Monstrous Affections

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with feeling like an outsider or is questioning the boundaries of what is considered normal. This collection of short stories is designed for the teen who feels a kinship with the strange, the misunderstood, or the monstrous. It serves as a powerful mirror for those navigating the complexities of identity and belonging during the high school years. Through a series of speculative and gothic tales, the book explores how we form connections with those who are different from us. While the monsters are often literal, they serve as metaphors for the parts of ourselves we are taught to hide. Parents will appreciate how these stories handle themes of empathy and self-acceptance with nuance and depth, providing a safe space for teens to explore their own edges. Note that this collection contains mature themes and some spooky elements appropriate for readers aged 14 and up.