) that I loved this version of Rapunzel with the force of a thousand thunderstorms and 2) that I would be glomming Mrs Hale’s backlist pronto. " - - The Book Smugglers 

Rapunzel is a spunky, smart, strong heroine who triumphs mightily over villains and insurmountable odds to make her world a better place. - Ya Books Central

"Part fairy tale, western, romance, and comedy, Rapunzel's Revenge is a wild ride you'll never forget! I couldn't put this book down. Rapunzel is one of the greatest heroines you'll ever meet. The expressive sketches in this graphic novel make the story come alive, with humor written within the graphics themselves. Loved it!" - Symborse @ D.R. Hill Middle School

"The Hales are funny writers -- there were many asides and humorous bits that worked extremely well. A lot of that credit, of course, goes to Nathan Hale and his art work." - Estella's Revenge

"This clever and compelling take on the Rapunzel fairy tale is sure to delight readers who have a fondness for graphic novels, high adventure, the Wild West, romance, and magic."- Looking Glass Review

"This is going to be the perfect graphic novel for reluctant readers, fairy tale lovers, readers who love fairy tale retellings, and anyone who loves books that make you laugh out loud.  I can not wait to pass this one onto my students." - The Reading Zone 

"Sidekicks, villains, kidnappers, and giant sea serpents fill these brightly illustrated pages. This is a fun read, that will appeal equally to girls and boys. A fractured fairytale that goes deeper, Rapunzel's Revenge is a must for graphic novel readers." - Tweendom

"There is enough action, adventure, head-thumping and hog-tying to keep the story moving briskly along -- this is no sissy fairytale. Keep your eye open for guest appearances by other fairytale characters, and be ready for the humor tucked into both the illustrations and the text." - A Year of Reading

"The Rapunzel retelling itself is witty and unusual, and I love how the Wild West is seamlessly included in the story. It provides an adventurous backdrop for the characters, and gives Nathan Hale a lot of scope when it comes to his excellent artwork." - Wondrous Reads

"... don’t let the comic book panels fool you, this is a humdinger of a book rich with enough detail and subtext to keep even the most advance readers busy (while the interplay of text and images can help readers on the other end of the spectrum)." - Miss Print

"If you don’t love this one… I’ll grow super-long braids and ride off into the sunset." - Shelf Elf

Where Can I Learn More?

Lots more about the book at author Shannon Hale's Website.  (Psst, even though it's off topic, dig around on the site and find the "Dragon's, Abby's and Hags" adventure and play along.  It's fun!)

Shannon's husband and co-author Dean Hale has a site as well.  Be sure to stretch your brain before you visit because Dean's site is full of twisted stories, and you don't want to cramp.

Web comics, Illustrations & Lego's.  Who doesn't want to visit artist Nathan Hale's site?

Calamity Jack by Shannon & Dean Hale - Ages 10+

Calamity Jack

What's the Story?

Jack thinks of himself as a criminal mastermind with an unfortunate amount of bad luck. A schemer, a trickster …maybe even a thief?

But, of course, he’s not out for himself he’s trying to take the burden off his hardworking mum’s shoulders. She’d understand, right? He hopes she might even be proud. Then, one day, Jack chooses a target a little more …’giant’ than the usual, and as one little bean turns into a great big building-destroying beanstalk, his troubles really begin.

But with help from Rapunzel and other eccentric friends, Jack just might out-swindle the evil giants and put his beloved city back in the hands of the people who live there …whilst catapulting them and the reader into another fantastical adventure.

What's the Buzz?

"This action-packed sequel is every bit as entertaining as its predecessor, and then some. Jack’s big city, in contrast to Rapunzel’s Wild West, is a bustling technological marvel, which adds a little steam punk to the whole whimsical affair." - Reading Rants

"Readers will still be caught up by Shannon and Dean Hale’s terrific use of language and good sense of pacing...They understand the comic medium and use it to its fullest potential, never making the mistake of allowing their words to say too much at a time in which Nathan Hale’s art could be doing the work. For his part, his art walks the fine line of being terrific for younger readers and yet not too young for older ones." - Graphic Novel Reporter

"Nathan Hale’s graphic design is exceptionally well laid out and easy to follow, even for those still getting the hang of the format. The full-color artwork has depth, energy, and plenty of exaggerated violence and humor. The story stands alone in its focus on Jack and his troubles, but it will entice readers to pick up Rapunzel’s Revenge to see how he teamed up with the feisty Rapunzel in the first place." - Alvis Book Reviews

"Calamity Jack's got the same sassy, funny writing that made Rapunzel's Revenge such fun and the illustrations are just as eye-catching. I was a little afraid that the kick-butt heroine I so loved in Rapunzel's Revenge would be lost in a book about Jack, but it wasn't so. Rapunzel's back and she's just as feisty as ever." - Abby the Librarian

"Calamity Jack is as much fun as Rapunzel’s Revenge: full of action, gimmicks and wonderful characters. Rapunzel remains my favourite and even though the story here is not from her point of view, she is still a very important part of the story. And a cool one at that..." - The Book Smugglers

"Calamity Jack is fantastic like its predecessor, but I’m not sure it got the attention it deserved possibly because most of the critical attention has been focused on the retelling of girl-centered fairy tales such as Rapunzel, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and the Frog Prince." - Children's Literature Center @ San Diego State

"The story is wild, over-the-top, not exactly believable, and melodramatic -- but a whole lot of fun. This is a graphic novel adventure yarn with a touch of romance and lots of teamwork..." - Sonder Books

"Jack and Rapunzel have a great relationship. Their banter and the way they play off of each other never fails to make me laugh." - Basically Amazing

"By combining fairytale, fantasy, and much more, Shannon and Dean Hale have once again created a memorable graphic novel that fans of this genre will greatly enjoy." - Looking Glass Review

I definitely recommend CALAMITY JACK to middle grade readers. I think this classic tale with a twist will be especially appealing to youngsters since it is also in a very fun-to-read format! - Booking Mama

"Calamity Jack is great for those first time, non-graphic novel loving readers. The story is easy to follow, but exciting enough to keep one entertained, especially with the full-color illustrations. I think Calamity Jack may gear a little more towards boys, who will love all the action/fighting. Girls may be a harder sell, especially if they don’t like graphic novels, but if they give it a try they may just like it." - Book Blather

"A riproaring adventure with steampunk elements that will have readers begging for more from this trio." - Back To Books

"Rapunzel's Revenge and Calamity Jack are a librarian's dream come true! The Hale's combine witty dialogue, action and adventure, beautiful detailed artwork and lots of humor to create the perfect graphic novel. I would give this one to anyone who is not convinced in the value of graphic novels or anyone who's a newbie to graphic novels." - Green Bean Teen Queen

Where Can I Learn More?

The husband and wife writing team of Dean & Shannon Hale each have their own websites. Shannon's site has info and games while Dean concentrates on crazy short stories.  In case you didn't know it, Shan and Dean were also a surf band in the 60's.  Their biggest hit was Dreadcrumbs Curve.  (I'm kidding ;P)

Besides being an illustrator, Nathan Hale also loves Legos.  If you'd like to visit his site, click on the picture below of the custom Rapunzel & Jack Lego figures he made.

Into the Woods by Lyn Gardner - Ages 10+

Into The Woods
Book 1

What's the Story?

Storm, Aurora, and Anything Eden live in a decaying mansion on the edge of the wilds with their erstwhile father and indolent mother. When an accident leaves them orphaned and at the mercy of the sinister Dr. DeWilde, these three courageous and eccentric sisters are forced to flee into the woods, where they encounter kidnappers, sweets-filled orphanages, mountains of ice, diamond mines, and some ravenously hungry wolves.

Taking inspiration from numerous fairy tales and weaving them into a wholly original story, Into the Woods is a whirlwind of a novel, full of imaginative happenings and dastardly deeds.

What's the Buzz?

"...  although the book has three female characters as leads, it is a very boy-friendly book, from the adventure aspect of it all, along with the creepiness that sometimes rears its head. And there is fighting and explosions." - My Favourite Books

"It was so much fun to put all the pieces together and guess the fairytale being depicted. Especially to guess which character is from which tale. To fully appreciate the nuances of the plot I think you need a good knowledge of traditional fairy-tales." - Book Angel Booktopia

"Into the Woods could be classified as a fantasy family fiction and might be a good book for the animated film industry to consider." - Curled Up Kids

"...with Into the Woods, the magic just really didn’t seem to be there. The novel was too busy, trying too hard, too derivative, and, apparently for me, lacking that je ne sais quoi. That is, apparently, French for “an ending that isn’t so cheesy it makes me want to hurl.” - Too Cool For School Books

"This book, if it is about one thing in particular, is about the way in which an appetite, whether for sweets, stories, love or home, can send one off on adventures that lead, quite often, back to the place where the characters (and the reader) first started. There's a hint too, that this book may have a sequel - the words "The End" are followed by a question mark, and I'd be interested to see if Gardner could sustain the same intertextual mix for a sequel." - Scholar's Blog

Out of the Woods by Lynn Gardner - Ages 10+

Out of the Woods

Book 2

What's the Story?

The fun fair is in town! With its clouds of pink candy floss and whirling big wheel, what child could resist such temptation? Little do the Eden sisters know that they are being lured into a wicked witch’s lair. . . . Belladonna wants

Aurora’s heart and Storm’s all-powerful musical pipe, and she will stop at nothing to get them. Driven by vanity and greed, she makes a truly formidable adversary.

After escaping from a deadly game of hide-and-seek in the enchanted fair, our three heroines flee through the woods, with several ravenous wolves and a sweet-toothed lion hot on their heels. Now they face their biggest challenge yet: a treacherous journey into the Underworld. For only when the pipe has been safely returned to the land of the dead will the Eden sisters truly be out of the woods. . . .

What's the Buzz?

"...read the first book before you read this one. It helps, because the girls keep referring to things from the other book. It isn’t hard to understand, but it would definitely help." - Book Trends

"The myth and fairy tale allusions and references (Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, among many others) should entrance younger readers, while a story line mixing action with tragedy, familial love with jealousy and sibling rivalry, and a fear of change with hope, will appeal to a broad audience." - Publisher's Weekly

"Although the main story is original, the Author has cleverly referred, tied in and used many other fairy tales, stories and myths from around the world such as Pandora's box, Snow White, and Little Red Riding Hood. With an interesting twist on all these fairy tales this book will certainly enchant children." - The School Run

"I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were very relatable and the imagery was wonderful. At many times I felt like I was in the book with them. The book can make you laugh or cry. It was fun finding all of the connections and predicting what would happen next." - Flamingnet

"The exciting settings are delightfully illustrated by Mini Grey, sparking the imagination and adding to the fast-paced nature of the story." - Curled Up Kids

Series: The 7 Professors of the Far North by John Fardell - Ages 9+

The 7 Professors of the Far North

Book 1 

What's the Story?

Sam, Zara and Ben never expected their vacation to turn into a life-or-death rescue mission. But when Uncle Ampersand is kidnapped by the nefarious Professor Murdo, the three children must race to the Arctic to save him. Numerous twists and turns put them to the test as they decode encrypted messages, navigate secret passages, scale giant buildings and hurtle over—and under—dangerous ice fields, all the while unsure of whom they can trust. And when they finally discover Murdo’s ultimate plan, they come to a startling realization: It’s not just Ampersand’s fate on their shoulders . . . it’s the fate of the whole world.

What's the Buzz?

"Thrilling and full of smart dialogue and lots of action! This book by John Fardell takes you on a rescue mission to a fantastic bad-guys lair in the Arctic, all to rescue six brilliant professors." - Mister K Reads

"Each of the three children brings his or her own skills to the adventure --- Sam's preparedness, Ben's map-reading abilities, Zara's boldness --- and each of them comes up with innovative ideas when they're most needed, usually just in the nick of time." - Kids Reads

"I liked the small detailed b&w drawings that are sprinkled throughout the text. Fardell is also a cartoonist. The book had an old-fashioned feel that got better as the story progressed and the action ramped up." - BookMoot

"Author John Fardell (who also provides the many illustrations, maps, and diagrams that pepper the text) recaptures the excitement that children show when making up their own stories. In fact, the novel feels very much as if a group of youngsters trying to entertain themselves had written the book, and not at all like an adult trying to write for children". - Craig's Book Club

"Though the children's characters are a bit flat - it's not always easy to tell them apart - their wild adventures and unyielding determination to save the professors makes this a book designed to engage even the most reluctant young reader." - Children's Book & Play Review @ BYU

"The adventure is implausible, but it has enough to detail to make it seem possible, and the unique characters are fantastic." - Krystel's Book Blog

"This book is such a rich and rewarding story. The adventure is fast paced, cold (it is the Arctic!) and thrilling. The friendships are strong and loyal and there is heaps of good humour along the way. - Momo Celebrating Time to Read

"None of it is very plausible. But it is suspenseful, fun, fast-paced, and filled with likable characters. Personally, I can't wait to read the sequel, Flight of the Silver Turtle" -Jen Robinson's Book Page

 Flight Of the Silver Turtle

Book 2 

What's the Story?

The take-charge kids from John Fardell’s The 7 Professors of the Far North face a summer packed with danger, excitement and suspense--flying airplanes, scuba diving and cracking codes--as they plunge into this fast-paced, high-flying adventure.

Ben, Zara, Sam and Marcia begin their summer vacation by helping Professor Ampersand build the Silver Turtle, a high-tech airplane. This is thrilling enough, but things take an even wilder turn when a strange woman steals the airplane with the kids inside. She’s trying to evade members of Noctarma, an international criminal organization that thinks the airplane is carrying a secret antigravity device that could be the key to world domination. 

They’ve got the wrong Silver Turtle, but they’ve also captured Professor Ampersand—and the kids will have to pull out all the stops to find the real Silver Turtle device before Noctarma does.

Secret of the Black Moon Moth

 Book 3 

What's the Story?

A painfully shy old man has approached Professors Gadling, Gauntraker and Ampersand with an extraordinary archeological find: early human remains that don't fit in with anything known to science. Soon, Sam, Zara, Ben, Marcia and Adam are joining the professors on an expedition to a remote island in South-East Asia to investigate further. But the island contains a secret more astonishing than anything they could have imagined, and a dangerous, deadly enemy is on the trail...