Monster High: Hopes and Screams: An Original Graphic Novel

Pay no attention to the Nutella in the background

Nuhfer, Heather and Howard, Josh. Monster High: Hopes and Screams: An Original Graphic Novel. New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2014.

Plot: The Gory Gazzette, Monster High's online newsletter, needs a  new editor. Frankie Stien rises to the occasion with the help of her best friends. Creating a good newsletter will require everyone's talents in creativity, consideration, and organization. Other obligations continue, though. The monsters must maintain their grades, friendships, and work habits to create a truly horrific product.

Genre: Graphic Novels

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Monster High: My Monster Life, Monster High: Fearbook

Personal Thoughts: The title is based on a popular toy line, so fans of the dolls will most likely appreciate the graphic novel. Compared to some of the other products of the toyline, though, the graphic novel seem a bit lackluster. For example, the online videos (accessible via YouTube) balance the characters, the action, and the morals a bit better. While they certainly venture into "cheesy" territory, particularly when subjects such as acceptance and tolerance are involved, they have enough humor and characterization to maintain interest. Much of the "lessons" in the graphic novel are the sole focus of the stories, making the plot feel forced and stiff. Still, the images are appealing and the characterizations are consistent, so the title may still be worthy of a review.