Berg is a young, lonely giant whose greatest desire is to belong. However, town people are afraid of him and threaten him whenever they come in contact. All of that changes when he meets Anya, a young girl in a city of iron. A friendship forms as they deliver good dreams to the town’s people via a magical blue star dust. All the same, Berg is still a giant. Twists and turns occur as Berg determines how to interact with others, whom can he really trust, and what kind of giant he wants to be.
In this debut middle grade novel, Dustin Hansen eloquently creates a fairy-tale legend about giants with many talking points on deeper meanings. Text is broken up with graphics periodically that tell Berg’s dreams which parallel his real-life experiences. It is recommended for those who like legends, fantasy, books that erase misconceptions, or The BFG by Roald Dahl.
Review of an Advanced Reader’s Copy sent by Shadow Mountain
Content Review:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: There are many violent incidents throughout the book, but mostly towards the end.
Several threats of pitchforks, ropes with metal hooks, rocks, sticks with metal points, etc. Several references to pain from said objects and wounds from said objects. Blood from giant runs like river. Several instances of men being pulled up or thrown down while attached to ropes; Swarm of wasps leading to several wasp stings and accompanying pain; A few gunshots fired. One event of a gunshot wound and accompanying blood. Pain from retrieval of bullet with red hot pliers and accompanying blood; Destruction of gates, barns, metal cages, fences; Reference to people having seen terrible things, heard terrible things, and having bad dreams as a result; Reports of being chased by men with weapons and dogs with sharp teeth. Reports of being called names and having rocks and objects thrown at him; A drawn image of wolves attaching a bear. A drawn image of the bear dead in the snow; Report of the death of a parent. A few reports of men (trackers, soldiers, etc.) disappearing and their bones found. A few reports of children being stolen, sometimes being eaten or roasted over fires. One report of giants having bones of humans in stew. A few references of roasted animals that are eaten – rabbits, goats, etc. Implied report of giants setting fire to towns and destroying villages.
One extended scene involving threat to a minor, threat to giant, threat to other people. Hot coals being thrown at giant. Fire engulfing a circus tent with humans inside. Implied death of one main character via flames. Kicking, stabbing, strangling, picking up and throwing of people, digging through men, sharp hooked ropes digging into skin, spears, wounds, etc. Blast/explosion of fire. Report of another main character death due to wounds.
Sex/Nudity: None
Mature Themes:
Death, abandonment of minor, death of parent, threat of life.
Alcohol/Drug Use:
None
