
Reach for this book when your teenager feels like they occupy too much space or can never truly blend in with their peers. This surreal, atmospheric story follows Corinthia Bledsoe, a seven foot tall high schooler with prophetic visions who struggles to navigate a world not built for her size or her sensitivity. It addresses the deep isolation of being physically and emotionally different, while weaving in complex family dynamics and the raw reality of small town life. It is an ideal choice for mature teens seeking a story that validates the discomfort of physical growth and the heavy burden of social hyper-visibility. While it contains elements of the supernatural, it serves primarily as a grounded exploration of identity, belonging, and the courage required to stand tall when you are already standing above everyone else.
Threat of physical injury during the storm and tense social confrontations.
Deep explorations of loneliness, social isolation, and feeling like an outcast.
A vivid and intense depiction of a destructive tornado and its immediate aftermath.
The book handles themes of isolation and body image with a gritty, realistic lens. It addresses family dysfunction and the trauma of natural disasters directly and secularly. The resolution is more realistic and ambiguous than a standard 'happy ending,' focusing on acceptance of her unique experience rather than a magical fix for the challenges she faces.
A thoughtful, perhaps lonely 16-year-old who feels physically awkward or 'too much' for their environment. This reader appreciates lyrical, slightly strange prose and doesn't need a neat, bow-tied ending.
Parents should be aware of the mature, gritty tone and some coarse language. The scene involving the tornado's aftermath is visceral and may require discussion about natural disaster anxiety. A parent might notice their child withdrawing from social events due to feeling self-conscious about their height or physical presence.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the 'superpower' aspect and the high school drama, while older teens (17-18) will resonate more deeply with the existential dread of being an outsider and the metaphor of Corinthia's height.
Unlike many YA books that treat 'powers' as a gift, Fum treats Corinthia's height and foresight as a heavy, physical burden. It blends magical realism with a stark, Midwestern gothic sensibility that is rare in the genre. """
Corinthia Bledsoe is a high school junior in a small Midwestern town whose height (seven feet) makes her an immediate target for scrutiny. Alongside her physical presence, she develops a psychic 'sixth sense' that allows her to predict a devastating tornado. As the town reels from the disaster, Corinthia must navigate her eccentric family, a shifting social landscape, and the surreal feeling of being a 'giant' in a world of small expectations.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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