Between Monsters and Marvels
on Goodreads (196)
What’s inside...
A standalone high-stakes middle grade fantasy by Alysa Wishingrad, author of the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection The Verdigris Pawn. Monsters are still lurking on Barrow’s Bay. Dare Coates is sure of it. No drifter or ruffian could have killed her father, the Captain of the Guard, while he was on patrol. But everyone insists that monsters have been gone for years now. Dare’s mother. Her classmates. Even the governor, who swiftly marries her mother just months after her father’s death. Dare’s suspicions grow even stronger when the governor suddenly ships her off to the mainland, away from any hope of uncovering the truth about her father’s death. Or so she thinks. Soon Dare finds solid proof that monsters still exist and she starts to question everything she’s always known. Was her father who she thought he was? Who can she trust? Where is the line between good and evil? The truth hides behind danger and deception. But with the help of an unlikely crew of cohorts and a stray beastie, nothing can stop Dare from finding out what happened to her father and exposing who the real monsters are. Perfect for fans of Ellen Oh’s Spirit Hunters and Lauren Oliver’s The Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street.
Age
8-12
Length
400 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the monsters in the story represent in real life?
How do the characters in the book show courage and kindness?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the main character?
How do you think the story would change if there was no marvel or magic?
What's your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the story by asking them to imagine themselves in the characters’ shoes. Discuss the emotions and challenges faced by the characters. Use the illustrations as a visual aid to spark interest and ask your child to describe what they see and how it relates to the story. Compliment your child’s responses to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions. Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations to help your child relate and understand the message better.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The story showcases characters who confront both literal and metaphorical monsters, demonstrating bravery despite their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it's trying new things, standing up for themselves, or facing difficult situations at school or home.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book encounter various 'marvels' who are different from them, learning to understand and appreciate these differences.
Real-World Application: This promotes tolerance and acceptance in children, teaching them to appreciate diversity among their peers and in their community.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity
Explanation: The protagonists are driven by a desire to explore and understand the unknown, which leads them to incredible discoveries and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to ask questions and explore their curiosities can lead to a lifelong love of learning and a proactive approach to education.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: The characters frequently encounter setbacks and challenges, but they persevere and adapt, often resulting in personal growth and success.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial for helping children understand that challenges and failures are part of life, teaching them to persist and adapt in the face of adversity.