A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a hauntingly beautiful story about Conor O'Malley and his inner and outer struggles as he deals with the sorrow of his mom's worsening illness and his guilt that he cannot save her, and also wants her pain and his, to end.

He struggles with the unkindness of a school bully, his feelings of betrayal when his best friend told others about his mom's cancer, his grandmother, and a monster made out of a yew tree as it tries to coach the reluctant boy into facing his feelings and acknowledging them for what they are. The story is both sad and beautiful, and young people as well as adults can learn valuable lessons about life, friendship, feelings, thoughts, actions, and knowing when it is okay to let go.