Book DescriptionRapunzel is having the ultimate bad day. She’s been stolen from home by an evil witch, locked in an incredibly high tower, and doesn’t even have a decent brush for her hair. Prince Benjamin is in a pretty uncomfortable situation himself. His father wants him to be more kingly, his mother wants him to never leave her sight, and his cousin wants to get him into as much trouble as possible. Plus, there’s the little matter of prearranged marriages. . . . Both Rapunzel and Prince Benjamin are trapped . . . in very different ways. It’s only when their paths cross that things change.

Rapunzel, The One with All the Hair is a fun take on an old fairy tale. Told in alternating chapters by both Rapunzel and Prince Benjamin, it is funny, witty and intelligent. I loved that it gave a refreshing modern view on this classic tale. I loved that it showed how much Rapunzel loved and missed her parents while being locked away in that tower. She really cares about her parents and is willing to battle her way out of that tower to get back to them. This Rapunzel is feisty!

The other thing I loved about the story is having the Prince’s side in all this. In fairy tales you never get the Prince’s side. He just shows up gives the obligatory kiss, hacks through brambles or climbs a tower and boom – happily ever after. That’s always bothered me. The story is all about the princess, then here comes Prince Charming, whom we know nothing about, has no personality, he saves her and suddenly, she’s complete. ARGH! It drives me crazy and I love fairy tales! This story gives Prince Charming not only a name, but a personality. We get to know Benjamin and we actually care about him, root for him. Prince Charming has become a person.

This book is highly recommended. I think girls, especially in the 9-13 age range are going to love it because it’s modern, funny and light hearted. It gives a strong message that girls are just as intelligent and strong as boys, sometimes more so in different ways. It tells girls not to just wait around for Prince Charming to save you, save yourself. It really packs a punch in a backpacked sized paperback.