(Recieved from NetGalley for an honest review).

This book is written in a narrative format sowing some key events of Mary Shelley's life as a child and some of her inspirations in becoming a writer and prominent female figure of her time. I really like the references to other literary thinkers/works that Mary would have interacted with, such as her own mother (Mary Wollstonecraft) and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It shows some of the struggle for a young girl to be such a bright thinker during the time period, although not necessarily unheard of. The facts from Mary Shelley's life are illustrated with unique images on every page as well as prose that makes this book feel more fictional, even though it's definitely a biography.

My specialty of study is the British Romantic period, and some personal favorite writers of mine are Coleridge (I loved the illustration with the "Rhyme" reference), Mary Shelley, and Percy Shelley. Frankenstein is one of my favorite novels, and I thought this book was so pleasantly put together that I think it would definitely be a fun introduction to a Frankenstein or British Literature unit in high school, regardless of grade level. Seniors love the chance to have a picture book read to them in class, and this book give excellent context about the time period and the writer herself, making it the perfect unit intro. There's also a really nice author's note at the end that talks about the origin of the information, true information first told by Mary Shelley herself to answer questions about the writing process and how it affected her as a young woman.

Whether you are using this book as a classroom tool or reading it for fun, anyone of any age can find enjoyment in it!