cover image M is for Monster

M is for Monster

Mel Gilden. Avon Books, $2.75 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-380-75423-6

Danny is just a little worried about his new fifth grade friends: C. D. Bitesky is a miniature Count Dracula, Frankie and Elisa Stein are siblings who seem almost manufactured, and Howie Wolfner gets a little hairy during storms and full moons. They all very patiently explain to him that ""monster'' is an arbitrary term, not necessarily a negative one. Then they help him keep the school bully at bay. Despite the sometimes clumsy execution, this is a very funny idea that will appeal to monster fans in the middle reader set. Ages 8-12. (November)