This heartfelt and enjoyable read debuted last year, but I never had the opportunity to feature a review. Now with the paperback releasing this month, it’s a perfect time to take care of that omission.

Linus became interested in art thanks to his dad. He developed a love of drawing with charcoal but the past year has given it up because his father died. Linus and his mom moved hoping that would lessen the hurt of losing a loved one. Maybe the change would get Linus back to being an artist.

The story takes an unexpected twist with what is going on with their neighbor Maude and her ugly backyard tree. It’s not a normal tree. Linus sees it through his bedroom window at night, watching the tree grow and change. He finds claw marks on his bedroom door, neighborhood pets are missing, and strange, threatening creatures have been seen. Maude is definitely up to no good.

Luckily, Linus has help with his amusing best friend, Spencer, and Abby who is visiting her grandmother. They hope to uncover the truth and stop Maude’s wicked monster-filled tree from harming anyone or anything.

MONSTER TREE pairs the honest portrayal and healing of grief with the scary horror aspects of the plot. It works with page-turning perfection. The characters are memorable with real individual challenges of their own like Linus’s colorblindness and Abby’s hearing aids. Their friendship is honest and real. It’s one readers will understand and enjoy. My favorite takeaway was how Linus found a way to move forward from the grips holding him back after the unfortunate passing of his father.

If you like a dose of horror mixed in with real life challenges look no further than this engaging reading experience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Allen is an award winning author whose books are filled with quirky, neurodiverse characters, STEAM elements, and a sense of finding Joy in the weirdest and most unlikely of places. Her books have been Jr. Library Guild selections, Whitney Award winners, A Mighty Girl Best Of pick, and state award winners. Sarah received her MFA in creative writing from BYU and regularly teaches at writing conferences and presents at schools across the country. She lives in Florida with her two fluffy black cats! (For more about Sarah and her books visit https://www.sarahallenbooks.com/.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.