Golden

 "Golden" by Cameron Dokey is  a retelling of Rapunzel except there is a twist. Rapunzel was born bald and has been ever since the day she was born and doubts she will ever grow hair. You may think you know Rapunzel's story but the way Cameron Dokey tells it is different and really good. Rapunzel's parents live next to a sorcerer, Melisande. Rapunzel's mom craves rapunzel(its a vegetable and looks a little like a cabbage) and swears she will die without it. Rapunzel's father of course doesn't want her or the baby to die. A sorceress was feared an usually avoided unless you were seeking out her help. Instead of going to the door and asking Melisande for some of her rapunzel, Rapunzel's dad snuck into Melisande's garden and stole some even though he knew it was very wrong. He got away with it the first time but the second time Melisande caught him. Melisande told Rapunzel's father that until Rapunzel was born his wife could have all the rapunzel she wanted but if Rapunzel's mom could not love Rapunzel the way she was, Melisande would take Rapunzel and raise her as her own.  Rapunzel's mother was very beautiful and cherished her beautiful golden hair above all else so when Rapunzel was born completely bald Melisande took her for that was the deal. Melisande named the bald baby Rapunzel and they moved away from the village where Rapunzel would not be tormented for being different. In their home far from others, Mr.Jones(a tinker) and Harry befriend Rapunzel and Melisande. Rapunzel never knew that Melisande has a daughter, Rue, who had a spell cast over her and Melisande believes Rapunzel is the only one who can help her. This book is really surprising and really good. I strongly recommend it. The ending is very surprising but of course you'll have to read to find out.