CALAMITY JACK by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrations by Nathan Hale

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Hale, Shannon and Hale, Dean. 2010. CALAMITY JACK. New York: Bloomsbury. ISBN 9781599900766

SUMMARY:
CALAMITY JACK is a follow up to RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE. In this graphic novel,Shannon and Dean Hale tell their own version of the fairy tale, Jack and the Beanstalk. The first part is telling the original story in which Jack is a schemer who tries to help make his mother's life better. Jack makes a plan to go to Blunderboar's house because he, the giant, damanged Jack's mothers store and refused to pay for the damages. Jack schemes to steal the giant's goose. Here is where Jack buys the magic beans and is able to climb the beanstalk to get to Blunderboar's house. In the events that happen, Jack kills one of the giant's henchmen while cutting down the beanstalk. This makes the giant angry and he vows to get back at Jack.

Jack flees the city and meets up with Rapunzel. In this part of the book, Jack and Rapunzel go back where they find out that Blundergoar has taken over the city, kidnapped his mother, and is terrorizing the people. With action packed adventure, Jack teams up with Rapunzel to set things right in his own town.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
This graphic novel is well illustrated and beautifully told. It was everything a graphic novel for children should be and more. It used the old fairy tale retelling but had a completely new spin that wasn't worn out. Students will enjoy reading it and following the adventure as Jack pursues the giant. It also will keep students' attention with Jack's mischevious nature. A great graphic novel that will be fun for both students and adults.


AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPTS:
BOOKLIST GREAT GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR TEENS, 2011 - American Library Association, United States
YALSA - A 2001 Great Graphic Novel
KIRKUS - "Rapunzel's fans should not fear: This volume, though told from a male perspective, has all the pluck and verve of its predeccessor. Readers will relish their gleeful mix of fairy tale, adventure and romance."
VOYA - "Fans of the previous book will be happy to see this new installment, which should handily graner new fans as will."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - "This Western/steampunk/fairy tale combo is paced full of adventure, is loads of fun, and has broad appeal for all readers."

CONNECTIONS:
Compare and Contrast this tale to other fairy tales.
Research steampunk and draw some personal creations.