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Giant
Davy was too old for make-believe. Then he met Jacks.
A fictionalised exploration of the childhood of CS Lewis
Davy, a working-class boy living in East Belfast in 1908, is sent to work at the wealthy Lewis household. When he meets Jacks – the name by which CS Lewis was known to friends and family – Davy is captivated by his friend’s world of books and stories. Together the boys plunge into imagining and adventuring, and Davy discovers his own artistic talent. But when Davy is offered a job at the shipyard, and Jacks’s mother falls gravely ill, their wondrous days of make-believe seem numbered. Will they lose their extraordinary shared world forever?
180 pages, Hardcover
Published June 3, 2025
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241 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 1, 2026
This was such a lovely book! So well-crafted and the insight into C. S. "Jacks" Lewis' life from this perspective was brilliant. As the author also has roots in Ireland, I greatly appreciated the way she wove in Irish folklore and other historical pieces. Would recommend and am looking forward to sharing this book with my kids!
November 17, 2025
Giant is a short, straightforward novel with a single narrative from the perspective of a friend of a young C.S. Lewis. The heartwarming themes, likable characters, and historical setting all made for a very satisfying read. But I also enjoyed the natural, almost conversational writing style and carefully paced plot, making this a great choice for newly independent readers.
I’m sure this will appeal to C.S. Lewis fans, so I do want to mention that that isn’t how I would describe myself. Whether or not you know who Jacks grows up to be, you can enjoy this story. And it’s really one that parents can enjoy alongside their children.
Part of me felt like this was four stars…maybe the length? I wanted a little more development for the adult characters and at times thought a second narrative from Jacks’s perspective would have improved it. But I think McQuiod was very intentional in keeping the story focused so tightly; this could actually be a great discussion. I bought a copy for my 9 year old son—so I think that’s means it’s five stars!
I’m sure this will appeal to C.S. Lewis fans, so I do want to mention that that isn’t how I would describe myself. Whether or not you know who Jacks grows up to be, you can enjoy this story. And it’s really one that parents can enjoy alongside their children.
Part of me felt like this was four stars…maybe the length? I wanted a little more development for the adult characters and at times thought a second narrative from Jacks’s perspective would have improved it. But I think McQuiod was very intentional in keeping the story focused so tightly; this could actually be a great discussion. I bought a copy for my 9 year old son—so I think that’s means it’s five stars!
July 14, 2025
3.5 stars
Davey comes from a poor Irish family. His mother works as a maid at the Lewis household, and when he comes to help with her work, he befriends a young C.S. Lewis, nicknamed Jacks. The boys bond over their love of stories and imaginative play. Jacks likes to write stories and Davey illustrates them with drawings and sketches. However, circumstances separate the boys when Davey has to take a dangerous job at the shipyard and Jacks is sent off to boarding school in England. Can their friendship survive despite their different paths in life?
I liked this sweet story of friendship! The story is really emotional and inspiring, and the plot is slow and thoughtful.
I love that Davey is inspired to dream of a life beyond the poor drudgery his parents have had. He dares to have hope that his life could change and that gives him courage to continue with his drawing and develop his talents.
Jacks is portrayed as a gentle and sensitive boy who has a wonderful imagination. He takes Davey along in his flights of fancy and they play together that they are knights fighting off dragons, or that they are hiding from a phoenix or a magician. Those scenes when they pretend were really sweet, especially because Davey took their play to heart and it gives him courage later on to make big decisions in his life.
Many of the people in society around them look at the boys askance, seeing Davey with holes in his shoes and Jacks with fancy clothes. Davey's mother keeps reminding him that they are not meant to be freely socializing with "their betters". She worries that they could lose their jobs if they are thought to be too impertinent or disrespectful.
However, the boys have such a deep connection that they ignore the weird looks they get. Jacks relies on Davey's friendship when Jack's mother becomes ill with cancer. Davey can't get enough of Jacks' stories and books, because they give him something to hope for.
This book has been screened on the Screen It First website, because it includes a couple of deaths of minor characters. https://screenitfirst.com/book/giant-...
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a free and honest review.
Davey comes from a poor Irish family. His mother works as a maid at the Lewis household, and when he comes to help with her work, he befriends a young C.S. Lewis, nicknamed Jacks. The boys bond over their love of stories and imaginative play. Jacks likes to write stories and Davey illustrates them with drawings and sketches. However, circumstances separate the boys when Davey has to take a dangerous job at the shipyard and Jacks is sent off to boarding school in England. Can their friendship survive despite their different paths in life?
I liked this sweet story of friendship! The story is really emotional and inspiring, and the plot is slow and thoughtful.
I love that Davey is inspired to dream of a life beyond the poor drudgery his parents have had. He dares to have hope that his life could change and that gives him courage to continue with his drawing and develop his talents.
Jacks is portrayed as a gentle and sensitive boy who has a wonderful imagination. He takes Davey along in his flights of fancy and they play together that they are knights fighting off dragons, or that they are hiding from a phoenix or a magician. Those scenes when they pretend were really sweet, especially because Davey took their play to heart and it gives him courage later on to make big decisions in his life.
Many of the people in society around them look at the boys askance, seeing Davey with holes in his shoes and Jacks with fancy clothes. Davey's mother keeps reminding him that they are not meant to be freely socializing with "their betters". She worries that they could lose their jobs if they are thought to be too impertinent or disrespectful.
However, the boys have such a deep connection that they ignore the weird looks they get. Jacks relies on Davey's friendship when Jack's mother becomes ill with cancer. Davey can't get enough of Jacks' stories and books, because they give him something to hope for.
This book has been screened on the Screen It First website, because it includes a couple of deaths of minor characters. https://screenitfirst.com/book/giant-...
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a free and honest review.
August 19, 2025
Full review here: https://dearstrangethings.substack.co...
December 3, 2025
Heartwarming fictional story of friendship between C S Lewis and a character named Davy, the son of the Lewis family's maid, set in early 20th century Belfast. Recreates the setting in a way that will be relatable by the middle grade audience it is intended for, including the harsh realities of child labor in the shipyard and the untimely death of Jacks Lewis' mother. Nice list of recommended reading at the end, all titles were mentioned somewhere in the story. I also loved a few mentions of a lamppost and a wardrobe in the story 😉 Well done, the author's first novel. I look forward to reading more of her work.
October 15, 2025
A very sweet story with two precious main characters. Focuses more on Davy than Jacks, and I would have preferred more time with Jacks. A bit dialogue-heavy for my taste; I would have preferred more immersive details or descriptions to make me feel like I was in Belfast, or more descriptive scenes with their make-believe adventures. But it has a great moral/message for young readers and I learned elements of Lewis’ childhood I didn’t know previously.
July 17, 2025
What worked:
Davy and his mother become the primary moneymakers for their family, since the father can no longer work in the steel mill. Mother works for the Lewis family, and she expects Davy to work hard too. She isn’t pleased when Mrs. Lewis offers to pay Davy if he’ll play with her son, Jack. Davy is torn between the expectations of the two women. He enjoys playing with Jack but knows he’s not doing more laborious chores. Davy and Jack come from two very different backgrounds, so their days of friendship may be numbered. People in public make disparaging comments when the boys are together, and Davy’s mother tells him their future friendship can’t last.
Jack (the future author C.S. Lewis) is an avid reader with an energetic spirit. His imagination is contagious, and Davy discovers his own creativity is waiting to burst out. Young readers will enjoy the inventive stories they share in Jack’s playroom and the adventures they act out on a day trip. They might duel with swords during an enemy invasion, chase a phoenix, or create mental images of giants roaming the countryside or seashore. Both boys are gifted storytellers, but Davy realizes he has a special talent for drawing. He’s shocked when Jack says some artists make big money from the pictures they create. The contrast between the boys’ worlds produces a conflict throughout the book.
Jack has always loved stories, and Davy discovers he loves them too. The author includes references to classic literature, drawing on the books on Jack’s shelf and selections at the local bookstore. This exposes young readers to titles they might not know and reminds other readers that you can’t beat the classics. The story includes historical references from the early 1900s. The most notable topic is the Titanic, as it’s being built in Davy’s shipyard.
What didn’t work as well:
This book emphasizes relationships over high drama or action. The plot’s not complicated, so readers will need to be prepared for emotions and feelings rather than suspense. This strategy isn’t bad, but it may require mental adjustments by young readers.
The final verdict:
This heart-warming book finds two young boys bonding over a mutual love for stories and illustrations. While it’s inspired by the early life of C.S. Lewis, Davy is the main focus, as he struggles to overcome expectations from his mother and society. Overall, I recommend you give it a shot.
Davy and his mother become the primary moneymakers for their family, since the father can no longer work in the steel mill. Mother works for the Lewis family, and she expects Davy to work hard too. She isn’t pleased when Mrs. Lewis offers to pay Davy if he’ll play with her son, Jack. Davy is torn between the expectations of the two women. He enjoys playing with Jack but knows he’s not doing more laborious chores. Davy and Jack come from two very different backgrounds, so their days of friendship may be numbered. People in public make disparaging comments when the boys are together, and Davy’s mother tells him their future friendship can’t last.
Jack (the future author C.S. Lewis) is an avid reader with an energetic spirit. His imagination is contagious, and Davy discovers his own creativity is waiting to burst out. Young readers will enjoy the inventive stories they share in Jack’s playroom and the adventures they act out on a day trip. They might duel with swords during an enemy invasion, chase a phoenix, or create mental images of giants roaming the countryside or seashore. Both boys are gifted storytellers, but Davy realizes he has a special talent for drawing. He’s shocked when Jack says some artists make big money from the pictures they create. The contrast between the boys’ worlds produces a conflict throughout the book.
Jack has always loved stories, and Davy discovers he loves them too. The author includes references to classic literature, drawing on the books on Jack’s shelf and selections at the local bookstore. This exposes young readers to titles they might not know and reminds other readers that you can’t beat the classics. The story includes historical references from the early 1900s. The most notable topic is the Titanic, as it’s being built in Davy’s shipyard.
What didn’t work as well:
This book emphasizes relationships over high drama or action. The plot’s not complicated, so readers will need to be prepared for emotions and feelings rather than suspense. This strategy isn’t bad, but it may require mental adjustments by young readers.
The final verdict:
This heart-warming book finds two young boys bonding over a mutual love for stories and illustrations. While it’s inspired by the early life of C.S. Lewis, Davy is the main focus, as he struggles to overcome expectations from his mother and society. Overall, I recommend you give it a shot.
August 6, 2025
What a lovely book! Very nearly five stars for me--even though I had some trepidation since it was in part a fictionalization of a real person's life. But it was very well done. Young Jacks Lewis was not far off from the way I'd imagine him based on his own writings, and as for Davy, I had so much empathy for him--and for his parents and his little sister.
Davy is twelve when his mother, who works as a maid at Little Lea in the suburbs of Belfast, brings him along in the hopes he might be able to earn something doing odd jobs. What Flora Lewis wants is for Davy to be a friend and companion to 9-year-old Jacks, who is lonely since his big brother Warnie is away at school. Through Jacks, Davy begins to recognize that he is a born artist--and according to his ma, to get ideas above his station. Boys like Davy are destined to work in the shipyards if they're lucky. And Davy's family needs money desperately--
What stood out for me here are the excellent characterizations. As an adult reader, I could see exactly where Davy's ma was coming from, even as I hoped Davy would defy her. I loved Flora Lewis, too--a wise and generous young woman battling cancer. But all the characters felt like real people, with the possible exception of the villain of the piece--and there are people like that, after all.
As an adult reader, I was just slightly frustrated by the time jumps. When Davy has to start working in the shipyards, we don't get much of that experience. Davy hates it, and we're told why, but as readers we're told as much as we're shown the reasons.
For those who think about these things, the religious divide doesn't come into the book at all. Davy, like Jacks, is clearly Protestant. The class division between the boys matters far more than any religious division.
This solid, warm, and humane book deserves a place in most libraries.
Davy is twelve when his mother, who works as a maid at Little Lea in the suburbs of Belfast, brings him along in the hopes he might be able to earn something doing odd jobs. What Flora Lewis wants is for Davy to be a friend and companion to 9-year-old Jacks, who is lonely since his big brother Warnie is away at school. Through Jacks, Davy begins to recognize that he is a born artist--and according to his ma, to get ideas above his station. Boys like Davy are destined to work in the shipyards if they're lucky. And Davy's family needs money desperately--
What stood out for me here are the excellent characterizations. As an adult reader, I could see exactly where Davy's ma was coming from, even as I hoped Davy would defy her. I loved Flora Lewis, too--a wise and generous young woman battling cancer. But all the characters felt like real people, with the possible exception of the villain of the piece--and there are people like that, after all.
As an adult reader, I was just slightly frustrated by the time jumps. When Davy has to start working in the shipyards, we don't get much of that experience. Davy hates it, and we're told why, but as readers we're told as much as we're shown the reasons.
For those who think about these things, the religious divide doesn't come into the book at all. Davy, like Jacks, is clearly Protestant. The class division between the boys matters far more than any religious division.
This solid, warm, and humane book deserves a place in most libraries.
June 15, 2025
Life for twelve-year-old Davy in 1908 is filled with work, with no room remaining for the fanciful dalliances of youth. No longer attending school, Davy is now responsible for working hard to generate sufficient income to keep his family out of the workhouse. When serendipity connects Davy with a well-off companion named Jacks, both boys are happy to have friendship to connect them across their disparate circumstances. And as they spend more time together, Davy begins to see that life is more complicated than he initially realized, and even money is not always enough to bring a person true happiness.Taking place in Ireland in the early 1900s, the narrative in this book appropriately reflects the pacing and speech of that time. Occasional Irish slang is coupled with a slow-paced, magical plot that is reminiscent of The Secret Garden in both design and delivery. Told in the third person from Davy’s perspective, the narrative offers readers the opportunity to observe plot points through the lens of a boy who desperately wants to do right by his family while still desiring to embrace the youthful exuberance he naturally has inside. A map at the beginning and a list of novels at the end support the connection readers can have to this book as well as to classic literature that embraces the concept of magic realism. This carefully crafted novel inspires the curiosity and imagination of middle grade readers while honoring the classic storytellers whose tales continue to thrive in contemporary culture. It is a positive addition to library collections for confident middle grade readers.
December 7, 2025
3.5 stars: I got this middle grade novel about C.S. Lewis as a boy for my 10 year old but ended up reading it for myself because I’m a sucker for anything to do with Lewis. The story centers around Lewis’s fictional friendship with Davy, the son of his family’s maid, and how the friendship changes both of their lives. It mostly follows Davy and his family’s story, with Jack’s story in the background.
I liked their friendship and the ways they supported each other and how they were friends despite different upbringings and situations. Seeing the impact of Lewis’s mother’s death on him was interesting and sad and made me think about The Magician’s Nephew. It’s a quiet, gentle novel.
But seeing as this is a fictional story about a real person’s life with real events from his life, I felt like the book needed a brief summary of Lewis’s life or some note about it being fictional. It does have a timeline of Lewis’s life but it mostly relates to his relationship with Ireland. This makes sense as the book was written by an Irish author and published by an Irish company, but a more general overview of Lewis’s life was needed. Narnia isn’t even mentioned except at the end in a list of books mentioned in the book (which did not actually mention it).
It’s a good story for getting a peak into what C.S. Lewis’s upbringing could have been like, but an actually biography might be better for learning about his life.
I liked their friendship and the ways they supported each other and how they were friends despite different upbringings and situations. Seeing the impact of Lewis’s mother’s death on him was interesting and sad and made me think about The Magician’s Nephew. It’s a quiet, gentle novel.
But seeing as this is a fictional story about a real person’s life with real events from his life, I felt like the book needed a brief summary of Lewis’s life or some note about it being fictional. It does have a timeline of Lewis’s life but it mostly relates to his relationship with Ireland. This makes sense as the book was written by an Irish author and published by an Irish company, but a more general overview of Lewis’s life was needed. Narnia isn’t even mentioned except at the end in a list of books mentioned in the book (which did not actually mention it).
It’s a good story for getting a peak into what C.S. Lewis’s upbringing could have been like, but an actually biography might be better for learning about his life.
September 3, 2025
This book for young readers would make an excellent read-aloud for homeschool families. I wanted to read it aloud just to feel the Irish phrases roll off my tongue.
McQuoid excellently creates a friendship for young C.S. Lewis which shows us life in Belfast for the well-to-do like the Lewis family and the hardworking lower class like Davy's family. I say she did it excellently because she described both lives with dignity.
I appreciated the historical tidbits shown in the periphery such as the death of Lewis' mother and the building of the Titanic. Ireland in the time of Lewis's childhood is now vivid and alive in my mind.
Well done. Will be recommending to friends with children and grandchildren.
McQuoid excellently creates a friendship for young C.S. Lewis which shows us life in Belfast for the well-to-do like the Lewis family and the hardworking lower class like Davy's family. I say she did it excellently because she described both lives with dignity.
I appreciated the historical tidbits shown in the periphery such as the death of Lewis' mother and the building of the Titanic. Ireland in the time of Lewis's childhood is now vivid and alive in my mind.
Well done. Will be recommending to friends with children and grandchildren.
October 18, 2025
A fictional account of C. S. ("Jacks") Lewis' boyhood in Ireland. A short, delightful novel for middle grades, appealing to both boys and girls. Listen to Sarah McKenzie's interview with the author (https://readaloudrevival.com/judith-m...) or watch it on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6VcB...). Or read another review by Sherry Early (https://www.semicolonblog.com/giant-b...).
March 25, 2025
A lovely and class-conscious story about the importance of imagination. As an adult mired in the realities of our crappy world, I had a lot of sympathy for Davy's mom, who tells him to get his nose out of books and focus on working. But even when hope and creativity don't exactly pay off (though they do here; it's a YA book after all), they still keep us going.
November 14, 2025
A great debut novel about the early life of C.S. Lewis. I really never knew his life in Ireland.
This historical fiction was perfect for my Narnia lovers.
Plus if you read it aloud you get to do a lovely Irish accent.
This historical fiction was perfect for my Narnia lovers.
Plus if you read it aloud you get to do a lovely Irish accent.
June 9, 2025
This made me love CS Lewis even more! What a journey of imagination into a period in his life no one talks about much. Just beautiful!
July 15, 2025
Wonderfully atmospheric. C.S. Lewis as a kid was just as I imagined he would be!
October 30, 2025
I picked this up on the heels of reading “Mythmakers” and enjoyed reading more about CS Lewis’ childhood through the fictional eyes of a friend.
November 21, 2025
This is a gentle story, but I didn’t find it particularly engaging. The story and the friendship just seemed a bit shallow.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews