Reviews with content warning for Bullying - A Monster Calls

Synopsis
Conor's mom is sick, like really sick, and everyone knows it is the end, except for him. When his mom is admitted to the hospital, a strange thing happens with the yew tree in the backyard. It comes to Conor at night and tells him there will be an exchange of tales, three from the monster and one from Conor. That's when things start to spiral.

Overt Grief
Lately, I have really been about stories with grief. This one really hit the mark. I know this is a middle grade (maybe early YA) book, but damn the imagery - both the words and the art - really expressed how Conor was feeling. It was frustrating, reading this as an adult, and seeing none of the other adults be honest with him about what was happening. We constantly underestimate children's abilities to understand the world around them and expect that they don't feel emotions how we do, when they are usually feeling them much, much stronger.

Story Length
Honestly, I kind of wish this were a longer book. I would have like a little more detail in the monster's stories, a little more back story on some of the characters, and perhaps even a short epilogue. That's my major qualm, is the story felt rushed when it didn't need to be and I felt it should have given space to some of the themes that required a little bit more.

Content Warnings
Detailed descriptions of bullying, grief, loss of a parent, cancer, and medical situations.
Moderate descriptions of violence.

Content Warnings

lectora21's review

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dark emotional sad fast-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? N/A

5.0

Content Warnings

socialpsysteph's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.5

A Monster Calls is the story of a young boy, Connor, who wakes up at 12:07 a.m. and finds a monster in his backyard. Not only is Connor dealing with this mysterious monster made of a yew tree, but his mom is also dealing with a sickness.

I love Jim Kay's illustrations so when I saw this book sitting on the shelf at the used bookstore, I had to pick it up. I knew this one would be heavy but also beautiful, and it was. The illustrations were dark and heavy and the story was so impactful. This is a book that will stay on my shelf for a long time so I can share it with others when they need it.

This book counts for the Magical Readathon Autumn Equinox 2023 for a Q in Spells & Incantations to read a book with a black cover or fire on the cover.

Content Warnings