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A review by popthebutterfly
If We Were Giants by Clete Barrett Smith, Dave Matthews
4.0
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc and a copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: If We Were Giants
Author: Dave Matthews, Clete Barrett Smith
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 12+ (death, scary moments, kidnapping, environmental activism)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Kirra, a curious, agile, and outgoing girl, lives in an idyllic community hidden inside a dormant volcano. She and her father are the only two people allowed to venture beyond its walls. Kirra is in training to become a Storyteller like him, and together they travel from village to village spreading fearsome tales designed to keep outsiders away from their secret nest. One day, after hearing rumors of strangers called the "Takers," Kirra leaves the volcano by herself, hoping to discover her own story. But she unknowingly leads the Takers back to her doorstep, and they rob her of everything she has ever held dear. A devastated Kirra is found by a boy named Luwan and adopted into his family, which lives among others high in the trees of a dense forest. Now quiet and withdrawn, Kirra hides her dark past from everyone and never wants to leave the safety of her tree dwelling. Luwan, on the other hand, loves to explore. One day it leads to trouble: He is captured while spying on a group of strangers. The Takers have returned. To save the Tree Folk, Kirra must face her inner demons and summon all her storytelling to weave the most important tale of her life. This compelling novel about overcoming loss, embracing community, and living in harmony with nature is highlighted with a full-color insert of concept artwork, making it perfect for family sharing.
Review: I thought this was a beautiful story about social activism. The book did well to convey the message of the importance of our environment and can be read by children and adults alike. The book was also well written and had amazing character development.
However, I did find that the world building could have been a bit better. Also, the pacing wanes a bit and the time skipping is a bit weird in places.
Verdict: A well done novel that’ll make you appreciate nature.
Book: If We Were Giants
Author: Dave Matthews, Clete Barrett Smith
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 12+ (death, scary moments, kidnapping, environmental activism)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Kirra, a curious, agile, and outgoing girl, lives in an idyllic community hidden inside a dormant volcano. She and her father are the only two people allowed to venture beyond its walls. Kirra is in training to become a Storyteller like him, and together they travel from village to village spreading fearsome tales designed to keep outsiders away from their secret nest. One day, after hearing rumors of strangers called the "Takers," Kirra leaves the volcano by herself, hoping to discover her own story. But she unknowingly leads the Takers back to her doorstep, and they rob her of everything she has ever held dear. A devastated Kirra is found by a boy named Luwan and adopted into his family, which lives among others high in the trees of a dense forest. Now quiet and withdrawn, Kirra hides her dark past from everyone and never wants to leave the safety of her tree dwelling. Luwan, on the other hand, loves to explore. One day it leads to trouble: He is captured while spying on a group of strangers. The Takers have returned. To save the Tree Folk, Kirra must face her inner demons and summon all her storytelling to weave the most important tale of her life. This compelling novel about overcoming loss, embracing community, and living in harmony with nature is highlighted with a full-color insert of concept artwork, making it perfect for family sharing.
Review: I thought this was a beautiful story about social activism. The book did well to convey the message of the importance of our environment and can be read by children and adults alike. The book was also well written and had amazing character development.
However, I did find that the world building could have been a bit better. Also, the pacing wanes a bit and the time skipping is a bit weird in places.
Verdict: A well done novel that’ll make you appreciate nature.