A Monster Calls (2011) is a 13-year-old’s journey to come to grips with his mother’s terminal illness and the emotions that come with it. A monstrous yew tree appears outside his window, night after night, and tells Conor stories – fairy tales with complicated moral twists. As Conor deals with the bullying, anger and guilt overwhelming his life, the monster forces him to confront the feelings he’s avoiding.
It portrays grief with unflinching honesty. Rather than sentimentalizing loss, it explores a full, messy range of emotions. It is beautifully written with haunting illustrations. Don’t be fooled by the YA – I can’t remember the last time I cried so much reading a book!
Written by Rita S., Tech Center