Browse Books by Year

2012 List | 2011 List | 2010 List

Current List In Progress

Click here to see all the titles.

A MONSTER CALLS

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Ness
Author's First Name: 
Patrick
Illustrator's First Name: 
Jim
Illustrator's Last Name: 
Kay
Publisher: 
Candlewick
Publication Month: 
September
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

When writer Siobhan Dowd died of breast cancer, she left behind notes on a story idea she had about a young boy dealing with his mother's impending death from cancer. Her estate searched for the right author to take this idea and run with it. Patrick Ness took on the mantle and the result is this incredibly well-written, gripping book on loss. Fourteen and Up. Joan Kindig

Conor has nightmares about a monster outside his window, and though he’s not afraid, he knows it wants something from him. A story about life and loss, reminiscent of classic fairy tales, and complemented by powerful charcoal illustrations.

Comments

Meeting Notes for October

by ladamson - 10/19/2011 - 10:35am

Meeting Notes for October 14:

Positive Comments:

  • The honest and harrowing look at worrying about what might come before the true loss occurs makes the story very painful to read.
  • This aggressive and negative protagonist make him difficult to be around—a good depiction of what someone would be like in such a situation.
  • The style fits the content since the shorter sentences at the end seem appropriately rushed.

Observations

  • The book seems to fit 12 and up rather than the upper ages of 14 and up.
  • The story is for a special reader.

Concerns:

  • None stated.

This book is well designed;

by nschleh - 10/08/2011 - 7:44am
This book is well designed; the colors and artwork complement the text beautifully. A story about a boy losing his mother to cancer could have sunk into sentimentality, but the complexity of Conor's and his grandmother's emotions are honestly portrayed, as is the reality of their relationship and that of Conor with his father. That there is no magical solution, no last minute wish granting or stepping in of the non-custodial parent to make everything alright makes this story ring true. The message that some things in life are hard, but that the people who love you can help you with them is a powerful & comforting one. I loved this book for itself, but think it would be wonderful as a tool to launch conversations about loss, death, anger, grief and acceptance as well. Nancy Schleh

Meeting Notes September 23

by ladamson - 09/29/2011 - 10:31am

Meeting Notes September 23

  • Needs more readers.