Book Review: I Kill Giants by J. Kelly et al.

I Kill Giants written by Joe Kelly and art and design by Ken Niimura

Barbara is a fairly unlikeable kid who is rude and inconsiderate to both her fellow students and her high school teachers, even the school counselor. She feels justified in her behavior because she has a higher calling--she kills giants and is going to protect everyone from the giant headed their way. No one believes her and she has no friends at school, though she manages to make one friend out of a newcomer. Her home life is equally bad. Her older sister cooks and cleans and works while her brother does little to help out. Barbara doesn't really help out either. She is doing a lot of research (mostly through Dungeons and Dragons manuals). Her attitude does shift as she deals with her new friend, the school counselor, and some school bullies. But not without some cost.

The book successfully blends Barbara's adolescent fantasy with her actual reality. A lot more is going on in the story then the first few chapters let on. She does come to a better place by the end of the book, but I almost quit reading after the first few chapters. I already knew about the secret (I haven't seen the movie version but heard enough to be spoiled) so I toughed it out and did come to admire the story. It reaffirms a rather obvious truth but does so sincerely. The art has an adolescent feel that works with the story.

Mildly recommended.