Walker Books
September 2026
ISBN13:9781529538472
Australia RRP:$17.99
New Zealand RRP:$19.99
It’s always wonderful when you get to read a debut novel, especially MG, that takes a trope (or two) in a completely different and refreshing direction. And this one is so spot on for matching with classroom discussions on big issues confronting the world at large as well as our own communities, that I foresee it will be a big hit with many educators across the middle grades especially.
Two completely different young people come across each other. Each has been taught to regard the other’s antecedents with the gravest of mistrust. Each is grieving for a parent. Each chooses to accept the other because of their shared difficulty but also their mutual kindness, acceptance and their realisation that not all adults tell the truth.
Jacq is the child of giant hunters, raised in a city built on giant’s territory and with giant bones as building materials. She and the rest of the humans have been led to believe that giants are ferocious, they eat humans, they are evil incarnate in fact and they were overthrown long ago because of this. In fact, the giants were none of these things and those that remain have beend driven into hiding: deep in forests, underground, sleeping in the very rocks until one day Jacq is thrown out of a helicopter in her first experience of being on a giant hunting foray. Rescued by Corman, a young giant of about Jacq’s own age, though obviously much MUCH bigger, Jacq must essentially depend on Corman’s knowledge of the land to survive.
Their adventure takes many twists and turns but most of all, it leads to a new revelation for the two species, both of which have long been taught to hate each other. We have a lot of hate in the world at present, where those with money and power are not only oppressing, and in some cases, killing others, but are fomenting violence and bigotry against others. The disgusting comments recently but a senator who has no regard for either truth or decency is one such – denigrating another race on the basis of her own ignorance, bigotry and very likely, plain nastiness. I also absolutely love that there is a Resistance group which of course is such a great parallel for many of our history or current affairs discussions on opposing fascism and the perpetrators of warfare.
There are so many parallels to explore with this book as well as it being just an absolutely delightful fantasy quest that sparkles with freshness, new worlds and endearing characters. Christopher Galvin’s creation of his two opposing societies is astonishingly visual – which stands to reason given his background in cinematic pursuits – and it would be a wonderful partnering activity to recreate some of the scenes or settings in some kind of artwork e.g. Corman’s subterranean home or the abandoned but still evocative throne room of Athos, the last giant king. And I’d love to see kiddo’s interpretations of main characters including Misneach who is every bit as much a character as his master, Corman.
At just over 300 pages, it’s a bit longer than many of our Australian MG novels but don’t let that dissuade either you or your readers. I ate it up over two days because I was very much invested in it. I can guarantee that a First Chapter Friday will have kiddos begging for more before it’s a capture of the imagination from the get-go. And what a wonderful way to empower our young people to grow their empathy and to seek truth rather than swallowing what they are fed by politicians, stake-holders and media. Also, I really have to say it again – the number of extraordinarily talented MG writers to come out of Ireland is mind-blowing!!
It’s a very BIG 5 🧌🧌🚁🧌🧌rating for astute readers from 10 years upwards.
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