The True Tale of a Giantess: The Story of Anna Swan

On the heels of the blockbuster film, The Greatest Showman, The True Tale of a Giantess: The Story of Anna Swan (one of P.T. Barnum’s Wonders) is sure to entrance readers.  As a CYBILS reviewer, I’ve often said that truth is stranger than fiction and Anna’s story is a prime example.  Her family learned to capitalize on her height early on, showcasing her celebrity at County Fairs.  They also advocated for her continued education as she embarked on her adventure to New York to join P.T. Barnum’s Gallery of Wonders with her mother as a chaperone until age 18 and 3 years of private tutoring.  The only thing I find lacking in this book is a timeline, I think it would be helpful to follow Anna’s story in a different fashion but otherwise, I love the story and Author’s Note which elaborates on some details and provides photographs for readers as a point of reference.  The Author’s Sources are listed, including books, magazine articles, and newspapers (which also demonstrates Anna’s celebrity in her lifetime). 

A somewhat side note, I also really really like the dedications:

“To those of us who sometimes feel we do not fit.” – A.R.

“For all my friends, who think they don’t fit, the story of a brave young lady who finally did.” – M.L.

Title: The True Tale of a Giantess: The Story of Anna Swan

Author:Anne Renaud

Illustrator: Maria LaFrance

ISBN: 978-1-77138-376-9

Published 2018 by Kids Can Press

This book was borrowed from the public library for purposes of review.

While Anna Swan doesn't seem to be a part of the film's iconic song and dance number, several of her fellow Wonders are featured here.