The Thing About Giants

The Thing About Giants is an engaging story where giants are living a life in hiding, fearing for their life from humans. Within the city the giant hunters are revered, and Jacq is the daughter of giant hunters - destined for great things. Only she doesn't believe in hunting giants and is reluctant to complete her training. When she stumbles across a giant chained and trapped inside one of the city buildings, her curiosity increases. Then, an accident on a flight out of the city puts her in grave danger as she finds herself all alone and at the mercy of the giants hidden around her.

Christopher Galvin has created a wonderful alternative tale to the traditional 'Jack the Giant Killer'. In a place where all are brainwashed into believing that giants are evil, there is a voice, a resistance, that want to fight against the noise. His main character, Jacq, is a complex character who is fighting the twisted knowledge that she has been handed. It was due to the resistance that her mum had died on a mission to protect the city, but then her own beliefs question the status quo. Her battle between what she has been brought up to believe, and what she feels in her hear,t is beautifully played out throughout the book.

Christopher Galvin's The Thing About Giants, is a masterclass in unpacking the 'don't judge a book by its cover' saying. Throughout, characters have been misjudged, and the ultimate take-away is that we are all flawed and we all have goodness within us or a good reason as to why we are how we are. It also promotes the mantra of fighting for the truth and to step up to do the right thing, to be an upstander and not a bystander.

This book links well with many areas of PSHE with its themes of friendship, prejudice, propaganda and misinformation. An entertaining read that offers many links throughout the curriculum.

352 pages / Reviewed by Donna Burkert, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Daughter of Giant Hunters, Jacq is about to, somewhat reluctantly, follow in their footsteps. Corman, a young giant, is on his first trip above ground with his father to forage for 'jurtear', much-needed medicine for his sister. Separated from his father in an attack by hunters, Corman is desperate to find his way home, but instead, he finds Jacq, lost and alone after an accident. As they must work together to survive, each learns much about the other's world, uncovering secrets and lies and creating a friendship which proves that size doesn't matter!

From the first page to the last, The Thing About Giants is a wonderful read. Corman and Jacq's stories interweave, allowing the opposing views, misconceptions and fears of both humans and giants to be revealed as their worlds collide.

Corman is an Under Hill giant, one of a group driven to live underground by humans. Gentle and kind, he is terrified of humans and what they can do, yet when faced with one in need, doesn't hesitate to help. Jacq, on the other hand, has been raised to believe that giants are stupid and violent beasts who eat humans and destroy everything. Meeting Corman and learning his ways opens her eyes to the truth and makes her determined to change things.

Action-packed and energetic, the dual narrative insists you keep reading to find out what happens to each of these very likeable characters who, despite the size difference, are not quite as different as they think they are! Love of family, friends and home drive them both onwards, but a developing sense of friendship and respect bind them together on a path of great danger. Corman’s actions show again and again that a little kindness goes a long way and that you should never judge on appearance.

I could waffle on about this book for quite some time! However, suffice it to say, I really enjoyed The Thing About Giants and was delighted to notice at the end of the book that Jacq and Corman will be back for another adventure - which I can't wait to read!

352 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+