70 pages • 2 hours read
Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin
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Book Brief
264
Novel • Fiction
Mountain Village • Medieval Fantasy World
Middle grade
8-12 years
660L
Super Short Summary
Published in 2013, Liesl Shurtliff’s Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumpelstiltskin is a middle-grade fantasy novel that reinterprets the classic fairy tale. Twelve-year-old Rump lives in a magical kingdom where people’s names determine their destinies, and his name does not seem auspicious. His luck seems to change when he discovers that he can spin straw into gold, but Rump soon realizes that he is spinning himself deeper into a curse. To break the curse, he must embark on a dangerous quest to find his true name. The novel won the IRA Children’s Book Award (2014), the Judy Lopez Memorial Award Honor (2014), and the Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award (2017) and explores themes of fate, friendship, and courage. Citations in this study guide refer to the eBook edition released by Random House Children’s Books in 2018.
Humorous
Playful
Adventurous
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
20,301 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Rump by Liesl Shurtliff reimagines the Rumpelstiltskin tale with a clever twist, offering readers a unique protagonist and an adventurous storyline. Reviewers praise the engaging narrative, humor, and character development. However, some note that the pacing can be uneven. Suitable for middle grade readers looking for a fresh take on classic fairy tales.
Who Should Read Rump?
Middle-grade readers who enjoy clever retellings of classic fairy tales will love Rump by Liesl Shurtliff. Fans of Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine or The Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer will appreciate its humor, wit, and imaginative storytelling.
20,301 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Opal
Opal
The miller's daughter with golden hair and ruby lips, whose beauty masks a somewhat foolish and ungrateful personality, playing a key role in the events that unfold.
Oswald
Oswald
A greedy and remorseless miller whose actions drive much of the plot and who seeks to exploit others for his own gain.
Red
Red
A caring and loyal friend based on Little Red Riding Hood, who remains a supportive ally and plays a vital role in advancing the story's themes of friendship and destiny.
Gran
Gran
Rump's loving and protective grandmother who raises him with sacrificial care and provides warmth and security in his life.
264
Novel • Fiction
Mountain Village • Medieval Fantasy World
Middle grade
8-12 years
660L
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