"I Kill Giants" Summary

Introduction

"I Kill Giants" is a captivating graphic novel written by Joe Kelly and illustrated by J.M. Ken Niimura. It delves into the life of a young girl named Barbara Thorson who escapes the harsh realities of her world by creating an elaborate fantasy world filled with giants. This coming-of-age story explores themes of grief, imagination, and the power of believing in oneself.

Brief Synopsis

The story is set in a small coastal town and follows the life of Barbara Thorson, a socially awkward fifth-grade student. Barbara is an outcast at school, often seen wearing oversized boots and bunny ears. She is known for her obsession with giants and her unwavering belief that they exist. Barbara spends her days meticulously preparing to battle giants, sharpening her skills and creating intricate traps to capture them.

As the story progresses, Barbara's world begins to unravel. She faces challenges at school, with bullies and a new school psychologist who tries to understand her. Barbara's older sister, Karen, takes on the role of her guardian, as their mother is frequently absent. Despite the turmoil in her life, Barbara remains steadfast in her mission to protect her town from the giants she believes are coming.

Main Characters

Summary of Different Story Points

Chapter 1: The Battle Begins

Barbara introduces herself as a giant killer and explains her mission to protect the town. She reveals her intricate traps and strategies for fighting giants.

Chapter 2: The Titan

Barbara encounters a new giant, the Titan, and engages in a fierce battle with it. She manages to wound the giant but not defeat it entirely.

Chapter 3: The Blacksmith

Barbara seeks the help of a local blacksmith to forge a weapon capable of slaying giants. The blacksmith becomes intrigued by Barbara's determination.

Chapter 4: The Cove

Barbara's obsession with giants begins to affect her relationships at school. Sophia, a classmate, shows interest in Barbara's world and tries to understand her.

Chapter 5: The Sentry

Barbara faces backlash from her classmates and becomes a target for bullying. Taylor and Brooke, two bullies, taunt Barbara and provoke her.

Chapter 6: The Trap

Barbara devises an elaborate trap to capture a giant. As she waits for the giant to fall into her trap, she contemplates the reasons behind her obsession.

Chapter 7: The Storm

A storm hits the town, and Barbara's world becomes chaotic. She faces personal challenges and confronts the truth about the giants she has been fighting.

Chapter 8: The End

As the story reaches its climax, Barbara must confront the reality of her situation and come to terms with the giants she has been battling.

Main Events

1. Barbara's ongoing battles with giants and her elaborate preparations to fight them.
2. Barbara's interactions with her sister Karen and their struggle with their absent mother.
3. Barbara's encounters with school psychologist Mrs. Molle, who tries to understand her.
4. Barbara's friendship with Sophia and their exploration of Barbara's fantasy world.
5. Barbara's confrontations with bullies Taylor and Brooke, and the impact on her emotional well-being.
6. Barbara's creation of a giant trap and her reflection on her obsession.
7. The storm that hits the town and the challenges Barbara faces.
8. The climax of the story, where Barbara must confront the truth about the giants.

Themes and Insights

1. Imagination and escapism: Barbara's belief in giants serves as an escape from the harsh realities of her life. It highlights the power of imagination as a coping mechanism.
2. Grief and loss: Barbara's obsession with giants can be seen as her way of dealing with her mother's absence and the pain she feels.
3. Bullying and social isolation: The story explores the impact of bullying and the isolation it can cause, as seen through Barbara's experiences with Taylor and Brooke.
4. Strength and resilience: Despite her challenges, Barbara displays immense strength and resilience in her determination to protect her town from giants.
5. Acceptance and facing reality: Barbara's journey involves coming to terms with the truth about the giants and learning to accept her own vulnerabilities.

Reader's Takeaway

"I Kill Giants" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged graphic novel that explores the power of imagination and the complexities of grief. It reminds readers of the importance of resilience and finding strength in the face of adversity. Through Barbara's journey, readers are encouraged to embrace their own unique qualities and confront the realities of their lives.

Conclusion

Joe Kelly's "I Kill Giants" is an engaging and poignant graphic novel that delves into the world of a young girl battling her own giants. The story combines elements of fantasy, coming-of-age, and emotional exploration to create a compelling narrative. With memorable characters, a richly developed setting, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for fans of graphic novels and those seeking a profound and moving story.