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Reviews
If We Were Giants by Clete Barrett Smith, Quentin Regnes, Dave Matthews, Antonio Javier Caparo
des_williams's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
phyrre's review against another edition
4.0
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
Many thanks to RockStar Book Tour and Disney-Hyperion for a finished copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
When I saw this was co-written by Dave Matthews, I figured it was a Dave Matthews, not the Dave Matthews. It’s not often that I’m happy to be wrong, but this was definitely one of those times.
If We Were Giants is a gorgeous coming-of-age tale of a young girl with PTSD who learns to overcome her fear of the past to embrace the possibility of a new future. Guaranteed to unravel a few heartstrings along the way.
I was honestly expecting a little more action going into this, and there was some, but where the book really shines is the struggle and growth in the characters. The message of the story was every bit as beautiful as the world that Matthews and Smith paint. I for sure wouldn’t mind a visit there.
My Thoughts:
- The story opens on Kirra’s father, a storyteller, and Kirra learning to follow in his footsteps, and the narrative unfolds as Kirra finds the strength to tell her own story. This was such a freaking powerful thing. I’ve always been a fan of this sort of structure, especially since when you come from a broken background, telling your story is freaking hard. It takes courage and strength and all sorts of things that are difficult to discover in yourself, and Kirra is no exception. This is definitely more of a character-driven book, and the plot sometimes feels absent or takes a back seat to the character growth. I do like how the arc turned out in the end. It was a bit slow in some places getting there, but the ride was worth it, and there was a definite payoff.
- This story is chock full of amazing kids doing amazing things … but most of all, being able to dream big. Middle grade is rife with books where kids save the day, as you might expect, and this is no exception. But gosh was it so easy to root for these kids. What I loved about this is that these kids don’t have superpowers or magic or anything like that. So what do they use to save their people? Their brains. What an amazing thing. Even more than that, the kids end up being empowered to just do the things they love, and once they embrace that, the saving the day part becomes so much easier.
- In this, Kirra suffers from PTSD and panic attacks, and I thought this was handled in a very thoughtful manner. Mostly, Kirra practices avoidance, staying away from what she calls Memory Traps—things that evoke a strong reminder of her family or anything that happened previously. When she can’t avoid the Memory Traps, though, she has a major panic attack. While I have experience with neither, so I can’t really comment on how true they are to real life, I appreciated the recognition of Kirra’s trauma and her familiar avoidance patterns.
- There are so many poignant lessons in this that can bridge into some really important discussions with middle-grade readers. I would even suggest it’d make for a good classroom or group read, to launch into some discussion points. The lessons in it are fairly universal, too. As I was reading, it was just so easy to see where some amazing discussions could be had, and I was actually curious about a mid-grader’s point of view on some of the events.
Sticking Points:
- This is totally a me thing, but ugh, open endings in standalones drive me bonkers. I’m a nosy little onion who wants to know what happens next, dang it. I want a clean break, especially with a standalone, since I know this will be the one and only time I get to fall into this world, and I don’t want that incessant niggling of, well, what’s next? There is no next. That’s it. You have to fill in the rest of the blanks yourself. Some people love open endings, and if you do, this ending will work really well for you, because the implications were amazing and there’s so much that can be done with them. It’s just really not my thing.
Many thanks to RockStar Book Tour and Disney-Hyperion for a finished copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
When I saw this was co-written by Dave Matthews, I figured it was a Dave Matthews, not the Dave Matthews. It’s not often that I’m happy to be wrong, but this was definitely one of those times.
If We Were Giants is a gorgeous coming-of-age tale of a young girl with PTSD who learns to overcome her fear of the past to embrace the possibility of a new future. Guaranteed to unravel a few heartstrings along the way.
I was honestly expecting a little more action going into this, and there was some, but where the book really shines is the struggle and growth in the characters. The message of the story was every bit as beautiful as the world that Matthews and Smith paint. I for sure wouldn’t mind a visit there.
My Thoughts:
- The story opens on Kirra’s father, a storyteller, and Kirra learning to follow in his footsteps, and the narrative unfolds as Kirra finds the strength to tell her own story. This was such a freaking powerful thing. I’ve always been a fan of this sort of structure, especially since when you come from a broken background, telling your story is freaking hard. It takes courage and strength and all sorts of things that are difficult to discover in yourself, and Kirra is no exception. This is definitely more of a character-driven book, and the plot sometimes feels absent or takes a back seat to the character growth. I do like how the arc turned out in the end. It was a bit slow in some places getting there, but the ride was worth it, and there was a definite payoff.
- This story is chock full of amazing kids doing amazing things … but most of all, being able to dream big. Middle grade is rife with books where kids save the day, as you might expect, and this is no exception. But gosh was it so easy to root for these kids. What I loved about this is that these kids don’t have superpowers or magic or anything like that. So what do they use to save their people? Their brains. What an amazing thing. Even more than that, the kids end up being empowered to just do the things they love, and once they embrace that, the saving the day part becomes so much easier.
- In this, Kirra suffers from PTSD and panic attacks, and I thought this was handled in a very thoughtful manner. Mostly, Kirra practices avoidance, staying away from what she calls Memory Traps—things that evoke a strong reminder of her family or anything that happened previously. When she can’t avoid the Memory Traps, though, she has a major panic attack. While I have experience with neither, so I can’t really comment on how true they are to real life, I appreciated the recognition of Kirra’s trauma and her familiar avoidance patterns.
- There are so many poignant lessons in this that can bridge into some really important discussions with middle-grade readers. I would even suggest it’d make for a good classroom or group read, to launch into some discussion points. The lessons in it are fairly universal, too. As I was reading, it was just so easy to see where some amazing discussions could be had, and I was actually curious about a mid-grader’s point of view on some of the events.
Sticking Points:
- This is totally a me thing, but ugh, open endings in standalones drive me bonkers. I’m a nosy little onion who wants to know what happens next, dang it. I want a clean break, especially with a standalone, since I know this will be the one and only time I get to fall into this world, and I don’t want that incessant niggling of, well, what’s next? There is no next. That’s it. You have to fill in the rest of the blanks yourself. Some people love open endings, and if you do, this ending will work really well for you, because the implications were amazing and there’s so much that can be done with them. It’s just really not my thing.
jnmfly's review against another edition
5.0
I’ll admit it: I got this book because Dave Matthews’ name was on the cover. I had no idea what it was about and quite frankly, didn’t care! I. LOVED. This. Book. I blew through 300 pages in essentially a day, and I am a SLOW reader. After having read it, I’m still not entirely sure what I would say it is about if someone asked... It is one of those books that has a surface level story for younger readers but a lot of deeper themes like trauma, loss, guilt, inner strength, identity... wow.
cc_shelflove's review against another edition
5.0
Yes, it’s exactly what you’re thinking... THAT Dave Matthews.
The tale follows Kirra, a young girl who lives in the wilderness. When her community is attacked by a group of Takers, she is faced with unending guilt and despair. How can she make things right while continuing to honor everything she has lost? We learn a lot about forming relationships, respecting others, and speaking out. I will be interested to see whether Disney decides to develop this into a film.
The recommended age range of 8-12 seemed appropriate.
The tale follows Kirra, a young girl who lives in the wilderness. When her community is attacked by a group of Takers, she is faced with unending guilt and despair. How can she make things right while continuing to honor everything she has lost? We learn a lot about forming relationships, respecting others, and speaking out. I will be interested to see whether Disney decides to develop this into a film.
The recommended age range of 8-12 seemed appropriate.
nixieish's review against another edition
4.0
I’m having such a hard time finding the words to convey just how beautiful this story is. Many important themes and elements are present but they’re woven so intricately under the surface of the story that you feel them more than read them.
There’s the importance of family and community and working together and finding common ground. Loss and devastation but also unifying forces to stop the spread of destruction and protecting your homeland. There’s PTSD, finding your own way, and standing your ground. Making your place in the world and letting your voice be heard. This story has so much courage and conviction. So much listening, acceptance, and encouragement. It’s all here. And none of this is ever presented as a message, it simply *IS*. It’s showing by example and that makes it feel all the more real and important.
This would be the perfect book for parents to read with their children as it not only allows for open discussion but makes for a fun story in general.
*Thank you so much to Disney Hyperion and Netgalley for a chance to read this ARC.
There’s the importance of family and community and working together and finding common ground. Loss and devastation but also unifying forces to stop the spread of destruction and protecting your homeland. There’s PTSD, finding your own way, and standing your ground. Making your place in the world and letting your voice be heard. This story has so much courage and conviction. So much listening, acceptance, and encouragement. It’s all here. And none of this is ever presented as a message, it simply *IS*. It’s showing by example and that makes it feel all the more real and important.
This would be the perfect book for parents to read with their children as it not only allows for open discussion but makes for a fun story in general.
*Thank you so much to Disney Hyperion and Netgalley for a chance to read this ARC.
faydrastratton's review against another edition
5.0
I read this aloud to my 10yo. He has #fragilex and doesn't read at this level on his own, but he stayed interested even though this is longer than what we've read together before.
purplepenning's review against another edition
3.0
An incentive tale of courage, community, the power of storytelling, and the benefits of living in harmony and balance with natural resources and others. The writing is clear and simple, but the themes and some of the content are fairly mature. And some of the plot points and mechanics didn't quite make sense to me. Overall, though, a solid fantasy adventure for middle graders.
Content notes: marauding destructive colonizers, torture, war, loss of family, emotional trauma and depiction of PTSD symptoms
Content notes: marauding destructive colonizers, torture, war, loss of family, emotional trauma and depiction of PTSD symptoms
booknerd82's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not usually a middle grade fantasy reader but I AM a Dave Matthews lover. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised to have enjoyed this book immensely. The character development and general theme of people working together for the greater good warmed my heart. I enjoyed all three parts of the story but the storyline of the families that lived in the trees was my favorite. I feel like the ending lends itself to a sequel, so I am keeping my fingers crossed for that!