Monster TalkTwo hundred and sixty-four years after the first awakening, the family line stops momentarily, perhaps forever, in the body of a child. Victor is a second-grader growing up with a very unique family history: he is a direct descendant of the monster created by his namesake, Victor Frankenstein. Understandably proud of this distinction, his effort to share this remarkable fact with his classmates and teachers backfires, and he becomes a target on the playground. He is not without allies. With the help of his grandmother, Elizabeth, and his best friend, Michelle, he learns the origin of his familys strange history straight from Mary Shelleys Frankenstein. He learns how that story continued with the surprising journey of the monster and his monster-bride to America. And finally, he learns about the end of making monsters on earth. But there are elements in this history about which even those closest to it are unaware. Wonders abound and dangers lurk for Victor and his loved ones in unexpected places. Monster Talk is a poignant tale about the power of reading, the complexity of love, the wonder and terror of growing up, and the moral ambiguity of the species, human and monster both. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 56
... never get into trouble, you don't fight or swear or tease girls. You had such a successful time in first grade. Why did you tell the other children about Dr. Frankenstein?” “I did what you asked, Mrs. Terhart. You asked us to share ...
... never seen an actual photograph or drawing of his greatgrandparents. Of course, by the time he was a teenager, he would have read the Shelley tale repeatedly, handed down to him through generations as a kind offamily Bible. It was the ...
... never forget this moment. “This is the story of the very beginning, Victor—the beginning of your family.” “Frankenstein.” He recognized the word immediately. “Yes, but I want to tell you the rest. I want you to know the rest. And I hope ...
... never been a monster baby, only adults. By physical appearances, William and Ernest and myself were normal in every way. Look at me—aren't I a beauty?” “Yes, Grandma.” Victor blushed and giggled, covering his face with the blankets and ...
... never despondent. There is, generally, a disoriented state for quite awhile, but throughout there is a kind of vibrancy that most human beings will never know. When they do know it, they call it enthusiasm. Do you know what enthusiasm ...