Siobhan Dowd Books

This is an award-winning and profoundly evocative tale by Patrick Ness. Filled with pathos, this is not a story for the faint-hearted. In equal parts emotionally challenging and rewarding, the narrative also offers a profound exploration of love, loss and hope found in unexpected places.

Conor has experienced the same terrifying nightmare since his mother’s illness began. One night, a different kind of visitor arrives at his window – an ancient, elemental monster. As Conor grapples with his mother’s worsening condition, bullies at school and worries about family relationships, the monster’s nightly visits and enigmatic stories force him to confront his deepest fears and the painful realities he struggles to acknowledge.

This powerful novel explores themes of grief, loss and fear while also highlighting the courage required to confront troubling truths and raw human emotions. Ness doesn’t shy away from the deep sadness of Conor’s situation, but at the same time weaves in elements of light and dark and points the reader towards the slow but hopeful process of healing.

A Monster Calls is a poignant and unforgettable modern classic, best suited for mature readers in Key Stages 3 and 4.