Monster High book 1
 |
This is the start of a very good series which, at times, is very funny and, at other times, reflects our own time of prejudice, hatred and intolerance of those who are seen to be different in some way.
Frankie Stein is a fifteen-year-old girl who has, of course, been created by her parents. Thus, she is technically a monster and looks like one. With the use of proper makeup, however, she can pass as being a real human being. She is going to be attending a high school with 'normies.
The story of how monsters arrived in Salem, Oregon, is told. The story also explains that they are trying to remain undercover.
A second major character, a normal human girl named Melody, is introduced and it's obvious that the two major characters will end up becoming involved somehow with each other. It turns out that Frankie is not the only monster girl in the school as she gets to meet Lala, Blue, Clawdeen and Cleo. Making the situation more complicated for her is her attracting to Jackson who has a split personality problem, to say the least.
A really good first book in a series.
As for Monster High itself, it has become a major hit series with lots of websodes that are usually quite funny or semi-serious and still really good. The series has inspired a set of dolls (which are really neat) and there are loads of accessories.
I think it's really popular because, first, it's about monsters, and what kids don't love the idea of monsters? It has a very powerful message in that it is saying to kids that they don't have to fit in; they can be different and still be quite fine themselves. Further, they are not the only kid that is 'different.' There are lots of others out there. Plus, on top of this, is the strong anti-prejudice message of the books. The series sort of reminds of the television/book series Alien Nation where a group of aliens crash-landed on Earth and were gradually assimilating into the general population, but were met with a lot of hatred and even things like cross-burning on their front yard.
|
|
