Book details
The Giant-Slayer
Description
In the spring of 1955, Laurie Valentine uses her storytelling gifts to transport polio-afflicted children into a fantastic world. When her friend Dickie contracts polio and is confined to an iron lung, Laurie visits him in the hospital and meets Carolyn and Chip, who are also in iron lungs. Initially wanting to flee, Laurie stays at Dickie's request and begins a story about Collosso, a giant, and Jimmy, a giant slayer. As Laurie's tale unfolds with gnomes, unicorns, and gryphons, the children see themselves as characters in her story. Laurie's tale becomes so captivating that when she can't continue, Dickie, Carolyn, and Chip take turns narrating, bringing the story to a transformative conclusion for everyone in the polio ward.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
224 pages
Why to read
- Engaging Storytelling: 'The Giant-Slayer' by Iain Lawrence is known for its captivating narrative that weaves together adventure, fantasy, and historical elements, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
- Rich Characters: The book features a diverse cast of well-developed characters, each with their own unique personalities and backgrounds, allowing readers to form deep connections and empathize with their journeys.
- Themes of Courage and Friendship: The story explores profound themes such as the courage to face one's fears and the importance of friendship, providing valuable lessons and insights for readers of all ages.
- Imaginative Setting: Lawrence creates a vivid and imaginative world within the story, blending the reality of the 1950s polio epidemic with a fantastical realm, offering an escape into a richly detailed and thought-provoking setting.