Monster of the Week

August 15, 2019
Werewolves, manticores, and mermaids? Nothing compared to a bitter blonde TV host, a bigoted dad, and the pressures of prom sex. By nature, Bridger Whitt is anxious and awkward. By choice, he's assistant to an intermediary between humans and cryptids. NBD. Having acclimated to his after-school job, he's also happier in his skin as the bisexual boyfriend to the hottest boy in school, Leo. But all the magical activity within his small Michigan town has been a magnet for telejournalist Summer Lore. She descends, ready to pick, poke, and prod until she gets what she wants: a breaking story for the supernatural-themed show she hates hosting. As Bridger strains to keep her from stumbling across ghosts, creatures, and unicorn poop, he walks the line between dedicated employee and liability. Lore isn't the only challenge: Bridger's toxically masculine, homophobic, deadbeat dad is ready to reconnect. Plus there's the whole awkward expectation of prom night delights with Leo. It's enough to give a boy more buckets of anxiety than he already has. Sexual orientation and gender identity are layered freely within the narrative. Bridger is open about his commitment to his boyfriend and his attraction to women. An interesting parallel to Bridger's openness is the closeted existence the magical community has to lead as a matter of self-preservation. By and large the cast is white; Leo is Puerto Rican and white. A light read with all the magic and monsters. (Fantasy. 14-18)

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October 11, 2019

Gr 8 Up-In this sequel to The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic, spring semester of Bridger Whitt's senior year has been great. He is blissfully happy with his boyfriend, the school's star athlete, he has an amazing BFF and an acceptance letter to college, and he works as an assistant to Pavel Chudinov, an intermediary tasked with helping cryptids from myth and legend navigate the modern world. However, Bridger and his misfit group go on high alert when a monster-hunting television show and its persistent host arrive in town to investigate the mysterious events of the previous summer. Toss in the arrival of his estranged father and some typical teenage insecurities and Bridger is in for an action-packed and quite disastrous end of high school. The highlight of this series is the realistic character building; Bridger is lovable because of his flaws, fears, and anxieties. This series gives him a chance to blossom realistically as a queer character. He is endearing and the love and support he receives from his mother, friends, and adopted magical family will bring readers to tears. The cast of supporting characters is just as memorable. Lukens shines in her ability to balance humor, character depth, and a well-developed plot. VERDICT This book and its predecessor are must-reads for teens who enjoy YA fiction that explores deep themes within a fun, supernatural adventure. Recommended for older readers due to mature content and language.-Linsey Milillo, Lane Public Library, Fairfield, OH

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