Author(s): Karen Foxlee

Adventure and Real Life Stories

Lenny Spink is the sister of a giant. Her little brother, Davey, suffers from a rare form of gigantism and is taunted by other kids and turned away from school because of his size. To escape their cruel reality, Lenny and Davey obsess over the entries in their monthly installment of Burrell's Build-It-at-Home Encyclopedia set. Lenny vows to become a beetle expert, while Davey decides he will run away to Canada and build a log cabin. But as Davey's disease progresses, the siblings' richly imagined world becomes harder to cling to in this deeply moving and original novel about grief, family, and wonder.

Bernice recommends: This is a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful book. It’s one of those laugh, cry and see the world differently reads. It’s shiver inducingly good. Packed absolutely full with the pains and joys of being human. For reference it’s a “Bridge to Terabithia” meets the “The Book Thief” if you’ve read either of those.

Age 10+