Rapunzel

August 1, 2017

Gr 3-6-A plethora of engrossing adventures await readers. In addition to the page-turning "Choose Your Own Adventure" element, readers are also given the opportunity, after the first chapter, to choose what type of genre they want to explore (e.g., "Snow White" but with a spy thriller twist or set in the Arctic). The path that follows the witch's point-of-view in Hansel and Gretel unfolds as a comedy of errors and will elicit laughs from those familiar with the original tale. Illustrations are sprinkled throughout, providing visual interest and places for readers to pause. In each title, an ending "Other Paths to Explore" section prompts students to reflect on the role of perspective in storytelling and to create their own fractured tale. Mostly entertaining but with thoughtful elements, these titles will circulate well where fairy tales and the "Choose" format are popular.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2018
Fairy tales told as choose-your-path adventures may be an ideal match of form and genre. Readers addressed as "you" first select one of three scenarios (including fantasy, wacky humor, and sci-fi) and make narrative choices until reaching a happy, sad, or neutral ending. Serviceable black-and-white illustrations support the texts. Background about the source tale and critical thinking questions are included. Reading list.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)