Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival, and Hope in an American City

It’s the summer of 2013 and Dasani and Chanel have a chance encounter with Giant, a local fitness guru and ex-convict who specializes in calisthenics at local parks. He offers to let Dasani have an audition for his fitness group, the Bartendaz. The family struggles to get to the audition on time. Giant’s name is an acronym for “Growing Is a Noble Thing” (240). As a kid he was known as a DJ and a fighter and ended up incarcerated. He got a GED in prison and decided to use the workout routines he developed to earn a living.

Dasani shows up as the practice is almost over, but she impresses Giant with her skill and control in a variety of bodyweight moves. She passes the audition, and Giant takes the family for food. They are joined by Malcolm X’s grandson, Malik, who gives Dasani a Snapple. At home, she stores the bottle in her dresser. Chanel is unsure of Giant because he is not specific on what payment will look like. Dasani also worries that her mother is jealous. Giant calls several times to set up practices, but Chanel does not respond and tells Dasani he hasn’t reached out.