Giant

by Nicola Skinner

From critically acclaimed author Nicola Skinner comes her most brilliant book yet – a daring, thrilling, darkly comic story about staying true to yourself, and to the people you love, even if that means tearing everything down . . .



There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Minnie’s island. Nothing, that is, apart from the earthquakes, which pull buildings and schools and houses down on a regular basis.


Luckily, the island’s inhabitants have found a way to fix their crumbling walls: giants. Giants look after human children, like eleven-year-old Minnie. When Minnie turns twelve, she’ll kiss her giant, turning her into a stone statue forever. The stone will be used to repair buildings. And there’s nothing wrong with that either . . . or so Minnie thinks.


But when a dreadful earthquake strikes, Minnie realises she’s not quite ready to say goodbye to her giant – not forever – not yet. So Minnie goes on the run, betraying her parents and everyone she knows. The secrets she uncovers on her journey threaten to pull everything down: and so begins a desperate race against time in which she will confront the truth about her island, her giant . . . and ultimately herself.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2022

About the author

I started my writing career aged nine when my mum gave me a WHSmith diary and from then on I was hooked. I decided that the only thing worth doing in my life was writing and that one day, very soon, I'd write books.

I studied English Literature and Film and Television Studies at Glasgow University. I still think back with amazement that I got part of my degree by watching films. Seriously, what a gig. I once wrote an entire essay about the symbolism of staircases in the films of Douglas Sirk. Those were the days.

After graduating, I worked in loads of different jobs, from barwork to copywriting, and as time went on, I'd wonder - when was that book-writing going to happen? It had been three decades. I mean, come on. Oh, and also, when was someone going to ask me about the symbolism of staircases in the films of Douglas Sirk?

Then in the summer of 2015, when my four year old daughter blew a dandelion at my head , I had a sudden idea for a story that I couldn't stop thinking about. And that was Bloom.

Writers that have influenced me include: Roald Dahl, Stephen King, Sue Townsend, Helen Fielding, Louise Fitzhugh and Frank Cottrell Boyce, with a special nod to Jim Davis (creator of 'Garfield'.)

Reviews

[Amy (Golden Books Girl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Nicola Skinner’s fourth book, which is arguably a little bit darker than her others, and it follows a girl named Minnie who lives on an island where every child has their own giant as a servant, until they are twelve and they must kiss their giant so they can be turned to stone and used to repair the damage caused to the island by the chronic earthquakes. I loved Minnie’s love for her giant Speck, and the rebellion it inspires within her and others to change the fates of their giants. Minnie is so brave in the way she stands up for what she believes in, and I loved the secondary cast too, most especially Twist the jackal. There were some great surprises in the second half as well, and I loved the part where we got to meet some giants who don’t comply with the islands’ rather barbarian rules. Nicola Skinner is undoubtedly one of my favourite authors at the moment, and I will be eagerly awaiting her next utterly original and entirely entertaining book, for sure.

[BookLoverLily · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Nicola Skinner’s books are great,and this is the best one yet. My mum read Bloom by her, and she says Bloom is wonderful. I agree. My mum is about to read this delightful book that is exceptionally brilliant. A story that is filled with surprises and kindness. Wow,wow,wow! Me am amazed!!! Especially the part when Minnie turns into a……….! Not spoiling it for others. Well, I kind of am right now, because I told you that she turned into something. Oops 😬. All well.

[Sophie Bernie]

I read this book about a year ago and after I finished it I put it to the back of my mind, like most other books I read. But the other night, I rewatched “The Help” for the millionth time and it reminded me of this book. Each child gets a “giant” to see them through their childhood and it reflects that of the help. The help looks after children and most children turn out just like their parents for generations. In “Giant”, this is very similar.

[UWE Primary English Team]

Leah: A mesmerising read that transports you to another world. A wonderful read aloud for Year 4 upwards that tackles some hard themes - totalitarianism, social inequality, misinformation. Can't recommend this enough! Great to recommend to confident readers in Year 5/6 who are interested in stories set in other worlds (Harry Potter fans perhaps?)

[Renata · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, unique story with a lovely message. It was slow, though. There wasn't much world-building and the book is BIG but I don't feel like there was enough to fill the pages. I wouldn't suggest this for a hesitant reader as it doesn't take hold and refuse to let go. It takes effort to come back but I'm glad I did.

[bulb · Rating 5 out of 5]

genuinely think every child should read this. this is a very light read and a good exercise on questioning authority and whatever doctrines & rules you have been told your whole life.

[Flo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turn your giant to stone with a simple kiss…

Giants are used as slaves in Minnie’s world
She fails to attend her own goodbye ceremony.
She runs away to the mountains of no go.

Great book I recommend
;)

[Adam Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giant by Nicola Skinner is another mesmerising children’s book. That transports you to another world.

Minnie has a giant as a servant. Speck, so-called, because she is quite a small giant. Minnie has been brought up to believe the giants are bad and dangerous and that they must be kept in submission because otherwise, everything she knows will be shattered. But Minnie loves Speck, and to prevent Speck from being petrified (yes, the giants become stone when the children are old enough), she runs away and discovers the truth about the place she lives in and the people and giants that surround her.

I also found the story quite sad in some places but in a charming way. Anyone who likes stories where injustice is confronted, and someone brave steps up to help (even in a way she doesn’t expect to) will love this book. The illustrations were spectacular, like Skinner’s other work, and I am excited to read more!

[Isla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautiful book was emotional, captivating and yet, I feel somehow disappointed. Compared to other books by Nicola Skinner, this one covers more issues, but in my opinion does it in an overly childish way. I really enjoyed the mystery and suspense and thought the author did a great job of winding it all up. The final ending on the other hand, was weak and underwhelming. It felt like the author used all her energy on the overly cluttered plot, the ending just an afterthought. Apart from a few flaws, I much enjoyed the breathtaking world Nicola Skinner has created, and many of the characters living there: the loyalty of Twist, resilience of Robin and my favourite character of all, Speck. Overall, it was an enjoyable read but one that might more suitable for younger readers.

[-ˏˋ D ˊˎ- · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Child,
Having a giant as your servant is an honor.
But it is also a big responsibility.
You will be paired with your giant until you turn twelve, when you will kiss them, turning them into stone to rebuild our island.
Sadness is not permitted at the Goodbye ceremony.
Remember: they are not your family.
You may feel fondness for your giant, but you must not mistake that for love.

FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT THE
GIANT MANAGEMENT COMPANY

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

ADORABLE BOOK! I am an animal lover and I’m SO HAPPY that the jackal survived. So so so very cute! Loved it.