A Monster Like Me

Author: Wendy S. Swore
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Genre: Middle Grade
ISBN: 978-1-62972-555-0
Pages: 304
Price: $16.99

Sophie believes she’s a monster because of the large hemangioma on her face. She’s also convinced there are other monsters all around her, based on the Big Book of Monsters that she carries with her everywhere. So when Harley-riding Kelsi starts dating her mom, she schemes to keep him away from her, knowing his monster secret.

Along with her new friend, Autumn, Sophie starts collecting items that she adds to a magic amulet. If only she can use it to make a wish on the night of a full moon, she’s sure she can turn herself back into a human. But what if the hemangioma goes away, and she hasn’t changed inside?

Just when it seems that Sophie’s behavior has gone completely wild, her world comes crashing down on her, and she needs to determine if she really is a monster after all. And when she makes an unexpected decision to use her amulet for someone else, she finally knows the answer in her heart.

A Monster Like Me is a fast-moving tale that will hold middle-grade readers spellbound. Kids will identify with Sophie’s questions about who she is, and how to make it in a world that can be cruel at times. But they’ll really love how she finds her humanity inside as she comes to accept herself at last. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger