All These Monsters

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to find their voice in a difficult environment or needs to see a model of resilience in the face of family trauma. While the story is framed as a high stakes sci-fi adventure involving literal monsters called scrabs, it serves as a powerful metaphor for escaping an abusive domestic situation. Clara, the seventeen year old protagonist, joins an elite fighting squad to escape her father and discovers that inner strength is just as vital as physical combat skills. The book explores themes of independence, trust, and the complexity of identifying 'real' villains. It is appropriate for older teens who enjoy fast paced action but can also handle nuanced discussions about surviving and recovering from emotional and physical abuse within the home.