The Giant From the Fire Sea

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Once in a while I meet a book that totally surprises me. The Giant from the Fire Sea is one such book. The premise didn’t intrigue me, but once I started reading, I very much wanted to know what was going to happen with Jat and Newton.

What I am Reviewing

The Giant from the Fire Sea.
John Himmelman
Jeff Himmelman (illustrator)
Henry Holt and Co.
Trade Paperback, 256 pages, 8-11 years.
Friendship, bullying, coming of age,
Reviewed for Raincoast Books.

Jat is a boy who wants more from life than collecting coal from the Fire Sea.
Newton is a misfit giant, cast out of his homeland for his love of science and reading.
Brought together by chance, the two become the best of friends. But when enemy giants threaten to ruin everything, it’s up to Jat and Newton to defend Jat’s village, leading to the journey of a lifetime.

My Review

I don’t know why I put off reading The Giant from the Fire Sea, after all. my lad kept asking me what it was about. Maybe I was trying to wait him out? He knows he can read my review books. Anyways, once I started it, I had this need to finish it. I was glad that I did.

Jat and Newton make an unlikely pair of friends. Like all friends they need to learn when to stay out of each other’s business AND when to get right in the middle of it. Their determination to do what is right and to stick together was excellent.

I loved the development of the characters, watching how they matured through difficult times. The bad characters were a mixed lot, which honestly surprised me. It’s SO good to be surprised in a book, especially one meant for the younger years.

Some bad things happen, but nothing I think that should alarm your average upper elementary youth. The story sets itself up nicely for a sequel which, I think, would be interesting to read. I have questions I want answered.

I liked the illustrations that introduced each chapter. They fit, sometimes rather sadly, but were appropriate for the chapter. Overall, an excellent book for upper elementary students. Some laughter, a good story, with children making friends and learning how to be good friends.