Title: The Jackal and the Giant
By: Braden McElroy and Barb Lilland
ASIN#B00B2X2L0G
Review Date: March 27, 2013
Christian Book Review
10.0 out of 10.0 stars
The Jackal and the Giant (The Spirithaven Adventures) by Braden McElroy and Barb Lilland, is the second book in The Spirithaven Adventures series that captures young audiences with a fantasy novel of adventure, intrigue, speaking faith into young adults and tweens by brilliantly tackling the subject of bullying through this imaginative tale of a young boy named Seth.
Seth is a boy who is experiencing yet another move to a new school. He’s quite aware of his place in the social class of his school and the so-called “packs.” His only recourse for survival is developing places of escape from bullying, which he hides from everyday. He has nineteen places of refuge and unfortunately his number seventeen hiding place has been discovered and there is nothing left to do but run. He finds himself entering another dimension through a secret hidden entrance in a hedge that leads to a magical dimension and begins a journey of a lifetime as he befriends a giant named “El.”
This novel is an inventive tale of a young boy that offers tweens and young adults alike another way of reacting to bullying. The authors present a delightful, entertaining and heart-warming character in a friendship that buds between Seth and his tormentor. The reader will be kept on the edge of their seat through the use of descriptive scenery and dialogue that keeps the story alive. The subject of bullying throughout this story is one that will find it’s way into many youth’s hearts, as most have not escaped some sort of ridicule during their young years.
Finding faith in God and inner strength is a theme based throughout the book that gives kids courage to overcome the obstacles of life and bullying. This is a highly recommended read for kids experiencing loneliness, change and/or bullying. The book brilliantly displays that turning to the Lord is an inner journey, one that cannot be shaken or taken from them.
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