A Monster Like Me
by Wendy S. Swore
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Pub Date Mar 05 2019 | Archive Date Jun 07 2019
Shadow Mountain Publishing | Shadow Mountain
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Description
Sophie is a monster expert. Thanks to her Big Book of Monsters and her vivid imagination, Sophie can identify the monsters in her school and neighborhood. Clearly, the bullies are trolls and goblins. Her nice neighbor must be a good witch, and Sophie’s new best friend is obviously a fairy. But what about Sophie? She’s convinced she is definitely a monster because of the “monster mark” on her face. At least that’s what she calls it. The doctors call it a blood tumor. Sophie tries to hide it but it covers almost half her face. And if she’s a monster on the outside, then she must be a monster on the inside, too.
Being the new kid at school is hard. Being called a monster is even harder. Sophie knows that it’s only a matter of time before the other kids, the doctors, and even her mom figure it out. And then her mom will probably leave—just like her dad did.
Because who would want to live with a real monster?
Inspired by real events in the author’s life, A Monster Like Me teaches the importance of believing in oneself, accepting change, and the power of friendship.
Advance Praise
"Swore's character-driven debut, in the vein of R. J. Palacio's Wonder, allows readers to step inside Sophie's thoughts and to understand and empathize with her, leaving them to wonder how they would react if they were Sophie." -Booklist, starred review
"Give to readers who enjoy books like R.J. Palacio’s Wonder." -School Library Journal
"In Wendy S. Swore’s tender A Monster Like Me, the imaginative grade schooler battles isolation and bullying to discover that growing stronger sometimes means realizing that there’s more to life than meets the eye. Strikes a careful balance, depicting realistic cruelties in everyday encounters like schoolyard name-calling. Sophie’s shame and unease are rendered with heartrending clarity. Other characters, including a man disfigured in combat, serve as thoughtful counterpoints. The book shines in its portrayal of finding self-acceptance. Pages from the monster book add occasional life tips and lead toward lessons in gratitude, and Sophie’s flights of inspiration set her on a search for a cure. An intelligent and provocative story about a memorable girl who discovers her own unique talents, reminding those around her that everyone—no matter how they look—feels love and pain." -Foreword Reviews
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781629725550 |
| PRICE | $16.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 304 |
Featured Reviews
Keirstin S, Reviewer
A Monster like Me by author WendyS. Swore is a great children’s book. With monsters and fairies, who all deal with bullying and friendships. I would recommend this book to anyone with kids who love monsters!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of A Monster like Me in exchange for an honest review.
Taffy L, Reviewer
Opening line:
"You'd think would have their own grocery store, but they don't."
Sophie was born with a birthmark on her face and she hates it. People notice it, some make fun of her, some seem scared of her. Sophie feels like she is a monster, inside and out. But Sophie has found a way to deal with what she feels is a ugly: she finds the monsters around her. This way, she can keep everyone out of her life and make herself feel like she isn't the only monster in the world.
But then she makes a friend who doesn't see anything monstrous about Sophie. As their friendship grows, Sophie starts to see herself in a different.
This is a sweet story about seeing past our flaws and being a nice person. Also, family and friends are important and we need to be kind to each other.
Thanks to netgalley for the early read!
Lana C, Reviewer
I was so excited to get this advanced copy of A Monster Like Me, and even more happy to find out the story takes place in Portland, Oregon a 100 miles from my hometown in Eugene! I have lived here my whole life and still learned something new about Multnomah Falls! ❤️
Sophie is an imaginative, little girl who has found away to cope with her big birthmark. She has created a world with monsters everywhere she goes. It’s much easier to accept your “monster qualities” when you imagine that monsters are everywhere around you.
Sophie has a difficult time being anywhere in public and her mom is at a loss with how to help her. Sophie is able to make a new best friend at school, and her Mom meets someone special too, that’s when things get a little complicated.
Sophie might need to come up with a better strategy for handling her insecurities over her birthmark. Will she change her thoughts on monsters and how she sees herself? Or will she accept her birthmark the way it is? 🤔hmmm…..
My heart went out to Sophie, and anyone that’s faced with being different in a big way. While reading it, I was reminded of the story of Wonder, as they both dealt with similar issues of bullying, family bonds and friendships.
I truly enjoyed this advanced copy I received from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will be published March 5th, 2019, I hope you will check it out!
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