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Laura Monster Crusher
Lord of the Rings meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets The Duff in this funny, fast-paced tale of middle-school monsters, self-image, and, oh yeah, actual monsters that want to kill everyone.
Laura Ledwick is... well... large. The kids at school don't let her forget it, and call her by various names: Laura Largebottom, Laura Lardo, Lots of Laura--you get the idea. When Laura's family moves to the next town over before eighth grade, she expects more of the same. What she doesn't expect are the snake-like yellow eyes watching her from the forest. Or the mysterious rattling in her closet. Or finally making real friends for the first time. Or handsome uber-nerd Liam R. Kelp, who might just be the cutest boy to ever wear a Science Is Cool T-shirt. But when Laura finally discovers the source of the rattling, things take on a whole new level of weird. It turns out Laura has just been given the most important job in the world: Monster Crusher. Her role is simple: protect the earth from the horrors beneath their feet. Eighth grade is about to get a lot more interesting.
Laura Ledwick is... well... large. The kids at school don't let her forget it, and call her by various names: Laura Largebottom, Laura Lardo, Lots of Laura--you get the idea. When Laura's family moves to the next town over before eighth grade, she expects more of the same. What she doesn't expect are the snake-like yellow eyes watching her from the forest. Or the mysterious rattling in her closet. Or finally making real friends for the first time. Or handsome uber-nerd Liam R. Kelp, who might just be the cutest boy to ever wear a Science Is Cool T-shirt. But when Laura finally discovers the source of the rattling, things take on a whole new level of weird. It turns out Laura has just been given the most important job in the world: Monster Crusher. Her role is simple: protect the earth from the horrors beneath their feet. Eighth grade is about to get a lot more interesting.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 3, 2017
9 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Wesley King
36 books392 followersThe author of fourteen novels and counting, Wesley King has received over twenty literary awards and seen his books published worldwide, optioned for film and television, and translated into numerous languages. King is best known for his collaboration with Kobe Bryant on the #1 New York Times Bestselling Wizenard Series, as well as the Edgar Award-winning OCDaniel, which was also a Bank Street Best Book of the Year and Silver Birch winner. The follow-up, Sara and the Search for Normal, won both the Violet Downey and Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Awards. He also co-authored the YA romantic fiction novel Hello (from here) with New York Times bestselling author Chandler Baker. His next novel, Benny on the Case, will be released in April 2025. It is a JLG Gold Selection, has a Starred Review from PW and will be released simultaneously with an audiobook from Dreamscape. His adult debut novel is going to be announced soon.
He lives on a windy seaside bluff in Western Newfoundland, Canada.
He lives on a windy seaside bluff in Western Newfoundland, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 27, 2017
A fun, light and fast-moving origin story for a new reluctant Monster Crusher, Laura Ledwick. Laura, her younger, blind brother and her parents have just moved from their previous town to their new, rundown home which her father is eager to renovate. Laura was mercilessly bullied at her previous school because of her weight, and hopes for things to be different at her new school. No chance. But, unlike at her old school, she makes a few friends here. And she discovers that she's been chosen to be the Monster Crusher to fight trolls, imps and other beasties. Laura is not eager to embrace this, and her trainer is equally reluctant to take on Laura as a new candidate.
Laura's a lovely girl, and her relationship with her brother is wonderful and often simultaneously funny and touching. Laura journey through this book of friendship and acceptance of her destiny is a lot of fun to read.
Laura's a lovely girl, and her relationship with her brother is wonderful and often simultaneously funny and touching. Laura journey through this book of friendship and acceptance of her destiny is a lot of fun to read.
September 25, 2016
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. I read it in a day; once I got into the story I didn't want to stop reading.
I'm also really hoping that this is a series.
The main character was fantastic. She was significantly taller and heavier than anyone in her grade, and because of this (and because she accidentally squashed another student while playing Duck Duck Goose in the first grade) she is the subject of relentless torment from bullies.
Then her family moves into a house that she thinks looks like a scene from a B-rated horror movie. She hears weird rattlings from her closet, and sees things in the woods.
Surprise! She's now become a Monster Crusher, someone destined to help save the world from evil creatures.
Only she believes that she is incapable of doing so, because she is hardly physically fit, and she has no interest in monster killing. She just wants to be invisible.
The characters made me smile a lot; they were all so adorable. Our main character makes two new friends who invite her to join their 'Unpopular' club. The three of them begin to hang out and support each other through the progressively worse bullying at this new school, though it doesn't mean that there is any less crying stemming from the cruel remarks.
There's also an adorable little nerd (Liam R. Kelp - Named after a slimy aquatic plant), who our main character develops a crush on and the interactions between not only those two, but also between the three girls, is adorable and realistic to the ways eighth graders behave.
The activities in the other world, namely the one below the Earth's surface where our main character has her Monster Crusher training was just as interesting as the events at her school. I enjoyed watching how the two worlds were woven together and how the plot progressed; there were some interesting plot twists.
The battle scenes were well-written and easy to visualize, which caused them to be very engaging.
Lastly, I really loved the main character's little brother. He's blind, and is always making jokes such as, "I've decided to take up Photography." He's a very good-natured 9-year-old.
He and his sister call each other Bat Boy and Giant Girl, which is sweet, and he's always telling her that she is beautiful even though he can't see her.
This was a great book about friendship, and finding that you're stronger than you think, even when you don't believe it until the very last minute. Also, you're way harder on yourself than anybody else is.
Note: The only things that I can think of for a parent's concern is that a bully sarcastically asks if she can sit with two girls, "Unless they were making out." The main character's mom refers to the bully as a 'hussy'.
Other than this the content was perfectly clean.
I loved this book. I read it in a day; once I got into the story I didn't want to stop reading.
I'm also really hoping that this is a series.
The main character was fantastic. She was significantly taller and heavier than anyone in her grade, and because of this (and because she accidentally squashed another student while playing Duck Duck Goose in the first grade) she is the subject of relentless torment from bullies.
Then her family moves into a house that she thinks looks like a scene from a B-rated horror movie. She hears weird rattlings from her closet, and sees things in the woods.
Surprise! She's now become a Monster Crusher, someone destined to help save the world from evil creatures.
Only she believes that she is incapable of doing so, because she is hardly physically fit, and she has no interest in monster killing. She just wants to be invisible.
The characters made me smile a lot; they were all so adorable. Our main character makes two new friends who invite her to join their 'Unpopular' club. The three of them begin to hang out and support each other through the progressively worse bullying at this new school, though it doesn't mean that there is any less crying stemming from the cruel remarks.
There's also an adorable little nerd (Liam R. Kelp - Named after a slimy aquatic plant), who our main character develops a crush on and the interactions between not only those two, but also between the three girls, is adorable and realistic to the ways eighth graders behave.
The activities in the other world, namely the one below the Earth's surface where our main character has her Monster Crusher training was just as interesting as the events at her school. I enjoyed watching how the two worlds were woven together and how the plot progressed; there were some interesting plot twists.
The battle scenes were well-written and easy to visualize, which caused them to be very engaging.
Lastly, I really loved the main character's little brother. He's blind, and is always making jokes such as, "I've decided to take up Photography." He's a very good-natured 9-year-old.
He and his sister call each other Bat Boy and Giant Girl, which is sweet, and he's always telling her that she is beautiful even though he can't see her.
This was a great book about friendship, and finding that you're stronger than you think, even when you don't believe it until the very last minute. Also, you're way harder on yourself than anybody else is.
Note: The only things that I can think of for a parent's concern is that a bully sarcastically asks if she can sit with two girls, "Unless they were making out." The main character's mom refers to the bully as a 'hussy'.
Other than this the content was perfectly clean.
November 23, 2016
This book was so much fun to read. While I myself haven't been in the 8th grade for quite some time, I was still able to thoroughly enjoy it. Laura is on the plump side, and is teased by fellow classmates but is able to find strength in a strong family bond. With a move into a new neighborhood and new school, Laura is able to find strength and acceptance in herself. She discovers a secret passage in her new bedroom closet and soon finds herself in a new under world and if that wasn't enough, they tell her that she is the monster crusher and she has to learn to fight trolls and goblins or both the under world and surface world will be destroyed. All the while she is trying to lead a normal student life and maybe!?!? Get a boyfriend!!!??? This book is so much fun to read. Highly recommend to anyone 10 and up for sure and maybe even younger.
April 27, 2017
Laura Monster Crusher by Wesley King.
Laura Ledwick is... well... large. The kids at school don't let her forget it, and call her by various names: Laura Largebottom, Laura Lardo, Lots of Laura--you get the idea. When Laura's family moves to the next town over before eighth grade, she expects more of the same. What she doesn't expect are the snake-like yellow eyes watching her from the forest. Or the mysterious rattling in her closet. Or finally making real friends for the first time. Or handsome uber-nerd Liam R. Kelp, who might just be the cutest boy to ever wear a Science Is Cool T-shirt. But when Laura finally discovers the source of the rattling, things take on a whole new level of weird. It turns out Laura has just been given the most important job in the world: Monster Crusher. Her role is simple: protect the earth from the horrors beneath their feet. Eighth grade is about to get a lot more interesting.
A very good read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved Laura. Loved the story. Loved the ending too. 5*. Netgalley and penguin random house Canada.
Laura Ledwick is... well... large. The kids at school don't let her forget it, and call her by various names: Laura Largebottom, Laura Lardo, Lots of Laura--you get the idea. When Laura's family moves to the next town over before eighth grade, she expects more of the same. What she doesn't expect are the snake-like yellow eyes watching her from the forest. Or the mysterious rattling in her closet. Or finally making real friends for the first time. Or handsome uber-nerd Liam R. Kelp, who might just be the cutest boy to ever wear a Science Is Cool T-shirt. But when Laura finally discovers the source of the rattling, things take on a whole new level of weird. It turns out Laura has just been given the most important job in the world: Monster Crusher. Her role is simple: protect the earth from the horrors beneath their feet. Eighth grade is about to get a lot more interesting.
A very good read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved Laura. Loved the story. Loved the ending too. 5*. Netgalley and penguin random house Canada.
September 26, 2016
Surprisingly good. This book was described as a middle school take on Buffy the vampire slayer. I wasn't sure where it was going to go though and was happily surprised by some of the twists and turns.
I love that Laura, the protagonist, is fat. And she isn't forced on a diet or made to lose weight before she can do anything, such as make new friends or discover her destiny.
Good fat positive story about dealing with bullies normal and supernatural.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
I love that Laura, the protagonist, is fat. And she isn't forced on a diet or made to lose weight before she can do anything, such as make new friends or discover her destiny.
Good fat positive story about dealing with bullies normal and supernatural.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
June 12, 2017
Percey Jackson...lightning thief...meet Laura.....monster crusher!!! A story that truly empowers girls all the way around! Filled with, humour, adventure, magic, self-discovery and self-truths! A story that will keep you at the edge of your seat from start to finish!
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
April 3, 2017
When I look back at middle school, I see myself at my weakest. I hadn't yet grasped the concept of loving, understanding, and appreciating myself. Because of this, I felt insecure and self-conscious all the time. Laura Ledwick, the protagonist, is thirteen. She's used to other kids calling her names because of her larger size. Worried about her, her parents decided they move to a new town. Now Laura must deal with being a new kid and the odd noises that seem to be coming from her closet every night.
When I first started reading this book, I was annoyed with the writing style. But the more I read on, the more I enjoyed the story Wesley King created. He did a great job of balancing the fantasy world and the contemporary one.
If you're around the age of 13, or you're looking for a good balance between fantasy and contemporary this is the book for you. I gave this book a 3.5/5 stars. I'm glad I got the chance to review this book. Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
When I first started reading this book, I was annoyed with the writing style. But the more I read on, the more I enjoyed the story Wesley King created. He did a great job of balancing the fantasy world and the contemporary one.
If you're around the age of 13, or you're looking for a good balance between fantasy and contemporary this is the book for you. I gave this book a 3.5/5 stars. I'm glad I got the chance to review this book. Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
November 17, 2017
This is a great little book, likely the start of a series. It combines fantasy with some of the painful realities of being a preteen girl. This will definitely be on my recommendation list for girls, maybe boys too, aged 11-13.
January 24, 2018
I think a lot of older grade schoolers will enjoy this story. Laura is bullied at her old school, but even if the bullying continues at her new school, she also now has friends as a support group. She also finds she's been chosen to protect the world from monsters! It's an entertaining and quick read.
I received a Kindle copy of this book from Netalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle copy of this book from Netalley in exchange for a fair review.
October 16, 2018
Amazing! Wish Laura had sorted through her body issues a little more though. Doing a book talk on this novel for class.
April 8, 2022
Trolls, goblins, giant spiders and a Monster Crusher... what more could you really ask for in a book?
April 20, 2023
I could have done without the negative body talk eventhough it is a reality for a person this characters age to be considered with. I just felt it was too much of a focus of the plot and a very easy way to show someone being bullied based on weight. It felt very borderline fat shaming. The author being an older man, I hope he had some insight and didn't just write what he thought a grade 8 student would react to.
The plot dealing with monsters was interesting and that is what kept me going.
I would not recommend this being a read aloud in class due to the above reason.
The plot dealing with monsters was interesting and that is what kept me going.
I would not recommend this being a read aloud in class due to the above reason.
March 13, 2018
Let me just start off by saying that Laura Monster Crusher by Wesley King is one of the best Red Maple books from this year that I’ve read so far. I enjoyed how King incorporated both aspects of Laura’s life into the story, fantasy and reality, because I was worried that he was just going to write about the “Monster Crushing” side of her life. I really liked this book’s characters and their varying characteristics, especially the steadfast dedication of Eldon, the quiet persistence of Laura, and the humorous innocence of Tom. I found the plot extremely unpredictable, especially when Laura was betrayed by a trusted family member, and found an enemy to become an acquaintance. I found the narration really good, too, particularly when Laura was being bullied, and her reactions, thoughts, and emotions to it.
However, I found a few flaws in this book, however slight. I felt as if the author’s narration from a girl’s perspective was a bit over-the-top, though that could just be me. Also, I found it strange that the “Monster Crushers” battled with weapons such as swords, arrows, and hammers, but didn’t use firearms. It could’ve just been a matter of the time period the story was set in(?), but I’m skeptical. The first gun was invented in the late 1300s, and if the citizens of Derwin are advanced enough to form underground communities, fancy hammers, and, as quoted from the book, boring machines that “sliced through the (solid) rock like butter”, they should have no problem being advanced enough to manufacture guns, or at least "borrow" some from the Surface World. After all, using firearms is a much more efficient, not to mention effective, way of fighting monsters, which leads me to think that Wesley simply didn’t include this class of weapons, because it would tarnish the whole ‘fantasy’ concept of the story. This is a pretty trivial matter, but I thought that the “Monster Crushers” could use a cooler name, such as the… Behemoth Eradicators? Creature Obliterators? Beast Annihilators? Okay, so my names aren’t much better, either, but you get the idea. Oh, and when I was nearing the final battle at the end of the book, I was thinking, Why is this book so short? What’s going to happen at the end? How are they going to end the war so quickly? My fears were confirmed when this book ENDED IN A CLIFFHANGER.
Well, I guess I’ll be reading the second book, then.
Despite these drawbacks, I still found this a wonderful book. With intrigue, action, adventure, and fantasy, I couldn’t stop reading. This is a story about perseverance, resilience, loyalty, tenacity, and being able to bounce back from ignominy.
At one point in this book, (page 279,) Tom says, “Can you imagine? Being wanted for the one thing I always thought was my biggest weakness? Don’t you know what it’s like?” I found this quote to be very memorable.
However, I found a few flaws in this book, however slight. I felt as if the author’s narration from a girl’s perspective was a bit over-the-top, though that could just be me. Also, I found it strange that the “Monster Crushers” battled with weapons such as swords, arrows, and hammers, but didn’t use firearms. It could’ve just been a matter of the time period the story was set in(?), but I’m skeptical. The first gun was invented in the late 1300s, and if the citizens of Derwin are advanced enough to form underground communities, fancy hammers, and, as quoted from the book, boring machines that “sliced through the (solid) rock like butter”, they should have no problem being advanced enough to manufacture guns, or at least "borrow" some from the Surface World. After all, using firearms is a much more efficient, not to mention effective, way of fighting monsters, which leads me to think that Wesley simply didn’t include this class of weapons, because it would tarnish the whole ‘fantasy’ concept of the story. This is a pretty trivial matter, but I thought that the “Monster Crushers” could use a cooler name, such as the… Behemoth Eradicators? Creature Obliterators? Beast Annihilators? Okay, so my names aren’t much better, either, but you get the idea. Oh, and when I was nearing the final battle at the end of the book, I was thinking, Why is this book so short? What’s going to happen at the end? How are they going to end the war so quickly? My fears were confirmed when this book ENDED IN A CLIFFHANGER.
Well, I guess I’ll be reading the second book, then.
Despite these drawbacks, I still found this a wonderful book. With intrigue, action, adventure, and fantasy, I couldn’t stop reading. This is a story about perseverance, resilience, loyalty, tenacity, and being able to bounce back from ignominy.
At one point in this book, (page 279,) Tom says, “Can you imagine? Being wanted for the one thing I always thought was my biggest weakness? Don’t you know what it’s like?” I found this quote to be very memorable.
July 10, 2018
This title is nominated for the 2019 Hackmatack Award in the fiction category. In this book we are introduced to Laura, her brother Tom and her parents. They have moved to a new town so that Laura's dad can execute his dream home renovation project, but also in part so that Laura can get away from her bullies and start over in a new school. The new house is a little rough around the edges, and there seems to be some kind of mystery rattle coming from Laura's closet, but she makes some friends and avoids the new school bully so things are looking up. But things at Laura's house aren't what they seem. As it turns out, the house is protected by a spell which prevents anyone who is unworthy from moving in. Since Laura's family moved in, and she took the special room, the rules dictate that she must train to become a monster crusher. Laura is understandably freaked out - what 13-year-old girl would knowingly choose to fight monsters?! - but she doesn't run away.
I enjoyed all of the positive messages in this book! Laura is a girl who gave up something she loved (softball) & excelled at because she didn't like the attention she got for being bigger than the other girls. However her size and strength ended up being a huge asset. I liked the budding friendship between Laura and Liam, and how Liam likes Laura for her personality. My only criticism is that I wish we heard more from Tom's point of view, but I get the feeling that there may be a follow-up book or maybe a series. I would recommend this book to kids who are interested in action/adventure and sci fi, and most especially anyone who struggles with bullies, ages 8 and up.
I enjoyed all of the positive messages in this book! Laura is a girl who gave up something she loved (softball) & excelled at because she didn't like the attention she got for being bigger than the other girls. However her size and strength ended up being a huge asset. I liked the budding friendship between Laura and Liam, and how Liam likes Laura for her personality. My only criticism is that I wish we heard more from Tom's point of view, but I get the feeling that there may be a follow-up book or maybe a series. I would recommend this book to kids who are interested in action/adventure and sci fi, and most especially anyone who struggles with bullies, ages 8 and up.
May 13, 2018
Laura Largebottom, Laura Lardo, Laura Lumpy...she's heard 'em all. Eighth-grader, Laura Ledwick has always been a target for the bullies at school but she's hoping things will be different at her new school in Riverfield. A new house, new school, and new friends are all bright possibilities that she's looking forward to until she actually makes the move. It turns out that Riverfield has bullies of its own and the new house has got a definite creep factor she wasn't counting on. Yellow, snake-like eyes watch her every movement from the deep, dark forest behind her house and what's with the mysterious rattling sound coming from her bedroom closet?
When Laura finally discovers the secrets her that new house holds, she's thrust into a world she knew never knew existed. A world of monsters, goblins, trolls, and enormous furry black spiders. And they’re coming for her!
Laura quickly discovers that she has just been given the most important job in both her world and the Under Earth; to become a powerful monster crusher and save humankind. If the training doesn't kill her first, the job just might. Who knew that Riverfield and the 8th grade were going to change her world forever?
Nominated for the OLA Red Maple Award, Laura Monster Crusher by Wesley King is sure to capture your imagination and keep you cheering for Laura from the first page to the last. A fun, light-hearted story that speaks to more serious issues of responsibility, self-acceptance, bullying, and body image in a way that will engage and entertain you.
When Laura finally discovers the secrets her that new house holds, she's thrust into a world she knew never knew existed. A world of monsters, goblins, trolls, and enormous furry black spiders. And they’re coming for her!
Laura quickly discovers that she has just been given the most important job in both her world and the Under Earth; to become a powerful monster crusher and save humankind. If the training doesn't kill her first, the job just might. Who knew that Riverfield and the 8th grade were going to change her world forever?
Nominated for the OLA Red Maple Award, Laura Monster Crusher by Wesley King is sure to capture your imagination and keep you cheering for Laura from the first page to the last. A fun, light-hearted story that speaks to more serious issues of responsibility, self-acceptance, bullying, and body image in a way that will engage and entertain you.
November 30, 2017
Laura is a eighth grader who is made fun of for being large. The summer before grade 8, she moves to the next town over and her life changes. She makes new friends, a change from her previous school, but unfortunately there is still a bully. Laura sees yellow eyes in the forest, she hears rattling from her closet every night, when she finally has the courage to check it out, she finds a world that she could never have imagined.
At first I thought the book was scary, before the creepy stuff was explained. I really liked the idea of there being another group of people who live in a realm underground, I do find it unrealistic that these people haven't evolved from those who live above ground, and even if above ground people have no idea about the existence of the underground people, they know of the above ground people so why are there ideas so different? I think it would make more sense to have the above ground people know of the monsters, that way there could be more help. I think the underground people are too hard headed as they have keep to the same way of life for a millennia, they could have embrace new things which would make life easier. (That got way off topic.) I thought the end was very anticlimactic. The ending of the book gives clues suggesting a sequel is coming because it seems unfinished.
Over all I really enjoyed this book.
At first I thought the book was scary, before the creepy stuff was explained. I really liked the idea of there being another group of people who live in a realm underground, I do find it unrealistic that these people haven't evolved from those who live above ground, and even if above ground people have no idea about the existence of the underground people, they know of the above ground people so why are there ideas so different? I think it would make more sense to have the above ground people know of the monsters, that way there could be more help. I think the underground people are too hard headed as they have keep to the same way of life for a millennia, they could have embrace new things which would make life easier. (That got way off topic.) I thought the end was very anticlimactic. The ending of the book gives clues suggesting a sequel is coming because it seems unfinished.
Over all I really enjoyed this book.
April 26, 2018
I received this book in return for an honest review, in no way does this affect my opinion and all of the words below are my own.
A new house, a new school, new friends, and the same old bullies. Laura knows she is pretty big for a kid her age, and sometimes she hates it, but that doesn't mean she thinks she should be bullied. However, when she stumbles upon another world residing below her new house, she is both intrigued and absolutely horrified.
This was everything I wish I had in a book when I was 12. I still loved it now, but it probably would have hit home more at a middle school age.
The characters were unique, and while there was the stereotypical bully troupe, I think it was in place because it was realistic in the circumstances. Each character was physically, and mentally unique which made it super easy to keep them separate in my head. I loved Laura's perspective, and honestly wouldn't mind a spin off from her brothers view.
I wish we had have had more time for the world below ground to develop, but I know it's a middle-grade book, so not everyone in the intended age range is looking for chapter long descriptions. I just want more of the world! Make it a movie, make a sequel, give us some of the other characters backstory, something!
Overall, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of Bridge to Terabithia.
A new house, a new school, new friends, and the same old bullies. Laura knows she is pretty big for a kid her age, and sometimes she hates it, but that doesn't mean she thinks she should be bullied. However, when she stumbles upon another world residing below her new house, she is both intrigued and absolutely horrified.
This was everything I wish I had in a book when I was 12. I still loved it now, but it probably would have hit home more at a middle school age.
The characters were unique, and while there was the stereotypical bully troupe, I think it was in place because it was realistic in the circumstances. Each character was physically, and mentally unique which made it super easy to keep them separate in my head. I loved Laura's perspective, and honestly wouldn't mind a spin off from her brothers view.
I wish we had have had more time for the world below ground to develop, but I know it's a middle-grade book, so not everyone in the intended age range is looking for chapter long descriptions. I just want more of the world! Make it a movie, make a sequel, give us some of the other characters backstory, something!
Overall, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of Bridge to Terabithia.
October 24, 2019
Laura is a regular plus-sized teenage girl until one day, as she is exploring her new house, she realizes that there is an elevator that goes into the middle of the earth into a fantastical realm in which she learns that she is, in fact, a Monster Crusher chosen to combat the many goblins, orcs, and giants that are trying to overthrow the surface world.
It's a familiar kind of story with echoes of many other "hero's journey" stories throughout, but King's use of an unconventional hero is what makes this book interesting. It's very interesting to see Laura, who has been bullied and struggles with self-image and self-confidence, learn how to become a hero in spite of herself. She is a highly entertaining protagonist, and I can definitely see how she would appeal to teenage female readers.
Laura Monster Crusher is a fantastic story in both senses of the word with a compelling main character and conflict, and I would not be surprised to see this become a series of books. It's a very manageable read for 11 to 14 year olds, and a great entry into the young adult fantasy genre (especially since it's Canadian).
It's a familiar kind of story with echoes of many other "hero's journey" stories throughout, but King's use of an unconventional hero is what makes this book interesting. It's very interesting to see Laura, who has been bullied and struggles with self-image and self-confidence, learn how to become a hero in spite of herself. She is a highly entertaining protagonist, and I can definitely see how she would appeal to teenage female readers.
Laura Monster Crusher is a fantastic story in both senses of the word with a compelling main character and conflict, and I would not be surprised to see this become a series of books. It's a very manageable read for 11 to 14 year olds, and a great entry into the young adult fantasy genre (especially since it's Canadian).
June 19, 2017
Wesley King has created a lively middle school read with a particularly appealing thirteen year old protagonist. Despite being born larger than average, Laura Ledwick is actually one of the more well-rounded teenagers you'll encounter. This is because she's surrounded by supportive parents and a loving brother. However, the parents decide to move when the taunts about Laura's size become a daily obstacle. They move to another town and in the house that Stache (Laura's dad) is renovating, Laura discovers an elevator to another subterranean world - and that she is an unlikely designated Monster Crusher who is charged with saving her community from a variety of monstrous creatures - that is after after she receives practical field training. Now occupying two worlds - regular 8th grader by day and trainee Monster Crusher by night, Laura encounters many surprises. King writes with a light touch. His characters are appealing - but the fantasy is pretty forced, and some of the descriptions repetitious.
November 10, 2016
In this relatively long prose book probably targeted to teens, Laura is a young girl whose taller than all her classmates, which makes her a pariah even before she finds an elevator hiding in her closet that takes her to a mystical magical underground land. . . eh, why not? I’ve seen weirder, and this makes more sense than a cabinet.
Oddly enough, nothing much happens in this story—some battles, but mostly her thoughts—but it’s still enjoyable. I thought her brother being blind made things more interesting, and in a way it did near the end. The monster fighting book she was forced to read sounds like it would sell better than this one. But the best part is the psychological insights into an early teen girl with body image issues and how she overcame them.
There’s a lot of world building for what turned out to be a small plot, but you can tell sequels are planned.
Oddly enough, nothing much happens in this story—some battles, but mostly her thoughts—but it’s still enjoyable. I thought her brother being blind made things more interesting, and in a way it did near the end. The monster fighting book she was forced to read sounds like it would sell better than this one. But the best part is the psychological insights into an early teen girl with body image issues and how she overcame them.
There’s a lot of world building for what turned out to be a small plot, but you can tell sequels are planned.
July 6, 2019
Quite good once it warmed up. One Freaking Big Plothole, though:
Oh and the one thing that really, really drove me nuts? A book that takes place in the U.S., but has non-American spellings and measurements. I was certain it took place in England or Canada until it was stated that Lee came from Canada.
Oh and the one thing that really, really drove me nuts? A book that takes place in the U.S., but has non-American spellings and measurements. I was certain it took place in England or Canada until it was stated that Lee came from Canada.
November 27, 2016
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is an enjoyable and engaging middle school read. Laura, the protagonist, has been bullied about her weight, prompting a family move to a neighboring town. In her new digs, Laura is selected for a special magical role by her closet, a portal/elevator to a magical world that has monsters leaking through to Laura's mundane world. This Buffyesque protagonist doesn't miraculously lose weight, have to diet, or change anything other than her self-esteem, as the book progresses. It provides a great message for tweens and younger teens about finding what is great in yourself just as you are.
Recommended for those ages 11-14 looking for a diverting fantasy read with a vibe that doesn't get too dark.
This book is an enjoyable and engaging middle school read. Laura, the protagonist, has been bullied about her weight, prompting a family move to a neighboring town. In her new digs, Laura is selected for a special magical role by her closet, a portal/elevator to a magical world that has monsters leaking through to Laura's mundane world. This Buffyesque protagonist doesn't miraculously lose weight, have to diet, or change anything other than her self-esteem, as the book progresses. It provides a great message for tweens and younger teens about finding what is great in yourself just as you are.
Recommended for those ages 11-14 looking for a diverting fantasy read with a vibe that doesn't get too dark.
August 11, 2017
This was a really good story, I was taken by surprise by many of its twists. I felt the perspective it gave on both the bullied and the bully was great, though I expected some of it to connect more with the fantasy element, since it's one group (humans) pitted directly against another (magical). This will connect especially well with middle schoolers.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2018
"Laura Monster Crusher" was a book that combines Narnia with a hint of Mulan. Wesley King made a fantasy novel that any one should read. The plot twists amazingly astonished me, leaving it up to a certain point to be able to figure it out. The one reason I didn't give it five stars was because it dragged on for a couple chapters from while she was training to become a monster crusher, other than that the book was great.
July 9, 2018
School Dramedy and Fantasy mashup - although it doesn't do either genre particularly well.
The middle school politics come across as inauthentic, and Laura really doesn't make sense as a character. The novel definitely reads like an adult male writing from the point of view of a 12 year old girl.
The fantasy characters and realm was, to me at least, dull and repetitive.
Also, lots of fat jokes.
The middle school politics come across as inauthentic, and Laura really doesn't make sense as a character. The novel definitely reads like an adult male writing from the point of view of a 12 year old girl.
The fantasy characters and realm was, to me at least, dull and repetitive.
Also, lots of fat jokes.
June 20, 2017
Laura Monster Crusher is for girls who doubted themselves, for girls who think they cannot make it, for girls who are victims of bullying. This is for you. This is a book about discovering that there's always something great within you that you're yet to discover. Didn't expect that I'll enjoy this but I very much so nonetheless.
January 28, 2018
This was a great book about a girl named Laura who is bullied at school so her parents decide to move to a town named Riverfield. Laura discovers a secret elevator that takes her to a world beneath the Earth, Derwin. She becomes a monster crusher and eventually saves the town of both Riverfield and Derwin. I wish the ending wouldève been more specific though.
April 29, 2018
I loved it! Laura doesn't believe in herself. All of her school life she has been teased and bullied to the point she believes all of those nasty school mates. So how the heck is she suppose to save the world? Highly recommend you read it and enjoy a wonderful adventure crushing monsters and self discovery.
May 29, 2018
I felt this book could have been expanded upon, there was so much to this story that I really liked but felt at times that the character development and background plot itself could have gone into further depth. However I really liked the main character Laura, you really wanted to root and laugh with her. This was a very easy read that anyone who likes warrior Disney princesses will like.
August 13, 2018
The intended middle-grade audience will likely enjoy Laura Monster Crusher more than I did, but it is an enjoyable, fast-paced, cute novel filled with fantastical creatures, brave girls, and cute boys!
Short-listed for the 2019 MYRCA Sundogs. I'd recommend Laura Monster Crusher for school and classroom libraries serving grades 3-6 and suggest it as a class read aloud, as well.
Short-listed for the 2019 MYRCA Sundogs. I'd recommend Laura Monster Crusher for school and classroom libraries serving grades 3-6 and suggest it as a class read aloud, as well.
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