Blog Tour: A Monster Like Me by Wendy S. Swore

A Monster Like Me by Wendy S. Swore

Book Description:

There are trolls, goblins, and witches. Which kind of monster is Sophie?

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.

Rorie's Review:

Everyone needs to read this book. Young, old, in-between, everyone. There is so much that we can all learn from the characters in this story. I laughed, I cried - both happy and sad tears, I was heartbroken and filled with joy. I know I'm completely gushing, but that's just how good this book was. Sophie's life as a "monster" was so hard to read about, especially when the bullying came to a head. I felt her despair and ached for her. Despite all the bad, I could see how many people she had that loved her and saw past the mark on her face. 

Aside from the story being really good, I enjoyed all of the excerpts from The Book of Monsters that we got to read at the beginning of each chapter. These excerpts had a lot of valuable life lessons in them as well. 

This is definitely a keeper and one that I will encourage all of my kids to read.

Andrea's Review:

I was drawn in right away and really felt for Sophie, especially regarding the situation in the grocery store. And, reading that those words were what really happened to the author made it even worse. 

There were several touching moments where the reader got to witness the best in people, and the worst in others (the bullies at school). It was eye opening to get a glimpse into one of the bully’s home lives to understand a little better about why he was probably acting the way he was.

The messages about kindness and how our actions, not our appearance, are what makes us a monster or not were wonderful. 

I didn’t notice that the book said how old Sophie was. Some things made me think she was in middle school but then other things (like her very active imagination) made her seem younger. Her obsession with monsters actually became a bit much for me, but I think the intended audience would probably really enjoy that.

The story left things hanging a bit at the end, but enough is implied that it gives the reader a happy ending. It is definitely worth the read and one I'd like my kids to read.

Tarah's Review:

Another great Middle Grade read that everyone should read, but make sure you have some tissues with you! I know the bulk of this story is about bullying, and about believing in yourself, but the part I loved most was about Autumn. It really struck me how friendly she was, and how accepting. Maybe we should all take that lesson to heart more than anything. Especially since her life wasn't all roses either. She was going through some pretty hard times, but was happy, patient with others, helpful and friendly. When my kids read this, that is the lesson I want them to take away. Life is going to be hard, and sometimes it isn't going to go how you want it to, but you have a choice about how you respond to your trials and those people around you. 

All of the minor characters made for a great read. I didn't love that Sophie immediately classified everyone and put them in a little box and then refused to let them be something different, but we definitely do that in our own lives, don't we?

This was a good read that really makes you think.

Title: A Monster Like Me
Author: Wendy S. Swore
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: March 2019
ISBN: 1629725552
Source: I received an eCopy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book