Book Review: Calamity Jack by: Shannon and Dean Hale Illustrated by Nathan Hale

TWU Course
Book Review

CALAMITY JACK by: Shannon and Dean Hale Illustrated Nathan Hale


1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon. 2010. CALAMITY JACK. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York: Bloomsbury.
ISBN 978-1-59990-373-6

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this graphic novel, Jack a born schemer, plotter, planner, trickster, swindler and thief. He climbs a magical beanstalk in the hope of exacting justice from a mean giant and gaining a fortune for his widowed mother, aided by some friends.   

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Shannon Hale and Dean Hale writes a fairytale graphic novel story of "CALAMITY JACK. " This fairytale graphic novel retells the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. The main characters (Jack, Rapunzel, Freddie, and Prudence are involved in a war with a gigantic beanstalk.

Part 1: THE BEANSTALK BONANZA. In this section, Jack tells the story of how he became the criminal mastermind. Jack retells several stories of his schemes starting with his birth. From the day of his birth, Jack decides he is a criminal mastermind. He shows how smart he is by planning several take overs of other peoples property or belongings.   

Part 2: JACK THE GIANT KILLER. In this section, Jack the so called Killer meets up with Rapunzel (the real criminal mastermind). Rapunzel and Jack are together as husband and wife riding the iron horse. Pages 40-75 shows Rapunzel using her long red braids as a weapon. A weapon so deadly it destroys everyone and everything in sight.  

Part 3: TO CATCH AN ANT. In this section, all of Jack's gang continue fighting for their gang. At the end, Jack and Rapunzel sail off together.     

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
THE HORN BOOK: "The swashbuckling plot shines in the graphic-novel format... Easily as strong as the first entry, this steampunk-flavored fairy tale will appeal to boy-, girl-, reluctant-and eager readers alike."

KIRKUS: "This fantastic yarn has something for everyone readers will relish this gleeful mix of fairy tale adventure and romance."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Activities
Have students write a graphic novel about the future. Do not use to many words but just enough to inform the reader. Your illustrations should follow the text. The graphic novel should end by telling a story.

*Books
Hale, Dean. RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE. ISBN 159990070X
Kibuishi, Kazu. AMULET BOOK 1. ISBN 0439846811