Giant

This unusual historical novel is based on two real-life boys who grew up near the shipyards in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the early twentieth century. Twelve-year-old Davy, based on the author's grandfather, is a working-class lad whose family has been living in dire poverty since Davy's father injured his back and lost his shipyard job. Leaving school to help support his family, Davy plans to get a job at the shipyard too. However, he first becomes a paid companion for 9-year-old Jacks, whose mother is very ill. Jacks introduces Davy to the world of books and the boys bond over their love of stories. Later, whenever Jacks is in distress, he turns to Davy. Meanwhile, Jacks helps Davy gain confidence in himself and his artistic ability. In portraying the two households and their fundamental differences, McQuoid shows the inequalities and consequences of the era's class system, but young readers, particularly fans of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, may be more intrigued by the fact that Jacks is a character based on a young C. S. Lewis. A well-researched, imaginative, and satisfying narrative.

Set in 1908 Belfast, McQuoid's hopeful historical novel imagines the childhood of C.S. Lewis as seen through the eyes of Davy Caruth, the son of a Lewis family housekeeper. When his father can no longer work, 13-year-old Davy must step up in his stead. His mother's employer, Mrs. Lewis, offers payment in exchange for Davy spending time with her youngest son, who goes by Jacks. He introduces Davy to the joys of reading and writing, and together they create stories, until real-life stressors disrupt their playful boyhood. Davy must accept a higher-paying but dangerous job at the shipyard, and Jacks is sent to boarding school in England. Defying his mother's pleas to get his head out of the clouds, Davy attends nightly drawing classes. Then, in a turn of events, his hard work and big dreams translate to upward mobility. "Maybe filling their heads with stories and nonsense isn't such a bad thing," Davy's mother notes, emphasizing the creative heart of this class-conscious ode to dreamers, which suggests that imagination can curb the sting of harsh everyday realities. Ages 9--12. (June)

Gr 4--6--McQuoid delivers a character-driven historical tale about C.S. Lewis's early days. Set in 1908 Belfast, 12-year-old Davy Carruth and 10-year-old Clive "Jacks" Lewis are from different worlds. Davy's family is barely scraping by despite both his parents working. Jacks's family is wealthy. When Davy accompanies his mother to her job at the Lewis's home, he meets Jacks. The two become friends as they bond over their love of reading, adventures, and their vivid imaginations. As a result, Davy discovers his love of art. When Jacks's mother gets sick and Davy gets a job at the shipyard, the boys' paths diverge. Despite their being apart, the two encourage one another to merge their interests with their pursuits. Will they remain friends? Where will life take them? The plot is heartwarming, well written, engaging, and historically faithful. McQuoid's commitment to researching the time period and Lewis's life is evident and incorporated well into the narrative. The characters are likable, authentic, and easy to relate to. VERDICT Readers who like Lewis's works, historical fiction, and character-driven novels will want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where historical fiction is popular.--Kira Moody.

Two Irish boys growing up near each other but inhabiting entirely different worlds develop a close bond. This fictionalized account of the childhood of C.S. Lewis opens in Belfast in 1908. Twelve-year-old Davy Caruth and Clive "Jacks" Lewis, nearly 10, meet when Davy accompanies Ma to her housekeeping job at the Lewis' grand home. Davy's Da used to work at the shipyard, but with his bad back, he now sells bread from a cart. The family barely scrapes by. Despite their differences, Jacks and Davy bond over a love of reading and escaping into their imaginations; Jacks shares his books with gifted artist Davy, who illustrates his friend's stories. Their lives diverge when Davy, at age 13, goes to work at the hazardous, grueling shipyard. Not long after, Jacks' beloved mother dies, and he's shipped off to a harsh boarding school in England with his brother, Warnie. Sensitive Jacks is miserable, but letters and drawings from Davy lift his spirits. Jacks encourages Davy in his artistic pursuits, which ultimately lead him to take technical drawing classes and get a job designing ships rather than building them. McQuoid uses rich, carefully chosen details to evoke the historical setting. Notably, she compassionately shows the impact of social class constraints and personal hardships on each child without minimizing either of their experiences through simplistic comparisons. The evocative, often poetic, writing will appeal to thoughtful readers. A quietly charming, warmhearted story of enduring friendship. (facts about C.S. Lewis and Ireland, further reading)(Historical fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.