She has the power of a giant but the problems of a middle schooler, and now she must team up with the legendary Monkey King to save her father.
In her debut middle-grade fantasy, “Girl Giant and the Monkey King,” author Van Hoang introduces readers to Thom Ngho, an eleven-year-old Vietnamese-American girl with a big secret: she is incredibly strong. This unwanted power makes fitting into her new, predominantly white, Georgia middle school feel impossible. Desperate to be normal, Thom makes a bargain with the legendary Monkey King, a trickster god she accidentally frees from imprisonment. He promises to remove her strength if she helps him recover his magical staff from the Heavens. This deal launches Thom into a vibrant world of Vietnamese mythology, where she must navigate the politics of the heavens and confront powerful gods, all while managing the everyday challenges of bullies and her protective mother.
The story is rich with cultural value, weaving together Vietnamese folklore with the modern experience of living abroad. The narrative introduces a range of figures from Vietnamese mythology, including the respected Jade Emperor and legends of the Boy Giant, helping readers understand cultural traditions and beliefs. The inclusion of Vietnamese language, such as when Thom’s mother lovingly calls her cưng (sweetheart), offers an important link to her cultural identity. For students of Vietnamese heritage, the book acts as both a mirror and a source of pride, reflecting their own experiences with differences between generations and the challenges of balancing multiple cultures. The story affirms their background, showing that the myths passed down through their families are worthy of epic adventures.
Van Hoang, herself a Vietnamese-American, lends an authentic and powerful voice to Thom’s journey of self-discovery. “Girl Giant and the Monkey King” was named a Kirkus Best Book of the Year and has been nominated for several other book awards, showing its quality and impact. For educators, this book is a valuable tool for building cultural understanding and empathy in the classroom. It opens up discussions about the challenges of assimilation and the importance of embracing one’s heritage. By connecting Thom’s quest for acceptance with her growing appreciation for her unique strengths and cultural background, the novel offers a relevant and inspiring link to modern conversations about identity and equity, reminding all students that what makes them different is often their greatest source of power.
