SWAN
The Girl Who Grew
by Sidura Ludwig
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Pub Date 28 Aug 2024 | Archive Date 6 Dec 2024
Nimbus Publishing | Nimbus Publishing Limited
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Description
A brilliant and tender middle grade novel-in-verse from the award-winning author of You Are Not What We Expected, reimagining the childhood of Nova Scotia Giantess Anna Swan.
Before she became the "The Giantess from Nova Scotia" and travelled the globe with notorious showman P. T. Barnum, Anna Swan was a young girl growing up near the rural town of Tatamagouche, desperately trying to fit into a world for which she was literally too big. In her debut middle grade novel-in-verse, award-winning author Sidura Ludwig imagines a pivotal period in Anna's childhood, as she struggled to find acceptance in a community that saw her as other.
When twelve-year-old, seven-foot-tall Anna's family moves to her grandmother's farm in Central New Annan, she is forced to attend a new school, abandon the bedroom she once shared with her beloved sister, Maggie, and face bullies young and old. She worries she'll never stop growing, and dreams of dainty boots that fit and church pews that don't topple under her weight. Of a world that sees her as she sees herself: a gentle girl who loves to read books beneath the trees.
When Anna discovers a solution that will help her stop growing and get her family out of debt, she agrees to exhibit herself as a curiosity in the big city of Halifax. But her giant heart will be tested as she tries to balance her devotion to her family with her desire for normalcy.
A story of faith, family, and learning to love the body you're in, SWAN is a modern classic, an impeccably researched and brilliantly imagined story of a woman who has captivated the world for over two centuries. Features an author's note about the real Anna Swan chronicling Anna's later life, and the little that is known about why she grew so tall (almost 8 feet as an adult), as well as a brief history of the region where Anna grew up.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781774713211 |
| PRICE | CA$19.95 (CAD) |
| PAGES | 304 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Emma F, Reviewer
I always love finding a Novel-in-Verse. They're quick to read and give stories a more whimsical feel to them, however I do find that I struggle to connect to characters in these books - something about the voice.. there's a disconnect.
Most people, as far as I'm aware. don't speak in verse, or think in verse and so I do struggle to see them as "real" and as this is based on an actual person who existed, I wanted that connection more, personally, but it did not detract from the book overall.
Delaney B, Reviewer
I really enjoyed this. It will definitely be a book I add to the library of my special ed classroom, I loved the representation.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an E- Arc in exchange for an honest review.
Lisa H, Educator
What drew me first to this book was its cover. What a beautiful, whimsical piece of folk art. What drew me second was the fact that it is a novel in verse. I absolutely adore a novel in verse, especially for middle and high school students.
Swan is a poignant true story about a 12-year-old girl named Anna. Born in 1858 in Millbrook, Colchester County, Nova Scotia, Anna was different from other girls; in fact, Anna was different from EVERYONE. You see, Anna is significant, not just big, but giant. At twelve, she is 6 feet 10 inches tall and is considered a wonder by everyone from the neighbour to the shoe pedlar.
But Anna doesn't want to be a wonder. She wants to be a regular girl with pretty shoes.
As she ages, Anna discovers a way to use her peculiar size to help her family and figures. If everyone is going to look and stare at her anyway, she might as well make money to support her family, so she joins the circus as a "curiosity'.
Ludwig is a beautiful writer. Her word choice and lyricism are charming and sincere. Swan will serve as an invaluable mentor text in junior and senior high, showcasing the power of language and storytelling. Some examples of her beautiful writing are;
"I don't know why
God made the ground
So far from my head."
"If God created a perfect world
In only seven days
Why don't I fit anywhere?"
What a fantastic discussion you could have around these two quotes alone!
Kaylee G, Reviewer
Swan by Sidura Ludwig is a beautiful and moving novel-in-verse that reimagines the childhood of Nova Scotia Giantess Anna Swan. The gorgeous cover perfectly complements the tender story within. Ludwig's accessible writing style makes Anna's struggles and triumphs resonate deeply, and the verse format adds a lyrical quality that enhances the emotional impact. A truly lovely read!
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