A Monster Calls
Patrick Ness
2011
Walker Books
pp. 214
A Monster Calls, is supposed to be a children’s book but reading it is such an emotional experience that I am wondering how children would be able to read it. The book describes a young boy’s feelings as he copes with his mother’s terminal illness. Along with it, he struggles to cope with bullies at school, school work and a grand mother he doesn’t get along with. His father seldom visits and he is largely dealing with his emotions on his own. Often, we hear of schools and families not knowing how to help the child or ignoring the child in his troubles. However, in this book, the school is supportive and well meaning, allowing Connor the opportunity to work at his own pace and make sense of school within his larger life context. Despite living separately, his parents are also trying to help him and provide him opportunities to express his thoughts. Yet, it seems that nobody can connect with him in the way that he desires.
Coupled with all this, he witnesses frequent nightmares and tries to make sense of his crumbling life and world through those nightmares. The book is scary, emotional and extremely traumatic. Exercise caution when you read, but do read it.