Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story

"A beautiful, courageous book."
Gene Luen Yang, author of American Born Chinese

Five Starred Reviews and a Finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize

Monstrous is a poignant, award-winning young adult graphic memoir about a Korean-American girl who uses fandom and art-making to overcome racist bullying.

Sarah has always struggled to fit in. Born in South Korea and adopted at birth by a white couple, she grows up in a rural community with few Asian neighbors. People whisper in the supermarket. Classmates bully her. She has trouble containing her anger in these moments--but through it all, she has her art. She's always been a compulsive drawer, and when she discovers anime, her hobby becomes an obsession.

Though drawing and cosplay offer her an escape, she still struggles to connect with others. And in high school, the bullies are louder and meaner. Sarah's bubbling rage is threatening to burst.

Author: Sarah Myer
Publisher: First Second
Published: 06/27/2023
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.50lbs
Size: 8.75h x 6.37w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781250268792
Audience: Young Adult

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.2
Point Value: 2
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Quiz #/Name: 555020 / Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 04/24/2023
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2023 - Book Of Special Distinction
Booklist 05/15/2023 pg. 38
School Library Journal 06/01/2023 pg. 94
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2023 pg. 102
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2023 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

About the Author
Comic artist, writer, and colorist Sarah Myer (they/them) is an Eisner and L.A. Times Book Prize-nominated author of the graphic memoir Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story (First Second). Sarah is the illustrator and cover artist of several issues of the comic series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures, and was previously the colorist of TMNT vs Street Fighter and TMNT: Saturday Morning Adventures comics, as well as a variant cover artist of TMNT Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen. Sarah's other work includes their independent webcomic Cheer Up, Michael!, Hello Kitty & Friends Coloring Book, the Ringo Award-nominated anthology Votes for Women: The Battle for the 19th Amendment, for which they wrote and illustrated the installment "Asian American Exclusion," and the graphic novel Maker Comics: Create a Costume!. An avid convention attendee since 1999, Sarah has constructed and worn over fifty cosplay costumes and enjoys cooking, weight-lifting, and spending time with their cat Loki when they are not creating comics. Sarah can be found at sarahmyer.net and on Instagram @smyercomics