We are heading toward that spooky time of the year and this new release will for sure put you in the mood.

Meg and her three sisters are in foster care and have a secret they never share with their foster mom: Each of them is a monster. Meg at times will sprout sharp fangs and claws grow on her feet; Jo reacts to a full moon by getting very furry; Beth has wings; and poor Amy has to be careful going near a body of water as she will be seen with a mermaid’s tail.

The setting is right outside of Salem, Massachusetts, a town known for its spookiness. The residents are concerned as chickens have gone missing and large claw marks are visible on their shed. Is it a large beast in hiding or could it be Meg who often wakes up in the forest and never remembers how she got there?

Curious new friend, Brooks, is trying to figure out what is going on and helps Meg. She must find the truth or risk changing homes once again with her sisters.

The characters are based on the ones in the classic novel, Little Women, but you can read this just fine even if you haven’t read the 1868 original. The scares in Little Monsters are never too scary, allowing the solving of the mystery to be the focus. The pacing works to perfection throughout the 30 chapters. A very imaginative plot sure to please middle grade readers.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: August, 18, 2026 PAGES: 288

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: LITTLE MONSTERS by Máire Roche

1. The emphasis on family and finding your true identity was welcome backdrop to a tale with a diverse cast of characters.
2. Little Meg has even more problems than hiding her monster look, she also takes on the role of mother to her three little sisters and the results are heartwarming.
3. Next door neighbor Brooks, is an interesting character, one that provides humor and motivation to read the original classic.
4. The ending tied up all loose ends, but you hope the characters could return for another story. The author did her homework in creating a younger version of each Little Women character.
5. The connection and difficulties the 4 sisters have with each other will be familiar to those with siblings. Meg takes center stage most of the way but her interactions with Jo, Beth, and Amy provide a clear look at their world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Máire Roche is a former teacher who now writes fantasy for all ages. When she’s not writing, Máire enjoys exploring new coffee shops, hiking, and teaching martial arts. She also writes thrillers and contemporary romance as Mary E. Roach, where her recent & upcoming titles include Better Left Buried, Seven for a Secret, and We Are the Match. (website)

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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!