Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
"An urgent, unflinching YA novel about the "monsters" of depression and family dysfunction." -Booklife, Editor's Pick
Why does everything have to be so complicated?
Why?
Monsters That's why
They stick their scungy little noses into everything.
Twelve-year-old Sam learns this lesson the hard way. His fact-finding mission about Monsters starts off with the best of intensions. He just wants to help his older brother, Ben.
After a terrible accident awakens his own Monster, Sam's behaviour starts causing problems with everyone, including the girl he loves.
He discovers the family secret that caused Ben's downward spiral and realizes that someone else also has a Monster. And the hideous beast did something really bad.
If Sam is to get through this mess, he needs to find a way to make friends with his Monster before the ravenous beast turns around and swallows him whole.
Themes include:
Mental health, suicide, and family dysfunction.
Synopsis
He longs to chase everyone's personal demons away. Until a tragic twist of fate leaves him with a beast of his own...
Rural Australia, 2006. Sam Nolen is filled with misery. With a drought ruining his family's farm and his older brother moody and distant, the sensitive twelve-year-old wishes he knew how to make his loved ones happy. But when the loyal preteen is left to help his dad after his older sibling storms out, Sam's world shatters when he suffers a terrible accident.
Struggling to recover and feeling like a freak, the imaginative boy discovers an inner monster whispering dark thoughts in his mind. And when he learns the seductive joy of hiding behind his anger, he starts following his family down a self-destructive path.
Can Sam find his own way out of the shadows before they become all-consuming?
In a timely and urgent story, Sandra L Rostirolla offers an unflinching look at coping with grief, stress, and dysfunction. Viewing these issues through the eyes of a child, she delivers an honest, compelling, and ultimately hopeful narrative about the beasts all of us wrestle with inside.
Making Friends with Monsters is a gripping YA novel. If you like relatable young characters, striking twists, and perceptive approaches to tough topics, then you'll enjoy Sandra L Rostirolla's engaging and rewarding read.
Content warning: Suicidal ideas, death of a family member, and severe bodily harm.
Buy Making Friends with Monsters to see past the pain today
Synopsis
"Why does everything have to be so complicated? Why? Monsters That's why They stick their scungy little noses into everything "
In this gripping tale, twelve-year-old Sam's innocent quest to help his troubled older brother, quickly spirals into a battle with his own inner monster. After a life-altering accident awakens Sam's beast, his once well-intentioned actions wreak havoc on his relationships, including with the girl he loves.
When he uncovers the family secret that triggered his brother's downward spiral, Sam realizes someone else also has a monster and the hideous beast did something really bad. With his world spiraling out of control, Sam struggles to find balance and along the way discovers hidden strengths and the power of compassion.
In this thrilling book, the stakes are high as Sam confront the truth about himself and those around him. Full of heart-pounding suspense and emotional depth, "Making Friends With Monsters" is a powerful story of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship. Readers of all ages will be captivated by Sam's harrowing journey as he grapples with the complexities of life and finds the courage to confront the monstrous shadows that haunt us all.
Themes: Suicidal ideas, death of a family member, animal death, family dysfunction, and severe bodily trauma.
Synopsis
An IngramSpark Bestselling Indie Young Adult Fiction Books 2023
"Why does everything have to be so complicated? Why? Monsters That's why They stick their scungy little noses into everything "
In this gripping tale, twelve-year-old Sam's innocent quest to help his troubled older brother, quickly spirals into a battle with his own inner monster. After a life-altering accident awakens Sam's beast, his once well-intentioned actions wreak havoc on his relationships, including with the girl he loves.
When he uncovers the family secret that triggered his brother's downward spiral, Sam realizes someone else also has a monster and the hideous beast did something really bad. With his world spiraling out of control, Sam struggles to find balance and along the way discovers hidden strengths and the power of compassion.
In this thrilling book, the stakes are high as Sam confront the truth about himself and those around him. Full of heart-pounding suspense and emotional depth, "Making Friends With Monsters" is a powerful story of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship. Readers of all ages will be captivated by Sam's harrowing journey as he grapples with the complexities of life and finds the courage to confront the monstrous shadows that haunt us all.
Themes: Suicidal ideas, death of a family member, animal death, family dysfunction, and severe bodily trauma.
Synopsis
IngramSpark Bestselling Indie Young Adult Fiction Book
A Kirkus Review's Best Book
Booklife Prize Semi-Finalist
"Why does everything have to be so complicated? Why? Monsters That's why They stick their scungy little noses into everything "
In this gripping tale, twelve-year-old Sam's innocent quest to help his troubled older brother, quickly spirals into a battle with his own inner monster. After a life-altering accident awakens Sam's beast, his once well-intentioned actions wreak havoc on his relationships, including with the girl he loves.
When he uncovers the family secret that triggered his brother's downward spiral, Sam realizes someone else also has a monster and the hideous beast did something really bad. With his world spiraling out of control, Sam struggles to find balance and along the way discovers hidden strengths and the power of compassion.
In this thrilling book, the stakes are high as Sam confront the truth about himself and those around him. Full of heart-pounding suspense and emotional depth, "Making Friends With Monsters" is a powerful story of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship. Readers of all ages will be captivated by Sam's harrowing journey as he grapples with the complexities of life and finds the courage to confront the monstrous shadows that haunt us all.
Themes: Suicidal ideas, death of a family member, animal death, family dysfunction, and severe bodily trauma.