Myer, Sarah. Monstrous. 2023. 272p. First Second, $25.99 (9781250268792).
Recommended grade level(s): 8th grade+
Rating
- Buy it for the Adoptee Bookshelf 5 Stars!
Identities Represented
- South Korean adoptee
- LGBTQ+
Review
A young adult graphic memoir illustrating Sarah Myer’s childhood in rural Maryland as a South Korean adoptee. We meet Sarah as a young child before attending school, and their rambunctious, spirited personality jumps off the page immediately. There was not a day that they did not remember knowing they were adopted, and where they loved to draw. However, when Sarah begins school, each phase of childhood brings with it new challenges, including racism, bullying, and forever feeling “the other”. “It is extremely dehumanizing to hear other people tell you what they believe you are, repeatedly.” As a child, Sarah acts out for attention and is picked on when trying to stand out for who they are. “I used to think, am I a monster?” The Illusory Truth effect, the tendency to believe false information to be correct, after repeated exposure. Sarah finds solace and community through their art. A fan of Sailor Moon, Sarah discovers cosplay and anime. The illustrations throughout the book are emotional and capture the heart of the language that shaped Sarah’s experience. A heart-wrenching read, this is a coming-of-age graphic novel memoir that delves deeply into the intersectional identities Sarah holds. While there are heavy moments, the reader will be cheering for Sarah and be inspired by their journey to become unapologetically themself.
Perspectives:
The graphic novel memoir is a window into what it feels like to be “the only” in a small rural town with a lack of diversity in people and ideals. Whether the only person of color, queer person, adoptee, or, in Sarah’s case, feeling like all three. Sarah’s perspective as the author is centered, and what is most important is that the adoptee voice is centered. Readers who may know an adoptee in their life are brought into Sarah’s experience through windows, and those who may walk in Sarah’s shoes may see mirrors.
Practice:
- Graphic Novel Study
- Study of memoir structure
- Independent Reading
- High School Book Club Pick
Keep in mind that the visuals in the book illustrate the racism Sarah experienced and for those who may have a similar experience, seeing these visuals can be triggering. Adults and caregivers should make sure to read and be ready to support a young adult adoptee through processing these images, identity, or grief that arises.
The Adoptee Bookshelf 