M Is for Monster: A Graphic Novel by Dutton, Talia

A scientist attempts to bring her younger sister back to life with unexpected results in Talia Dutton's M Is for Monster, a Frankenstein-inspired graphic novel about ghosts, identity, and family.

When Doctor Frances Ai's younger sister Maura died in a tragic accident six months ago, Frances swore she would bring her back to life. However, the creature that rises from the slab is clearly not Maura. This girl, who chooses the name "M," doesn't remember anything about Maura's life and just wants to be her own person.

However, Frances expects M to pursue the same path that Maura had been on--applying to college to become a scientist--and continue the plans she and Maura shared. Hoping to trigger Maura's memories, Frances surrounds M with the trappings of Maura's past, but M wants nothing to do with Frances's attempts to change her into something she's not. In order to face the future, both Frances and M need to learn to listen and let go of Maura once and for all.

Talia Dutton's debut graphic novel, M Is for Monster, takes a hard look at what it means to live up to other people's expectations--as well as our own. It is one of the titles on our Surely list, which is dedicated to showcasing gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual creators and stories.

Author: Talia Dutton
Publisher: Abrams Comicarts - Surely
Published: 06/28/2022
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 8.80h x 6.30w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9781419751974
Age Range: 13-17

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2.7
Point Value: 1
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Quiz #/Name: 519099 / M Is for Monster


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 05/16/2022
Booklist 05/15/2022 pg. 37
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2022
Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2022 pg. 117
School Library Journal 09/23/2022 pg. 1
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2022 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style