Loved reading this book. Once the library ordered a copy I read it with my child; we had a few late nights!

This is a story about a girl told in three parts. The first part covers her life with her first family and the lessons she learned from her storytelling father and her secretive group of peaceful folk who live in a volcano and show respect for nature and her resources. Then, after a traumatic event, she is taken in by a family who lives in the trees and whose village as a whole are just as respectful and caring of natural resources as her first people. Eventually, Kirra has to revisit memories of her trauma and remember her storytelling talent to help her people come together as a community to fight for their lives and their land.

Written by the musician and humanitarian Dave Matthews, it is easy to read this in one sitting!

An adventurous girl makes a tragic mistake which leads to the destruction of her community. She is adopted into a different community but hides her story until the original threat reappears and she has to face her guilt and fears to make a difference with her new family.

If We Were Giants is an environmental, community-oriented middle grade book, with preachy overtones. When I try to summarize the story, it sounds rather absurd and patronizing. The novel is fine, but not something I'm going to get excited over, nor do I think children will.

This is a beautiful story with a message about the importance of our environment and social activism. The characters are well developed and the description of the natural world is beautifully woven throughout. The concept was fairly unique compared to anything I’ve read recently. I definitely recommend adding it to your collection for middle grade readers but I think it has a message that even adults would appreciate and benefit from reading about. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

If We Were Giants is a story about overcoming trauma and finding the courage to speak up, set in a beautiful forest. 10 year-old Kirra is the helper to her community’s storyteller, who also happens to be her father. They are the only ones allowed to leave the volcano that they call home, in order to spread stories meant to keep others far away from their community. Zedu has remained hidden and safe for generations, but when a new threat, the Takers, arrives, Kirra makes a decision that changes her life, and Zedu, forever.

We pick up four years later, when a 14 year-old Kirra is living with her adoptive family high in the trees, a part of a new community, the Tree Folk, which is much different than Zedu was. Where in Zedu everyone worked together for the good of the entire community, the Tree Folk keep to themselves and take care of their own families. Kirra has never revealed what brought her to the tree folk, but when the Takers reappear, she must tell her story to save her new family, no matter the consequences.

While this book never names what Kirra is going through as PTSD, that is pretty clearly what is happening to her once she has begun her life with the tree folk. I am always looking for books that accurately portray characters who have PTSD from a traumatic life experience other than war. This one does this, and it does it so well. Kirra has blocked out the memories of what the takers did to her, but still feels all of the guilt associated with it. She also has triggers, what she calls “memory traps,” that she is constantly working to avoid. And, when the takers reappear all of her memories come flooding back, putting her into an unresponsive state. The only thing really missing, is an actual diagnoses (so readers know what mental disorder they are learning about), but I can only expect so much from a novel set in a fictional world. What I love most about Kirra’s PTSD in this book, is how well she is supported by her family and friends. It is really beautiful, especially considering that the Tree Folk are not really a supportive community, so what they do for her goes against their nature.

I learned recently that this book is marketed as a fantasy, and while that makes sense to me now that I know, I never felt like I was reading a fantasy. Now for me, that was a really great thing, but if you are going into it expecting magic and unusual creatures, or even a brand new world, you might be disappointed. The setting of If We Were Giants, is a fictional world, yes, but it is heavily based on the laws of nature, so this world is very much the same as our world. The society is what is much different, but even so, it felt that the society (maybe societies) in the book are similar to what our societies were like in the past, or could return to in the future.

This is a middle grade book, and the ages of the main characters match that, but I think this book would actually be ideal for adults. I think kids will enjoy the adventure, but adults will fully comprehend the messages Matthews and Barrett Smith are sharing with us. Overall, this is a beautiful story about overcoming trauma, and coming together to protect your community.

Disclaimer: I received an e-arc and a copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: If We Were Giants

Author: Dave Matthews, Clete Barrett Smith

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 4/5

Publication Date: March 3, 2020

Genre: MG Fantasy

Recommended Age: 12+ (death, scary moments, kidnapping, environmental activism)

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Pages: 304

Amazon Link

Synopsis: Kirra, a curious, agile, and outgoing girl, lives in an idyllic community hidden inside a dormant volcano. She and her father are the only two people allowed to venture beyond its walls. Kirra is in training to become a Storyteller like him, and together they travel from village to village spreading fearsome tales designed to keep outsiders away from their secret nest. One day, after hearing rumors of strangers called the "Takers," Kirra leaves the volcano by herself, hoping to discover her own story. But she unknowingly leads the Takers back to her doorstep, and they rob her of everything she has ever held dear. A devastated Kirra is found by a boy named Luwan and adopted into his family, which lives among others high in the trees of a dense forest. Now quiet and withdrawn, Kirra hides her dark past from everyone and never wants to leave the safety of her tree dwelling. Luwan, on the other hand, loves to explore. One day it leads to trouble: He is captured while spying on a group of strangers. The Takers have returned. To save the Tree Folk, Kirra must face her inner demons and summon all her storytelling to weave the most important tale of her life. This compelling novel about overcoming loss, embracing community, and living in harmony with nature is highlighted with a full-color insert of concept artwork, making it perfect for family sharing.

Review: I thought this was a beautiful story about social activism. The book did well to convey the message of the importance of our environment and can be read by children and adults alike. The book was also well written and had amazing character development.

However, I did find that the world building could have been a bit better. Also, the pacing wanes a bit and the time skipping is a bit weird in places.

Verdict: A well done novel that’ll make you appreciate nature.

When a community of people living peacefully at the mouth of a volcano are discovered by “the takers” as a result of Kirra’s foiled plans, her village is annihilated., Kirra is left at a safe distance by her father, who goes back to help his people. He does not come back.

Truthfully, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but Dave Matthews has proven to be an intriguing storyteller. Between the vivid setting and a plot that provides just enough detail to maintain momentum, Matthews makes you care about Kirra and her banished memories. Will she ever see her family again? Will the takers destroy her adoptive family’s paradise in the trees?
Matthews gives his middle
grade audience a lot to think about. Themes of environmentalism, community, immigration and ignorance seem to parrot issues we face today. Though some aspects of the plot seemed to fall together a little too neatly, I will be adding this one to my collection for the kids craving adventure stories with deeper underlying messages.

This book is utterly wonderful! When you were a kid, did y0u ever imagine people living up in the trees or in the base of a volcano or some other place tucked away, hidden by nature? I know I did. Well, the authors of this book take that concept of hidden societies and imagine, what if those hidden worlds were in danger?

Kirra’s home has always been safe and peaceful, tucked away in a volcano. Her father’s stories of volcano demons have ensured that no one will find them. Until, one day, someone does. Takers come, and they destroy everything Kirra has ever known. She escapes to a society where everyone lives in the trees, and she blocks out everything from her past life, but nowhere is safe forever.

There is so much to love about this book—setting is incredibly important, and it’s imagined so vividly, it’s easy to imagine yourself right there, living in a volcano or in the very tops of the trees. Kirra is the type of character almost anyone can relate to. She has a sense of adventure and a curiosity to her. But after her world is destroyed she’s quenched all those old instincts. I found myself connecting to Kirra almost instantly, so when her world falls apart, I felt such complete empathy for her. This book is a very fast-paced read. The mystery of the Takers carries the book along during any parts where there isn’t immediate danger, but there’s definitely enough danger and excitement for any middle grade reader. I was pulled through the story, eager to find out what would happen to Kirra and to learn if she would ever find true happiness again after her village is destroyed.

So many moments in this book were magical, but the showdown in the end is spectacularly so! I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone, especially to those of us who love the idea of just a touch of mystery in nature!

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

When I saw that Dave Matthews on TV saying he had wrote a book, I knew that I had to read it. The Publisher granted my wish in exchange for an honest review.

I started reading and I was with Kirra in Zedu, we were 10 year olds chasing, jumping, venturing out to bring knowledge back to our people (and sneaking treats and arrowheads back for brother).
War and weapons are foreign concepts as they only knew as cautionary if left their village.
The Zeduans community by living in harmony, each having a role and working together.
Everything in balance.

**A good storyteller doesn't only weave tales- also knows where to find them**

STORIES ARE _____________
READ THIS ONE!!!

As a homeschool mom to a special needs boy, I'm always on the lookout for something that captures his attention. If We Were Giants certainly did that. This book not only held his attention, but he actually wanted to keep reading long past his required daily reading time. Not many books have done that, and since I was reading with him, I completely understood why. This story is absolutely captivating, and it reminds us of the importance of community and taking care of our planet. It's a story of bravery in the face of adversity, of standing up for what's right and putting yourself out there even when it's hard. And it's all done brilliantly by Dave Matthews and Clete Barrett Smith. After finishing the book, I can honestly say that even if I didn't have a child to share it with, I'd have still thoroughly enjoyed the story, and I would recommend it to readers of any age.

Dave Matthews is not only a storyteller when it comes to his songs but also with his new book. This is a great book about standing up for what you believe.

Living in nature and building community all while struggling with loss. Dave Matthews is not only an ah-maxing musical artist, but Kirra’s story is weaved together bringing readers into a Storyteller’s world. Children and adults will devour this book! Must read and excellent addition for my classroom library soon! Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC! I am excited for readers to experience this adventure!

Little voices can have a huge impact.

Dear Dave Matthews,
As a DMB superfan I’ve always been mesmerized by your talent of musical storytelling. And now, you’ve blown me away with your literary storytelling in this fantastic juvenile fiction book If We Were Giants. Thank you for writing this special book and for sharing your gifts with young readers.

In this book, when 10 year old Kirra’s community of volcano dwellers is destroyed by outsiders called The Takers, she is forced to flee and live among the tree dwellers. Kirra is able to adapt to the tree dwelling way of life, however The Takers soon begin to pose a threat to her new community. Will Kirra and her friends be able to protect their community before more harm is done by these outsiders?

Let me start by saying that I can’t wait to read this book to my students! Not only is it a fantastic story, but there are so many themes woven in that will make for some great class discussions. Themes like trauma, choices, community, confidence, standing up for what you believe in, and the power of working together. Parents and teachers of upper grade students, I highly recommend this book for your kids! Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I we were Giants showed how important community is, along with how important to tell all instead of secret keeping. Kirra learns that no matter where you are family has great value. Thanks Netgalley for this ARC copy I truly enjoyed Dave Matthew's writting

(Thank you to NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for a digital ARC of this book!)

This was an interesting tale about a young girl, Kirra, whose family belongs to a tight-knit community hidden away in a dormant volcano, where every member has a specific job, and they all depend upon each other for survival. Only Kirra and her father are allowed to go beyond the community into the outside world, as there are tales about a group of  “Takers” who take and destroy existing communities. Curious to find out more and defying the order to never leave on her own, Kirra ventures out on her own - and unknowingly leads the Takers back to her home. They destroy her village and everything she’s ever known. She is luckily rescued by Luwan, a young adventurous boy from another community; however, Kirra’s sadness and guilt leave her withdrawn and quiet. One day when Luwan’s adventures lead him to trouble from the very group who destroyed Kirra’s first community, Kirra is faced with overcoming her inner demons in order to save the people who saved her many years before.

While I thought the book was engaging and had some really important themes, something about the writing style of the first half seemed a bit choppy and it was hard to fully immerse myself in. Part of me wishes this book had been turned into a series, with one or two shorter books in it. I also found myself turned off by the way in which the Takers spoke - the broken English seemed a bit like it was making fun of Indigenous People…? (I'd really like to hear from other readers once the book is out about this point...)

In the end, this was not one of my favorite books ever, but I do think there are a lot of topics in the book that could lead to great discussions with children (such as overcoming loss, embracing different communities, and living peacefully in nature).

Kirra's people live a secluded life inside an inactive volcano. Her father is a storyteller whose stories help to ensure their privacy and Kirra is learning from him. But when a group called the "Takers" get too close Kirra accidentally leads them right to the volcano leading to the destruction of her village.

Fortunately Kirra is taken in by another community of tree dwellers. Many of the people live very solitary lives but when the "Takers" start entering their woods Kirra knows she needs to rally the community together to make a stand. They do so by creating giants out of trees and working together to make them into fighting machines.

The story was pretty good. There was a good message about working together. It was more violent than one would think, especially at the end.

I’m having such a hard time finding the words to convey just how beautiful this story is. Many important themes and elements are present but they’re woven so intricately under the surface of the story that you feel them more than read them.

There’s the importance of family and community and working together and finding common ground. Loss and devastation but also unifying forces to stop the spread of destruction and protecting your homeland. There’s PTSD, finding your own way, and standing your ground. Making your place in the world and letting your voice be heard. This story has so much courage and conviction. So much listening, acceptance, and encouragement. It’s all here. And none of this is ever presented as a message, it simply *IS*. It’s showing by example and that makes it feel all the more real and important.

This would be the perfect book for parents to read with their children as it not only allows for open discussion but makes for a fun story in general.

Kirra lives in a dormant volcano with her family and friends in a quiet, private community. She hopes to become a storyteller like her father acting as his assistant while they travel to local lands. Life is peaceful until a group of warrior-like people invade her home leaving destruction and violence in their wake. Kirra, now alone, runs until she is found by another quiet group who live in the trees. Sadly, the Takers, will find them as well and Kirra must face her biggest fears and challenge. She must become a true storyteller and share what happened to her people and what the Takers are capable of and find a way to stop them. This middle grade story will resonate with young social activists who worry about a world they will soon inherit that may be stripped of natural resources. It is a message that all of us should heed and perhaps this will inspire other young storytellers to share. I was not sure of how well a songwriter such as Dave Matthews would do writing middle grade but his storytelling skills are fantastic. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I quickly fell in love with the main character, Kirra. My heart ached as I followed her struggles to save her new found family. I was impressed by her ability to reach within herself to tell the story that would bring everyone together.