The Giant Smugglers
What’s inside...
After summer, Charlie Lawson expects to go back to the boredom of middle school, but he stumbles on an abandoned warehouse where he befriends a twenty-foot-tall teenage giant. When thirteen-year-old Charlie Lawson discovers a giant (yes, a real GIANT) hiding in an abandoned warehouse, he finds himself in the middle of a doctor's evil plot to capture these harmless, gentle creatures and harvest their growth hormones. On the other side of this fight, a small secret group of humans tries to help the giants, particularly Bruce, from being exposed. Charlie joins them to fight for what is right, but more than that, he just wants his friend Bruce to be free of being anyone's guinea pig.
Age
9-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the actions of Charlie and Thomas demonstrate bravery? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
What do you think the giants represent in this story? Why do you think the author chose giants?
What would you have done if you were in Charlie and Thomas's shoes when faced with a giant?
How did the relationship between Charlie and his brother evolve through the story? Why is it important to have someone to trust during challenging times?
What did you learn about friendship and loyalty from the adventures of Charlie and Thomas?
Tip: Role play these questions
Engage your child by actively listening to their answers and showing genuine interest in their thoughts. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their perspective. Praise their creativity and encourage them to relate the story's events and themes to their own experiences. This not only deepens comprehension but also enhances the bonding experience through shared conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: In 'The Giant Smugglers', the protagonists, Charlie and Thomas, demonstrate courage as they encounter and navigate the challenges of protecting a giant. Their bravery in facing the unknown emphasizes the value of courage.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by standing up for what they believe in and facing their fears, whether it's trying something new or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the journey, the bond between Charlie and Thomas grows stronger as they rely on each other. This highlights how friendships can provide support and strength in difficult times.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining friendships, and how having supportive friends can help overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The story conveys that every choice made by the characters leads to certain outcomes, illustrating the cause and effect nature of their decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think about the potential consequences of their actions before making decisions, fostering responsibility and foresight.
Example Lesson: Empathy for others
Explanation: Charlie and Thomas show empathy towards the giant, understanding and sharing his feelings despite his differences. This teaches the importance of seeing situations from others' perspectives.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy in their daily interactions, helping them to connect with peers who may seem different from them, and to foster inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The characters often find themselves in tricky situations which they have to creatively navigate. This aspect underscores the significance of problem-solving and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination and critical thinking skills to solve problems they encounter at home or in school.