Made for Each Other

July 1, 2011

Gr 7 Up-Frankenstein's Monster, aka Franklin Stone runs a funeral home where he harvests organs from bodies to create kinder, more humane versions of himself. Maria is thrilled with her new boyfriend, Tom B. Stone, who is Franklin's heartthrob "son." But can Tom explain the recent series of fatal accidents that have been giving the funeral home so much business? Written with humor and a fast pace, this book should have wide appeal, especially among fans of "Twilight" and other supernatural romances. The bold, black-and-white illustrations resemble classic comics such as "Archie" and reflect the story's romantic but irreverent tone.-Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2011
Grades 7-10 Maria falls for the new guy in school, Tom, and he likes her, too. The problem is that the recent mysterious rash of deaths in their town might have something to do with his strange family. Will Maria be able to save the guy she loves, or will monstrous history repeat itself? The books in the My Boyfriend Is a Monster paranormal-romance graphic-novel series are only connected by theme, with each having a different writer and artist, but so far share the same slightly quirky sense of humor. Storrie especially likes to play with names, featuring characters such as Byron, Shelley, and Tom B. Stone. His story is fun and holds together well, even though the page count makes for a somewhat hurried romance. However, as Cowgur is careful to make Tom a hunk, readers will forgive Marias speedy fall, and the black-and-white art brings the wilds of both high school and Alaska to life. As in the first book (I Love Him to Pieces, 2011), the romance and scares are real, but light, and make for a thoroughly enjoyable read.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2011
In Love, high school jock Dicey can see past science-loving classmate Jack's nerd status, but will a zombie bite destroy their relationship? In Made, Maria dates Frankenstein's monster's monster. Though these graphic novels don't stand up to multiple readings, their occasional tongue-in-cheek-horror humor and kick-butt female characters have some appeal. Black-and-white panel illustrations create an atmosphere of dark adventure.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)