About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts asking about the origins of famous monsters or shows a budding interest in how scary stories are created. This accessible history explores how nineteen year old Mary Shelley dreamed up one of literature's most enduring figures during a rainy summer in Switzerland. It traces the character's evolution from a tragic figure in a Gothic novel to the green-skinned, bolt-necked icon of Hollywood cinema. Beyond the spooky lore, the book touches on deep emotional themes of loneliness, the desire for belonging, and the responsibility creators have toward their work. It is perfectly suited for middle grade readers who are ready to move past simple 'scary stories' into a more nuanced understanding of pop culture history and the creative process. It transforms a 'scary monster' into a fascinating study of imagination and cultural impact.
