The Giant-Slayer is a wonderful, entertaining, and stirring story. It is set in the 1950's when kids loved Davey Crockett and feared polio. Laurie, 11, knows a lot about polio from her dad, who everyday wages war against the disease through his job with the March of Dimes. Due to this war, Laurie is kept home and away from other children so as not to catch the disease. She is in good health but very lonely. Until her a new neighbor, Dickie, moves in down the street. Laurie is enjoying her first true friend when tragedy strikes: Dickie contracts polio. Laurie knows that her father would be furious if she visits the hospital, but she visits Dickie anyway and begins to entertain him with the story of a boy who believes it is his destiny to slay a giant. The story includes gypsies, unicorns, witches and more. Soon other kids in the polio ward are listening to the tale. As the story progress, they start to see themselves in the characters and their sagging spirits are uplifted. Using magic and fantasy, the author takes on the serious issue polio, while reminding us of the power and inspiration of a good storyteller with a yarn to share.