A Monster Calls

I'd been wanting to read this book for a long time, and I finally got it finished.  I really enjoyed the book a lot.  The book itself is beautiful.  The illustrations bring the story to life in a haunting way.  The book tells the story of a young boy named Connor who's dealing with his mother's illness.  He deals with enough every day, and then even more when a monster shows up to his bedroom one evening.  The monster is as old as the world itself and as wise.  But Connor isn't scared of the monster.  You should be.  This monster is strong, powerful, dangerous, and all-knowing.  But Connor doesn't flinch.  The monster has been called by Connor.  The monster says that he will tell Connor three stories and that then Connor will tell the fourth.  The fourth story will be the truth.  The truth is that the book is great.  I teach only seniors right now, so it might not be as good a fit for this age group.  But I really think this is an absolutely fabulous pick for middle grades and early high school.  A great story.  This book will mean lots to readers for years to come.  It's just perfect.  Very important.