Let the Monster Out

Written by Chad Lucas

Narrated by Ruffin Prentiss

An equal parts heart-pounding and heartfelt middle-grade mystery about facing––and accepting––your fears, perfect for fans of Stranger Things and The Parker Inheritance Bones Malone feels like he can’t do anything right in his new small town: He almost punched the son of the woman who babysits him and his brothers, he’s one of the only Black kids in Langille, and now his baseball team (the one place where he really feels like he shines) just lost their first game. To make matters worse, things in town are getting weird. His mom isn’t acting like herself at all—she’s totally spaced out, almost like a zombie. And then he and his brothers have the same dream—one where they’re running from some of their deepest fears, like a bear and an eerie cracked mirror that Bones would rather soon forget. Kyle Specks feels like he can never say the right thing at the right time. He thinks he might be neurodivergent, but he hasn’t gotten an official diagnosis yet. His parents worry that the world might be too hard for him and try to protect him, but Kyle knows they can’t do that forever. Even though he’s scared, he can’t just stand by and do nothing while things in this town get stranger and stranger, especially not after he and Bones find a mysterious scientist’s journal that might hold answers about what’s going on. But when faced with seemingly impossible situations, a shady corporation, and their own worst nightmares, will Kyle and Bones be brave enough to admit they're scared? Or will the fear totally consume and control them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705069424

Reviews for Let the Monster Out

[jennybeast · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Honestly, I wanted a slightly less convoluted storyline, but this book is great. Particular strengths -- boy friendships, excellent autistic representation, excellent coverage of the effects of anger and fear, fantastic Black representation, great characters, scary technology and a delicious slice of baseball. It's also wicked Canadian, so I was amused to see so many references to Tim Horton's and a shoutout to Donair. Good at bringing the creep factor, too.

[kiaya40 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a good MG read that has some Stranger Things vibes and such. I liked this story, but it wasn't my norm and I wasn't the target audience so I think that's part of why I didn't get as much out of it. I think the target audience would enjoy, love, and get more out of it.
It deals with some good topics about autism, such as a child deciding to ask their parents about finding out about themselves and if they're autistic, etc or not. Also, it talks about and deals with anger, bullying, and what it's like for children to find themselves, figure things out for themselves, find their groups, the people that will be their true friends, and the importance of family as well.
This is a story about a group of kids in a town where things start to go awry with the grown-ups. The adults start to behave very strangely and out of character so the group of friends go investigate to find what the reason behind their changed behavior is. They discover that a strange and mysterious corporation/business is behind why the grown-ups begin acting strangely and they all have to face their fears.
If you're looking for something that has a mystery/Stranger Things vibes, that's great for Middle-Grade readers and such then make sure to look at this one. Thanks to NetGalley and Abrams Kids/Amulet Books for letting me read and review this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[sylliu_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A fun, creepy, and heartfelt story about Bones--a Black boy, ace pitcher, and protective older brother with trauma in his past--moving to a new town. He becomes friends with a lively group, including Kyle, who is on the autistic spectrum and who struggles with issues of his own. When the adults in the town are slowly "zombified," Bones and his friends must band together to root out and fight the menace. With great Stranger Things vibes and a nuanced and emotional exploration of friendship and dark emotions, this is an excellent choice for all ages.