A Character Sketch

Protagonists stand out in middle-grade fantasy for their unique blend of imagination and relatability. They range from fearless warriors to unassuming youngsters unearthing their hidden potential.

The latter group features in Those Vikings and Those Giants. I like to describe them as ordinary children doing extraordinary things. Of course, I’m not the first or the last writer to take that approach.   

As Karl and Finch delve deeper into the Vikings' enigma, the stakes escalate. Helped by Erika, they navigate the challenges—trials that middle-grade readers may never encounter.

What are they looking for then? They want their heroes to face impossible odds, conquer fears, and stay loyal to one another. Do Karl, Finch, and Erika disagree with each other? You bet they do!

Conflict, the driving force of every story, keeps us reading. For middle-grade readers, the appeal lies in the relatable traits of our characters–friendship, determination, wit, and resilience.

Middle-grade fantasy stories serve as a magical gateway for young readers to explore the depths of their own identities. Through captivating characters and imaginative worlds, my books invite children to navigate the complex terrain of self-discovery.

Erika questions and opposes the Vikings' will. Karl and Finch squabble over who they should help. Those Vikings and Those Giants encourage readers to embark on journeys of self-reflection and acceptance.