View source for Monster High by Lisi Harrison

{{infobox2
|title=Monster High
|author=Lisi Harrison
|reviewer=Catherine Bakes
|genre=Teens
|summary=Fitting in is not possible when you go to High School with monsters. 
|rating=5
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|pages=272
|publisher=Atom
|date=September 2010
|isbn=978-1907410635
|aznuk=1907410635
|aznus=1907410635
|cover=1907410635
}}

I don't know about everyone else, but I'm getting a bit fed up of all the vampires, werewolves and other creepies that seem to have popped up since the explosion of hype around [[Twilight by Stephenie Meyer|Twilight]]. So, when this book landed on my doorstep, I can't say I held much hope for it.

The book, I have to say, is pretty good. In fact, it's more than good -it's  fantastic. It's set in a village called Salem, but not the one famous for its witch hunts. In this village, hidden amongst the 'normies' are a community of vampires, werewolves, sea creatures, gorgons and Frankenstein-like-creations. Infact, this community is not just like these legendary monsters from film and literature, they are their descendants.

I have to say that I found this impressive, binding classic monster literature in to a teen book that on the surface seems to be about normal teenage issues – fitting in, boys, appearances and friends. I think that it's important for a new generation of monster obsessed teens know where it all began. Big thumbs up for that.

Anyway, the story follows the journey of two characters, Frankie Stein and Melody Carver.

Frankie is fifteen days old and is about to start 'normie' school. After being programmed and taught by her parents to love herself and be proud she's confused when, on her first day at school, her parents give her stage make-up to hide her seams and mint green skin. Why should she be ashamed of what she is? She's not a monster, she's just like everyone else and she's determined that everyone sees that.

Then, Melody. She's about to start the same school after moving to Salem with her family to get away from the hustle and bustle of LA. She's felt like an outsider and a monster all her life. Being the ugly duckling in a plastic surgeon's family is hard, and being pressured to be perfect. She wants a new start, with her new nose, and to finally meet a boy who likes her for who she is.

The characters in this book are lovable, real and relatable. The plot is fantastic, full of lots of great twists and turns, it definitely kept me entertained and hooked. I really do recommend this book, there are a lot of bad books in this genre, but this is certainly not one of them. A satisfying read.

I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.

Further reading suggestion: If you like this book I would recommend you try [[Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz]] for more monster teen action or for the same high school drama [[Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles]].  We also liked [[Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith]].

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