Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin

Based on the fairy tale, “Rumpelstiltskin,” this is the story of Rump, a young boy who struggles with his name and the bullies that mock him because of it. But with the help of his friend Red, Rump embarks on a journey of self-discovery, while also learning to manage his special magical talent and turn it into something good. The book’s themes may encourage intermediate-level students to reflect on relationships, wealth, and the impact these have on our lives. In the classroom, “Rump” also lends itself as a whole-class read-aloud and in literature circles. Its positive messages may inspire a study of personal identity and the significance of names as well as writing activities related to the book’s fairy tale genre.