Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark, violent retelling of creepy legend has gorgeous art.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Maggie, a deaf outcast in a small -- and small-minded -- village dreams of being understood and loved in PIPER. She's smitten with the mysterious pipe-playing stranger who says he can rid the villagers of their rat problem. Village leaders agree to a deal but regard his entitled behavior with distrust. Maggie, used to being treated callously, warms to his attention but is slow to recognize his fixation on power and vengeful justice. By the time the piper kills the rats, village leaders complain the deal is unfair. The piper, angered, kidnaps their children. Maggie persuades him to tell her where to find the children but refuses to join him. The furious villagers attack the Piper, leading to a horrifying tragedy.
Is It Any Good?
The story of the Pied Piper gets a fascinating -- and sinister -- treatment in this lush graphic novel exploring themes of bullying, fairness, justice, and abusive relationships. Author Jay Asher teams up with Jessica Freeburg for this complex reimagining of the familiar legend. It's plenty creepy, and readers willing to lean into the discomfort will find an unnerving portrayal of a pathologically abusive man: The piper homes in on an isolated, vulnerable woman and charms her even as he seeks to control her. Maggie evolves from victim to hero, recognizing him as a master manipulator and standing up for kindness and compassion despite her trauma.
An introductory note on what we know -- and don't know -- about what really happened in Hamelin sets a chilling stage for what's to come. And Jeff Stokely's illustrations give the story its strange, alluring mystery with rich colors, expressive faces, and spot-on pacing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ideas regarding justice and people earning their fate in Piper. The piper and Maggie have both suffered terribly but have very different ideas about justice. Do you agree with either of them?
What do you think about Maggie's stories about villagers who've hurt her? Do you use fantasy as an outlet for anger, jealousy, or other difficult emotions?
Why do you think the Pied Piper has endured as a story told to children? How does this version compare with others you've read or seen?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Jeff Stokely
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Razorbill
- Publication date : October 31, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 144
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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