Synopsis: Barbara Thorson is a fifth-grade outcast and regular target of bullies. She’s got few friends and big anger problems. She’s also a giant-hunter, and she will be ready with her trusty hammer when the giants come. Everyone thinks Barbara is nuts, but do her fantasies of heroism hide a deeper fear?
Themes: Coping with loss, standing up for yourself, escaping into fantasy
Content Advisory: Scary images, some harsh language, disrespectful youth, naked fairies
Discussion Questions:
1.            Did you like Barbara? Do you think you would be her friend? Why or why not?
2.            Why does Barbara have a hard time staying out of trouble at school? How do the circumstances of her life explain her behavior? Do you agree with, or identify with, the way she is acting?
3.            Sophia tells the bully Taylor some secrets about Barbara after Barbara accidentally hits her in a fight. Why? Is Sophia a good friend to Barbara? Is Barbara a good friend to Sophia?
4.            What is the significance of Coveleski, the hammer that Barbara carries around with her? Why is she so attached to it?
5.            What happened at the end of the book? Was Barbara's confrontation with the giant real or imaginary?
6.            Are there other stories that I Kill Giants reminds you of?

Commenting closes after a story has been up for 2 months.