** A 2020 Kirkus Best Book of the Year
** A 2022 Panda Book Awards Nominee
** A 2023 Garden State Teen Book Award Nominee
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Eleven-year-old Thom Ngho is keeping a secret: she’s strong. Like suuuuper strong. Freakishly strong. And it’s making it impossible for her to fit in at her new middle school.
In a desperate bid to get rid of her super strength, Thom makes a deal with the Monkey King, a powerful deity and legendary trickster she accidentally released from his 500-year prison sentence. Thom agrees to help the Monkey King get back his magical staff if he'll take away her strength.
Soon Thom is swept up in an ancient and fantastical world in where demons, dragons, and Jade princesses actually exist. But she quickly discovers that magic can’t cure everything, and dealing with the trickster god might be more trouble than it’s worth.
GIRL GIANT AND THE MONKEY KING
Reading Guide
I've created a free reading guide for Girl Giant and the Monkey King! These were made specifically for the Huntington Beach Public Library Wise Owls Tween Book Club but you are free to download and use them in whatever setting you like.
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Digital Version (can also be printed on 8" x 11" paper)
Printed Booklet Version (designed to be printed on 11" by 14" (legal) paper and folded in half)
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Some fun activities we did during the book club included a red lantern and a paper dragon craft. Red Ted Art has printables and step-by-step instructions for both!