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Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story

by Sarah Myer

Subject
Comics & Graphic Novels - Social Topics
Age
Teen
Format
Hardcover
Pages
272
Publisher
First Second
Size
16.2 cm × 22.2 cm
ISBN
9781250268792

"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 graphic memoir about a Korean-American teen 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.

Data provided by BiblioShare.

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What reviewers said

Nominated for the L.A. Times Book Prize and Eisner Award in the teen categories
Winner of the International Literacy Association Young Adult Nonfiction Award
Included in best-of-the-year lists from YALSA, Kirkus, School Library Journal, Booklist, the Boston Globe, the New York Public Library, the Beat, and more!
"Heartfelt... Misfit readers will take solace in this just as Myer took comfort from Sailor Moon."
Boston Globe
"For fans of Jarrett Krosoczka’s Hey, Kiddo and Robin Ha’s Almost American Girl, this coming-of-age memoir will appeal to youth who are struggling with their identity."
School Library Journal, starred review
"Immersive and engrossing: a beautifully depicted emotional journey."
Kirkus, starred review
"Her powerful memoir is an empathic gift, presented in full technicolor with never-static panels, showcasing raw energy."
Booklist, starred review
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© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.