Monster vs. Boy
For ages 10 and up
Charlesbridge Publishing
Cover art by Markia Jenai
No one in the ramshackle house knew that a monster – who was smaller than a bear cub – lived in Dawz’s bedroom closet. She called herself Mim.
Dawz wants to practice Recipes of Extreme Greatness for the Bakers’ Brawl competition and forget about his mom, who left him and his sister, Jayla, years ago. He does not want to see a monster that no one else can see.
Mim wants to explore her closet’s nooks and crannies, and listen to stories through the door. She does not want to share her space with the horrible boy outside the closet.
When Mim leaves Dawz’s closet for the first time, the two learn they’re connected in ways neither can explain. While Mim searches the wide world for a friend, Dawz searches for a way to get rid of her so that he can be normal. Can the two find a way to break their connection without losing who they are?
This moving middle-grade novel is about found family, facing our fears, and mental health. It asks the question: What if the monsters that haunt us aren’t monsters at all?
Media
Reviews
“Monstrously magical and delicious!”
William Alexander, National Book Award Winner for Goblin Secrets
“A heartfelt tale of meeting your monsters and setting them free.”
Linda Urban, acclaimed author of A Crooked Kind of Perfect
“In this thoughtful story that deals with serious topics but is lightened by humor, Krossing expertly navigates what it’s like to be young and unsure of yourself…. A moving tale of learning to accept yourself, flaws and all.”
Kirkus Reviews
“A journey full of twists and surprises that will leave the reader captivated until the last page! Highly Recommended for Middle Grade Readers!”
Recently Read
“With realistically limned characters, the author explores pensive themes surrounding acceptance of oneself and of others to deliver a sensitive rumination on personhood and kindness.”
Publishers Weekly
“5 tomatoes out of 5! Monster vs. Boy is a heartfelt story of accepting yourself for all your uniqueness, finding family and a place to call home. This novel is great for middle schoolers who are ready for an adventure of self-discovery.”
Momma Braga
“A book whose story of a boy hunting a monster is really about mental health and learning to accept the darkest parts of oneself…. Stated differences in racial and sexual identities also feed into themes of acceptance and support the idea that Dawz must appreciate everything about himself, just as those around him accept and appreciate each other. Monster vs. Boy is a supportive novel in which a boy learns to address his trauma—with his community’s support.“
Foreword Reviews
“While some readers may pick up Monster vs. Boy because of the promise of a horror story, Karen Krossing’s latest middle-grade novel is more a reflection of what we see and fear in others before we know them….Karen Krossing also reminds us of the magic of books and reading.”
CanLit for Little Canadians
“Monster vs. Boy is a heartfelt and charming story about family, community support, and the power of acceptance of yourself and others.”
The Miramichi Reader
“Rich with fantasy, the novel explores the definition of family, the power of friendship, and the healing that comes from confronting the trauma we may have locked behind closed doors.”
Canadian Children’s Book News
“Highly recommended for classroom read aloud or as a personal reading choice, this is a sometimes touching sometimes funny story of self-acceptance and the magic of words.”
Children’s Literature
“The story straddles a delicate balance between the darkness of mental illness and the gentleness and humor of friends and family…. A safe and playful space for discussing mental illness and for learning how to face their fears.”
YA Dude Books
“Will intrigue those who suspect they might have a monster hiding in their own closets. Recommended.”
Canadian Review of Materials