Customer Reviews

The Giant Under the Snow: A Story of Suspense.

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I remember this book vividly from when I read it as a child. I checked it out repeatedly from the library (I can even picture in my mind's eye exactly where it was on the shelves). It was unique among fantasies written for young people in that it really was frightening.

Many children's books make the mistake of talking down to kids-- they make things saccharine and elide the scary bits. They do not need to be explicit or blood-soaked, but at any age it helps if things feel real. Gordon is to be highly commended for not dumbing down his writing.

Jonquil is in a bad mood and wilfully deserts the rest of her class on a field trip to the backlands. The ground itself seems to approve of her going AWOL and she finds a piece of metal tucked among some ridges in the soil. This discovery pulls her into a dangerous adventure filled with vicious dogs, grey men, leather men, and the charming Elizabeth Goodenough. _The Giant Under the Snow_ is comparable to _The Dark is Rising_ books in that it draws from traditions of British folklore and mythology.

Difficult to find these days, but worth the effort.

i read this book when i was a kid and it was just so cool. i must have checked out this book a dozen times. this book reminds me of something thast would have influenced rk rowling. it is so british, has the eerie fog and magic, waaay cool book. great reading for kids.

This book is one that I remember very fondly from my youth, though I was not a fan of fantasy books. I read it again and again for the uniqueness of the story and because of Jonk, the main character, who has many troubles but at least as much appeal. At one point the book is almost too bleak, but this makes the conclusion even more satisfying. I hope you can find this one for your young teenager - it seems rare now. Good luck!

I've read this book many times! Great for any teenager who feels lonely and powerless to control their world.