Reviews

Let the Monster Out by Chad Lucas

anjelica's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

story_goblin's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This story is extremely vivid and full of important messages without being judgmental. 

literarystrawberry's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Found this completely at random while looking for available audiobooks on Libby, and I'm super glad I did. The writing/narration was really engaging, the characters were lovable, and the diversity was great. I really loved how accepting Bones and the others were of Kyle's autism

and the fact that they threw a party for him at the end when he finally got it officially diagnosed? that was /so/ sweet, oh my gosh T_T

. I felt like the villain got a bit cartoonish at times, especially by the end, but hey, it's a middle grade novel, I think they're allowed a little of that. Overall an enjoyable read.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse

cboddie's review against another edition

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

5th-7th

emily_mh's review against another edition

emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The best part of this book was the wholesome and healthy male friendship that was modelled among Bones, Kyle, Marcus, and Albert. It was so lovely seeing these kids sharing caring, emotional, and supportive relationships with one another, and it’s something that I don’t think middle-grade boys get to see a lot of. I’m so glad Lucas made it a focal point! 

The character arcs of the two MCs, Bones and Kyle, were amazing. Bones is grappling with trauma from his past, and Kyle is figuring out how to deal with the ableist world as an autistic kid. They both had come so far by the end of the book, and helped each other a lot on their journeys. Aside from this, both characters made for great, engaging narrative voices. 

The book also engaged me with its pacey and intriguing plot; most of it is investigative, which is a personal favourite plot motivator for me. 

I would have loved some more plot structure and also information about how “AZLing” actually worked. I was also hoping for more of a spooky atmosphere. But overall, this was a super enjoyable read. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Ableism, and Domestic abuse

Moderate: Physical abuse, Bullying, Racism, and Violence

Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Vomit, Blood, Murder, Police brutality, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, and Drug abuse

Major: meltdown and sensory overload (using author's own words) - happens on-page Moderate: self-injury, climate change anxiety Minor: divorce

bravelass85's review

4.0

A good YA book! It’s got a great pace, mystery, bad guys, and a great bunch of guy friends who are emotional and real and supportive of each other through different personalities, racial experiences, and neurodiversity.

literacyedprof's review

adventurous challenging emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

jenna0010's review

adventurous dark funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Even though I clearly wasn't the prime audience for this book, I can see how kids wanting a mystery with twists and oddball friendships would enjoy this one! I thought the characters were tenderly portrayed.

thedreamer's review

mysterious medium-paced

3.0

sr_toliver's review

4.0

Definitely a good middle grades novel that deals with some intense themes. I appreciate how the author talked about things like abuse, grief, anger, fear, racism, and ability, but in a way that flowed naturally and easily. I think young people will love the story, but I also think that they will learn so much more from Bones Malone and Kyle Specks.