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Frances and the Monsters series #1
Frances and the Monster
What would you do if you accidentally brought a monster to life and set him loose on your town?
Adventurous and charming, this middle grade twist on Frankenstein features a precocious main character who does just that. Perfect for fans of Serafina and the Black Cloak and the Greenglass House series.
Frances Stenzel was just trying to prove her scientific worth to her parents so they would take her with them to their scientific symposiums for once--instead, she reawakened her great-grandfather's secret and most terrible invention.
Before it can destroy the town, she sets off after it, with her pet chimp and sarcastic robot tutor by her side. But monster-hunting isn't easy, and she'll have to face a persistent constable, angry locals, and an unexpected friendship ahead--all while the trail for the monster goes cold and time is running out before her science career, and the city itself, are doomed forever.
Full of thrills and heart alike, Frances and the Monster takes readers through winding streets and over perilous rooftops, with wily monsters, unpredictable twists, and powerful friendships waiting along the way.
Adventurous and charming, this middle grade twist on Frankenstein features a precocious main character who does just that. Perfect for fans of Serafina and the Black Cloak and the Greenglass House series.
Frances Stenzel was just trying to prove her scientific worth to her parents so they would take her with them to their scientific symposiums for once--instead, she reawakened her great-grandfather's secret and most terrible invention.
Before it can destroy the town, she sets off after it, with her pet chimp and sarcastic robot tutor by her side. But monster-hunting isn't easy, and she'll have to face a persistent constable, angry locals, and an unexpected friendship ahead--all while the trail for the monster goes cold and time is running out before her science career, and the city itself, are doomed forever.
Full of thrills and heart alike, Frances and the Monster takes readers through winding streets and over perilous rooftops, with wily monsters, unpredictable twists, and powerful friendships waiting along the way.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 23, 2022
8 people are currently reading
3230 people want to read
About the author
Refe Tuma
10 books73 followersRefe Tuma is the author of middle grade adventure/horror novels FRANCES AND THE MONSTER and the Bram Stoker Award nominated sequel, FRANCES AND THE WEREWOLVES OF THE BLACK FOREST (HarperCollins 2022, 2023).
Refe is also the co-creator of Dinovember and the WHAT THE DINOSAURS DID picture book series, including WHAT THE DINOSAURS DID LAST NIGHT, named a Best Children’s Book of the Year with Honors by Bank Street College. Since 2013, his Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net nominated short stories and essays have appeared in everything from wonderfully obscure literary journals to the New York Times.
He lives with his family, two cats, and a dog in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Oh, and it’s pronounced ‘reef.’
Refe is also the co-creator of Dinovember and the WHAT THE DINOSAURS DID picture book series, including WHAT THE DINOSAURS DID LAST NIGHT, named a Best Children’s Book of the Year with Honors by Bank Street College. Since 2013, his Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net nominated short stories and essays have appeared in everything from wonderfully obscure literary journals to the New York Times.
He lives with his family, two cats, and a dog in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Oh, and it’s pronounced ‘reef.’
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 23, 2024
What a fun middle grade spin on the Frankenstein story. Sadly I didn't really put that together until the end! Frances as a character was incredibly smart and resourceful, but also a bit arrogant and annoying at the beginning. She definitely grew on me by the end though. I thought the story was quirky and fun. Loved the little bits like the super smart chimpanzee who is her best friend, the robot nanny, and the secret rooms in the house. I think it was a bit unbelievable that her parents would have just left her home alone, but it worked for the story. Of course her adventure through town was intense at times, humorous at times, and a bit over the top at times too. Ultimately I did enjoy this, but it's not a few favorite. 3.5 stars overall.
March 1, 2022
Wowza! This was PHENOMENAL! I’m so in love! This is everything I love mixed together. It’s like a retelling of Frankenstein, steampunk MG style lol Steampunk has my heart, so I loved that. There’s mystery, adventure, science, suspense, danger, the darker MG at times that I love..& an incredible friendship, characters.. & an amazing message at the core of the story. Like embracing your scars. They make you stronger. They remind you what you’ve been through & survived. Then there’s themes of death, grief, fear, & anxiety. Francis seemed to have severe anxiety in certain situations, & I thought the author did a superb joy portraying it honestly, & in a very real/relatable way.
Also, great messages on the way women/girls are treated vs men/boys. This is set in 1939, so it was even worse then. Frances rallies against wearing skirts/dresses or anything “girly”, & doesn’t understand why her mother does, or why people always listen to her dad for scientific topics, & not her mom who is just as brilliant. She doesn’t understand all the “rules”, like boys give girls flowers not the other way around for example. She thinks it’s stupid. And it is lol. Then such unexpected & fabulous humor! Frances has this dry humor, without even trying to be funny..which made it even funnier. Then Hobbes lol who has the same dry wit. I could actually hear him in my head saying these things-because every detail of this story is so vivid, & written so well you can see everything the characters see, hear what they hear, etc.
I’m in love with this story, writing, & these AMAZING characters. Fritz has some of my heart, but I think most of my heart goes to Hobbes. What a character..& the birdcage..lol SO GOOD! Frances is such an intriguing & complex character. A mystery of sorts herself, & it was wonderful watching her character development, & how much she grew over the book as she tried to figure out her place in the world, while on this journey. Luca is a little sweetheart, & my heart melted at how innocent, brave, loyal, & just an overall amazing kid he was.
One of my favorite messages in books is looking at who the real monsters are. People judge by appearance, & things that don’t matter. They fear things that are “different” or that they don’t understand. Then in turn, that fear can turn people hateful, & even evil. So who is the real monster. So many twist & turns, & I couldn’t read fast enough. Such an amazing ending. Bittersweet, but beautiful. The epilogue has me wondering if there will be more, because it kind of set it up for more. I hope so! Highly recommend! This comes out in August, & you can preorder now!(I’ll also remind closer to release). Absolutely STUNNING cover by Brandon Dorman too!💜
Also, great messages on the way women/girls are treated vs men/boys. This is set in 1939, so it was even worse then. Frances rallies against wearing skirts/dresses or anything “girly”, & doesn’t understand why her mother does, or why people always listen to her dad for scientific topics, & not her mom who is just as brilliant. She doesn’t understand all the “rules”, like boys give girls flowers not the other way around for example. She thinks it’s stupid. And it is lol. Then such unexpected & fabulous humor! Frances has this dry humor, without even trying to be funny..which made it even funnier. Then Hobbes lol who has the same dry wit. I could actually hear him in my head saying these things-because every detail of this story is so vivid, & written so well you can see everything the characters see, hear what they hear, etc.
I’m in love with this story, writing, & these AMAZING characters. Fritz has some of my heart, but I think most of my heart goes to Hobbes. What a character..& the birdcage..lol SO GOOD! Frances is such an intriguing & complex character. A mystery of sorts herself, & it was wonderful watching her character development, & how much she grew over the book as she tried to figure out her place in the world, while on this journey. Luca is a little sweetheart, & my heart melted at how innocent, brave, loyal, & just an overall amazing kid he was.
One of my favorite messages in books is looking at who the real monsters are. People judge by appearance, & things that don’t matter. They fear things that are “different” or that they don’t understand. Then in turn, that fear can turn people hateful, & even evil. So who is the real monster. So many twist & turns, & I couldn’t read fast enough. Such an amazing ending. Bittersweet, but beautiful. The epilogue has me wondering if there will be more, because it kind of set it up for more. I hope so! Highly recommend! This comes out in August, & you can preorder now!(I’ll also remind closer to release). Absolutely STUNNING cover by Brandon Dorman too!💜
Want to read
September 15, 202114.09.2021 a budding scientist brings a monster to life? yes to STEM kids in middle-grade stories.
March 30, 2022
Thank you to HarperCollins for giving me a chance to read an ARC of this book.
I really adored this book. I was intrigued by this book the moment I saw the cover, and by the time I was introduced to Frances trying to help the spider in Chapter 1, I was completely invested. There was a twist with that moment, one that ultimately foreshadows much bigger curve balls later on in the plot.
Frances is a delightfully determined protagonist who is just a little too clever for her own good, and her robot tutor Hobbes is her perfect foil. I also loved Fritz, the monkey sidekick who knows exactly the right moment to swoop into a situation. So, the characters really make this book hum, but the setting was also brought to life in a way that makes you feel like you’re wandering the hallways of the Stenzel mansion—and the streets of Bern. In many ways this book has a classic feel—it riffs off Frankenstein—but the voice and narrative style are clean and crisp and are sure to captivate readers. I can’t wait to share this one with my creative writing students.
I really adored this book. I was intrigued by this book the moment I saw the cover, and by the time I was introduced to Frances trying to help the spider in Chapter 1, I was completely invested. There was a twist with that moment, one that ultimately foreshadows much bigger curve balls later on in the plot.
Frances is a delightfully determined protagonist who is just a little too clever for her own good, and her robot tutor Hobbes is her perfect foil. I also loved Fritz, the monkey sidekick who knows exactly the right moment to swoop into a situation. So, the characters really make this book hum, but the setting was also brought to life in a way that makes you feel like you’re wandering the hallways of the Stenzel mansion—and the streets of Bern. In many ways this book has a classic feel—it riffs off Frankenstein—but the voice and narrative style are clean and crisp and are sure to captivate readers. I can’t wait to share this one with my creative writing students.
November 15, 2021
Frances and the Monster by Refe Tuma will be loved by young and old alike. It's sort of a modern steampunk retelling of Frankenstein. The action and adventure were relentless, with witty, perfectly-timed, laugh-out-loud humor.
One thing that stood out to me was the visual aspect of the story. Vivid language and immersive scene setting made the story jump off the page. I can easily imagine this turning into a graphic novel and a movie (preferably animated). The ARC I read did not have illustrations, and I don't know if the final is planned to include any, but this book would be perfect for it.
The characters were cut distinctly and each had their own voice, and their own challenges to overcome. A sampling of the cast includes: Frances, who had endured a terrible car crash and lost an ear; Fritz the hyper-intelligent monkey; and Hobbes, a robotic humanoid tutor. There are plenty of other colorful characters they meet along the way that contribute to the uniquely quirky ensemble.
The humor is plentiful. I'll give you a taste with a cheeky classic, paraphrased:
"What have you done?"
"Nothing."
"That, you've accomplished."
This book had twists, turns, and surprises galore, which added to the cliff-hanger tension. Some would seem far-fetched out of context, and yet they were told in a believable way for this fantastical pre-WWII Switzerland world.
And the ending, holy moly! No spoilers here, but this is the kind of book you'll want to talk about with a friend.
One thing that stood out to me was the visual aspect of the story. Vivid language and immersive scene setting made the story jump off the page. I can easily imagine this turning into a graphic novel and a movie (preferably animated). The ARC I read did not have illustrations, and I don't know if the final is planned to include any, but this book would be perfect for it.
The characters were cut distinctly and each had their own voice, and their own challenges to overcome. A sampling of the cast includes: Frances, who had endured a terrible car crash and lost an ear; Fritz the hyper-intelligent monkey; and Hobbes, a robotic humanoid tutor. There are plenty of other colorful characters they meet along the way that contribute to the uniquely quirky ensemble.
The humor is plentiful. I'll give you a taste with a cheeky classic, paraphrased:
"What have you done?"
"Nothing."
"That, you've accomplished."
This book had twists, turns, and surprises galore, which added to the cliff-hanger tension. Some would seem far-fetched out of context, and yet they were told in a believable way for this fantastical pre-WWII Switzerland world.
And the ending, holy moly! No spoilers here, but this is the kind of book you'll want to talk about with a friend.
March 24, 2022
What worked:
Frances hasn’t left the manor in seven years, as her inventor parents are overly protective since she lost an ear in a car accident. The author uses this fact as the cause of Frances’s boredom and frustration in not being allowed in the outside world. She’s just smart enough to think she knows more than her parents, and her impulsiveness leads to many bad decisions. Her parents have well-stocked laboratories in the basement, so the kindling is present for Frances to create real problems. Finding a specimen from her great-grandfather’s failed experiment provides the catalyst for a disaster. It’s evident that Frances will discover a surprise about her past since the author mentions several times that she can’t remember much about the accident.
Hobbes, a robot tutor, and Fritz, an intelligent chimpanzee, make for fascinating and entertaining characters. Hobbes spends most of the book as a disembodied head thanks to another poor choice by Frances. It humorously makes obvious observations and comments that thoroughly annoy Frances, but it also provides timely and important advice. Fritz is able to communicate with Frances using sign language, and he follows her orders independently. They have a close bond after their years together, and he comes to her rescue when needed. Unfortunately, his intelligence serum may wear off in two days.
The adventurous plot is easy to follow, as the conflict is centered on capturing a runaway monster. Complications arise since Frances doesn’t remember life outside the manor, and she manages to transform a policeman into her personal tormentor. It’s unclear what’s motivating the monster since it stays out of sight and Frances can’t see a pattern to its path of destruction. It’s harder to search for it with the officer constantly popping up wherever she goes. The story’s resolution leaves the door open for a sequel, although there aren’t any indications that one is in the works. It not, the final pages only create more questions and problems to be solved.
What didn’t work as well:
When will young characters learn they don’t know everything and that making more bad choices doesn’t cancel out the ones they’ve already made? The answer is never, but Frances seems overly headstrong and out of control in creating the monster. However, that’s her personality, and it’s what identifies her character. She eventually starts to understand the monster and develops empathy for it, so the end of the book takes an exciting turn.
The Final Verdict:
Hunting down a monster. The connection between Frances and the monster is what drives the plot, as she feels responsible for its destruction and terror. She’s forced to learn about friendship during her quest, and the emotional climax brings everything together. Overall, middle-grade readers should love the book, and I highly recommend you give it a shot.
Frances hasn’t left the manor in seven years, as her inventor parents are overly protective since she lost an ear in a car accident. The author uses this fact as the cause of Frances’s boredom and frustration in not being allowed in the outside world. She’s just smart enough to think she knows more than her parents, and her impulsiveness leads to many bad decisions. Her parents have well-stocked laboratories in the basement, so the kindling is present for Frances to create real problems. Finding a specimen from her great-grandfather’s failed experiment provides the catalyst for a disaster. It’s evident that Frances will discover a surprise about her past since the author mentions several times that she can’t remember much about the accident.
Hobbes, a robot tutor, and Fritz, an intelligent chimpanzee, make for fascinating and entertaining characters. Hobbes spends most of the book as a disembodied head thanks to another poor choice by Frances. It humorously makes obvious observations and comments that thoroughly annoy Frances, but it also provides timely and important advice. Fritz is able to communicate with Frances using sign language, and he follows her orders independently. They have a close bond after their years together, and he comes to her rescue when needed. Unfortunately, his intelligence serum may wear off in two days.
The adventurous plot is easy to follow, as the conflict is centered on capturing a runaway monster. Complications arise since Frances doesn’t remember life outside the manor, and she manages to transform a policeman into her personal tormentor. It’s unclear what’s motivating the monster since it stays out of sight and Frances can’t see a pattern to its path of destruction. It’s harder to search for it with the officer constantly popping up wherever she goes. The story’s resolution leaves the door open for a sequel, although there aren’t any indications that one is in the works. It not, the final pages only create more questions and problems to be solved.
What didn’t work as well:
When will young characters learn they don’t know everything and that making more bad choices doesn’t cancel out the ones they’ve already made? The answer is never, but Frances seems overly headstrong and out of control in creating the monster. However, that’s her personality, and it’s what identifies her character. She eventually starts to understand the monster and develops empathy for it, so the end of the book takes an exciting turn.
The Final Verdict:
Hunting down a monster. The connection between Frances and the monster is what drives the plot, as she feels responsible for its destruction and terror. She’s forced to learn about friendship during her quest, and the emotional climax brings everything together. Overall, middle-grade readers should love the book, and I highly recommend you give it a shot.
March 12, 2022
It has been seven long years since eleven-year-old Frances has been allowed outside the confines of the manor she calls home. Because her parents are two renowned scientists, they are often asked to speak and present all over Europe–but Frances is never allowed to join them. So, when Frances' father mentions a surprise in store for her, Frances plans for a great adventure, only to find she is being left home once again. Frances is not one to wallow, however, and she decides to utilize the many resources available to her in her parents' absence. One particularly noteworthy decision places Frances on a journey she will never forget, during which she discovers truths about herself that will forever alter her own future.
This memorable middle grade adventure is a loving homage to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. From character names to much of the plot itself, the Victorian horror and science present in Shelley's novel make their way into this story that is geared toward a younger audience. Science, adventure, friendship, and humanity find their way into the narrative, building a complex world that is peppered with both humor and a bit of danger. Together, these varied elements create a vivid whole that is both compelling and emotionally rich, serving as a multifaceted escape through the eyes of characters placed nearly a century in the past.
Frances and her companions are surrounded by science and technology that is well ahead of their time frame of the late 1930s. And though war is mentioned within the context of interactions within the story, it is not a primary focus of this narrative. Instead, the story focuses more on Frances and her friend Luca, who are learning to both survive and thrive when their own parents are not as present as others might be. Additionally, Frances is often referred to as a boy, and she spends much of the story discerning how she truly identifies within the scope of the rigid gender expectations of the time in which she lives. Seasoned readers who are familiar with Mary Shelley's work will appreciate the parallels that have been incorporated into Frances' story, and newer readers will likewise enjoy this accessible introduction to a hallmark of English literature. Frances and the Monster is a thought-provoking and entertaining addition to libraries for middle grade readers.
This memorable middle grade adventure is a loving homage to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. From character names to much of the plot itself, the Victorian horror and science present in Shelley's novel make their way into this story that is geared toward a younger audience. Science, adventure, friendship, and humanity find their way into the narrative, building a complex world that is peppered with both humor and a bit of danger. Together, these varied elements create a vivid whole that is both compelling and emotionally rich, serving as a multifaceted escape through the eyes of characters placed nearly a century in the past.
Frances and her companions are surrounded by science and technology that is well ahead of their time frame of the late 1930s. And though war is mentioned within the context of interactions within the story, it is not a primary focus of this narrative. Instead, the story focuses more on Frances and her friend Luca, who are learning to both survive and thrive when their own parents are not as present as others might be. Additionally, Frances is often referred to as a boy, and she spends much of the story discerning how she truly identifies within the scope of the rigid gender expectations of the time in which she lives. Seasoned readers who are familiar with Mary Shelley's work will appreciate the parallels that have been incorporated into Frances' story, and newer readers will likewise enjoy this accessible introduction to a hallmark of English literature. Frances and the Monster is a thought-provoking and entertaining addition to libraries for middle grade readers.
March 28, 2022
A twisty and wiry adventure!
The wiry part has to do with the monster, of which it can be argued there are several in this book, however the twisty part regards all the wonderful plot twists that Tuma has packed into this exciting novel.
I was so lucky to get to read this early because I can just tell children are going to love it. This novel has everything, and at times I laughed hard while others had me on the verge of tears. Frances is an amazing and courageous hero, and her friends, whether machine, monkey, or plain old human, are every bit as fun a team to root for.
Can’t recommend this book enough!
The wiry part has to do with the monster, of which it can be argued there are several in this book, however the twisty part regards all the wonderful plot twists that Tuma has packed into this exciting novel.
I was so lucky to get to read this early because I can just tell children are going to love it. This novel has everything, and at times I laughed hard while others had me on the verge of tears. Frances is an amazing and courageous hero, and her friends, whether machine, monkey, or plain old human, are every bit as fun a team to root for.
Can’t recommend this book enough!
April 9, 2022
This book is monstrously moody and delivers a twist that will have young readers wanting to go back to the start and re-read it again.
Refe Tuma has crafted a supremely nuanced Frankenstein retelling/reimagining that is as much about empathy, vulnerability and self-discovery as it is about a. young girl going on his first adventure and finding a true friend along the way. The reader is right there with Francis as she tries to undo what she's done while fighting everything from her own insecurities to a relentless lawman to a monster who isn't exactly what she first assumes.
Put this book in the hands of kids who love to be whisked away to another time and place and watch them come alive.
Refe Tuma has crafted a supremely nuanced Frankenstein retelling/reimagining that is as much about empathy, vulnerability and self-discovery as it is about a. young girl going on his first adventure and finding a true friend along the way. The reader is right there with Francis as she tries to undo what she's done while fighting everything from her own insecurities to a relentless lawman to a monster who isn't exactly what she first assumes.
Put this book in the hands of kids who love to be whisked away to another time and place and watch them come alive.
February 22, 2022
Drawing upon the classic Frankenstein, FRANCES AND THE MONSTER will take readers on a thrilling adventure story as Frances, her new friend Luca, and her robot tutor Hobbes must find and stop the monster that she accidentally released from her great grandfather's laboratory. With rapid fire pacing this adventurous book, complete with rooftop chases, does not shy away from hard topics like grief, death, anxiety and what it truly means to find your place in this world. Refe Tuma proves that with friendship and love even death isn't the end.
July 30, 2022
A wonderfully moody and adventurous middle grade Frankenstein retelling. Frances is a young girl who’s cooped up in her mansion with an ornery robot tutor and a smart chimpanzee. When she accidentally brings a monster to life and it escapes into the nearby town, she must gather all her resources and allies to retrieve him. This story of magic, new friendships, and surprising twists will be well loved by all readers.
March 2, 2022
This is the kind of book I read middle grade for! A super cool and creaky old mansion with hidden rooms and secrets, a plucky heroine who accidentally unleashes a huge mistake on her entire town, diabolical villains, and tons of twists, adventure, humor, and an ending that you won't see coming. 5 stars!
August 22, 2022
“[Frances] had created a monster. And now she had to stop him.”
Frankenstein-ish, a little steampunk vibe, non-stop chasing action, & an ending with a twist or two. FRANCES AND THE MONSTER will appeal to many middle grade readers, especially those w/STEM leanings. Frances is a strong female character with a great scientific mind, but who hasn’t left her home since an accident at four nearly took her life. 11 years later and in her parents’ absence, Frances takes on her great-grandfather’s mantle and animates a dead body. When the monster escapes, which happens early in the book, Frances sets off to destroy her creation, bringing a chimp and an android’s head with her. Along the way, friendless Luca joins in the chase that now includes a constable who is after them! The plot moves fast and if you know there are twists coming, you are likely to figure out at least one of them before you turn the last page, so if you are buying this book for someone, think carefully about whether you share that fact! Some reviewers have speculated that Frances may be a trans character, but she clearly states that her choice to wear pants in 1939 Switzerland is for comfort. However, she does add a bow tie and at one point cuts her hair short and revels in the feel, and at the end, Luca jokes, “You dress like a boy and I play with dolls. [Our friendship] kind of works.” (Full disclosure, the “dolls” are wooden soldiers that Luca carves.) So, are there LBGTQ+ characters? Who knows, and who cares! It’s a great book and readers can argue that point all day long and unless author Refe Tuma chooses to weigh in, it could go either way. No profanity or sexual content and the destruction of property and other assorted violence is mild.
Thanks for the print arc, Harper Collins Childrens Publishers.
Frankenstein-ish, a little steampunk vibe, non-stop chasing action, & an ending with a twist or two. FRANCES AND THE MONSTER will appeal to many middle grade readers, especially those w/STEM leanings. Frances is a strong female character with a great scientific mind, but who hasn’t left her home since an accident at four nearly took her life. 11 years later and in her parents’ absence, Frances takes on her great-grandfather’s mantle and animates a dead body. When the monster escapes, which happens early in the book, Frances sets off to destroy her creation, bringing a chimp and an android’s head with her. Along the way, friendless Luca joins in the chase that now includes a constable who is after them! The plot moves fast and if you know there are twists coming, you are likely to figure out at least one of them before you turn the last page, so if you are buying this book for someone, think carefully about whether you share that fact! Some reviewers have speculated that Frances may be a trans character, but she clearly states that her choice to wear pants in 1939 Switzerland is for comfort. However, she does add a bow tie and at one point cuts her hair short and revels in the feel, and at the end, Luca jokes, “You dress like a boy and I play with dolls. [Our friendship] kind of works.” (Full disclosure, the “dolls” are wooden soldiers that Luca carves.) So, are there LBGTQ+ characters? Who knows, and who cares! It’s a great book and readers can argue that point all day long and unless author Refe Tuma chooses to weigh in, it could go either way. No profanity or sexual content and the destruction of property and other assorted violence is mild.
Thanks for the print arc, Harper Collins Childrens Publishers.
March 13, 2022
This is a vivid Frankenstein retelling with a story as fantastical and enticing as the cover. A courageous MC, Frances, has the reader rooting for her from the start. The lyrical writing drew me in immediately, and the world building has me anxious to see what Refe Tuma produces for MG audiences next.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy.
February 18, 2022
A captivating tale filled with monsters, marvels, and misadventures. Frances and the Monster is gripping, inventive, and deeply moving. Tuma’s mg debut is a harrowing and heartfelt tribute to owning your scars and turning them into stars!
April 13, 2022
This fast-paced story and these endearing characters will grab you from the first page and hold you captivated until the last.
October 23, 2023
If you love Frankenstein, you will love the story of young Frances Stenzel whose desperate to stop the monster she reanimated. Stifled by an overbearing robot tutor, and dying to go out beyond the house she’s been confined to since the horrible accident when she was 4, when the monster destroys the mansion and lumbers into town Frances knows she has to stop him. I loved all the nods to Frankenstein— from Frances’s name to her parents Victor and Mary, to the agent Byron. My daughters loved this story and begged to listen to chapter after chapter as we read together. Now they want to read the original Frankenstein! I love it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2022
Wow, I loved this STEM adventure! I even got a little watery-eyed at the end 🥺
For my student readers I just wish it were about a 1/3 shorter and it would have all the readers
For my student readers I just wish it were about a 1/3 shorter and it would have all the readers
September 15, 2022
This book was truly a delight. One part Lemony Snicket one part Frankenstein. Stir. I was so delighted by Frances and all the misadventures. The story is exciting and fun without talking down to the reader. A lovely lovely escape.
September 14, 2022
Loved this story about Frankie and her journey to be seen by her parents. So so smart, loved reading it myself and really think my 3rd grader is gonna love it too. All the stars.
March 25, 2022
trigger warning
When her parents prepare for their next voyage, they promise Frances a surprise and she thinks it can only mean one thing: She'll be finally allowed to leave the mansion, and travel with them!
The present turns out to be a new tutor, since Frances manage to drive the others away. This one is a mechanical contraption, and Frances' tries to get rid of this one lead where nobody thought it could lead. Well, at least none of the characters.
This is a middlegrade retelling of Frankenstein, set in Bern in Switzerland. Frances finds Frankenstein's creation, and sets them loose by accident and spends the rest of the novel trying to capture the experiment. Since she was never allowed outside, she is neither familiar with other people nor how they live. There is the classic thing where a character walks on the street and almost is run over because they didn't know how to behave in traffic, or what traffic even means.
My problems center around the antagonist, the constable who simply hates Frances and can't decide if he is a honest person, a slap-stick parody of a police man or a tragic figure. Most of the plot is spend running: The monster, then Frances and her allies, then the constable and sometimes his sidekicks. There is no rhyme or reason to most of this, until Frances suddenly has the perfect idea to end the chase - we don't know where it came from, and since we're only told that Frances is this genius child and not shown, it doesn't ring true.
Similarly, in the end scenes she shows and emotional maturity that is suddenly there, without having been worked on. Everything stagnates, until it feels like the author realised the end is nigh, and this needs to be finished in some way.
Deus ex machina ending.
Of course you could argue that this is a children's book, but then I have two points:
1) I am against the notion that you don't have to work as hard on a tale for younger audiences as you'd need for a mature target audience. I find the exact opposite to be true, so many adult readers are happy when given gore or romance while children need more. And it's simply offensive to say younger readers can be given whatever.
2) The ending, or rather the epiloge.
Huge edit: If you scroll down you see the author speaking up about this and it turns out I misinterpreted that part, somehow. Have taken this part out of the review.
This went from bad to awful. If it had been shorter I'd dnf-ed this.
No recommendation for anyone. The arc was provided by the publisher.
When her parents prepare for their next voyage, they promise Frances a surprise and she thinks it can only mean one thing: She'll be finally allowed to leave the mansion, and travel with them!
The present turns out to be a new tutor, since Frances manage to drive the others away. This one is a mechanical contraption, and Frances' tries to get rid of this one lead where nobody thought it could lead. Well, at least none of the characters.
This is a middlegrade retelling of Frankenstein, set in Bern in Switzerland. Frances finds Frankenstein's creation, and sets them loose by accident and spends the rest of the novel trying to capture the experiment. Since she was never allowed outside, she is neither familiar with other people nor how they live. There is the classic thing where a character walks on the street and almost is run over because they didn't know how to behave in traffic, or what traffic even means.
My problems center around the antagonist, the constable who simply hates Frances and can't decide if he is a honest person, a slap-stick parody of a police man or a tragic figure. Most of the plot is spend running: The monster, then Frances and her allies, then the constable and sometimes his sidekicks. There is no rhyme or reason to most of this, until Frances suddenly has the perfect idea to end the chase - we don't know where it came from, and since we're only told that Frances is this genius child and not shown, it doesn't ring true.
Similarly, in the end scenes she shows and emotional maturity that is suddenly there, without having been worked on. Everything stagnates, until it feels like the author realised the end is nigh, and this needs to be finished in some way.
Deus ex machina ending.
Of course you could argue that this is a children's book, but then I have two points:
1) I am against the notion that you don't have to work as hard on a tale for younger audiences as you'd need for a mature target audience. I find the exact opposite to be true, so many adult readers are happy when given gore or romance while children need more. And it's simply offensive to say younger readers can be given whatever.
2) The ending, or rather the epiloge.
Huge edit: If you scroll down you see the author speaking up about this and it turns out I misinterpreted that part, somehow. Have taken this part out of the review.
This went from bad to awful. If it had been shorter I'd dnf-ed this.
No recommendation for anyone. The arc was provided by the publisher.
June 9, 2022
If you want to be taken on a dark, twisty, gripping ride, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll want to share this book with everyone you know. I’m an adult and I loved it.
The author, Refe Tuma, is known for his award-winning Dinovember and the hilarious What the Dinosaurs Did picture book series. FRANCES AND THE MONSTER is Refe’s debut middle-grade book. If you’re a fan of Refe’s dinosaur books, you’ll love how he continues to seamlessly weave humor into adventure and drama.
This story is set in pre-WWII in Switzerland and tells the tale of Frances, a budding scientist. She has not left her grand mansion for 8 years, and all she wants is to go with her parents on their next scientific venture. Instead, she’s given a persnickety robot tutor to babysit. Frances sneaks into her father’s secret underground lab and discovers an abandoned experiment. When she resumes the experiment and brings a Frankenstein-ish creature to life, he escapes into town. It’s up to Frances to stop her monster, so she leaves the mansion with her snarky robot tutor and gifted chimpanzee bestie to find the creature. From there Frances’s adventure takes the reader on a mysterious adventure into town, across rooftops, and underground.
You’ll be swept away into another world and biting your nails in this story full of danger, hope, and resourcefulness. There’s a deepness to each character that makes you care about them all. Frances is not an ordinary girl in the best of ways. You’ll root for her with every step she takes as she deals with death, self-worth, gender, and abandonment. And you’ll cheer for her as she learns to accept herself just the way she is. And the twisty ending will make you hand-palm your forehead, and that’s always a good thing.
I sense there’s a sequel so we can follow Frances on her next adventure. After all, she has only just begun.
The author, Refe Tuma, is known for his award-winning Dinovember and the hilarious What the Dinosaurs Did picture book series. FRANCES AND THE MONSTER is Refe’s debut middle-grade book. If you’re a fan of Refe’s dinosaur books, you’ll love how he continues to seamlessly weave humor into adventure and drama.
This story is set in pre-WWII in Switzerland and tells the tale of Frances, a budding scientist. She has not left her grand mansion for 8 years, and all she wants is to go with her parents on their next scientific venture. Instead, she’s given a persnickety robot tutor to babysit. Frances sneaks into her father’s secret underground lab and discovers an abandoned experiment. When she resumes the experiment and brings a Frankenstein-ish creature to life, he escapes into town. It’s up to Frances to stop her monster, so she leaves the mansion with her snarky robot tutor and gifted chimpanzee bestie to find the creature. From there Frances’s adventure takes the reader on a mysterious adventure into town, across rooftops, and underground.
You’ll be swept away into another world and biting your nails in this story full of danger, hope, and resourcefulness. There’s a deepness to each character that makes you care about them all. Frances is not an ordinary girl in the best of ways. You’ll root for her with every step she takes as she deals with death, self-worth, gender, and abandonment. And you’ll cheer for her as she learns to accept herself just the way she is. And the twisty ending will make you hand-palm your forehead, and that’s always a good thing.
I sense there’s a sequel so we can follow Frances on her next adventure. After all, she has only just begun.
July 5, 2022
Note: My reviews tend to be long—and I love writing them—but I need to finish them faster, so, a new format:
An adventure that’s fun, funny, and a bit spooky that will make readers think and feel.
Here’s what I loved:
• A new riff on the Frankenstein tale.
• Intriguing setting: Bern, Switzerland, 1939.
• Gorgeous writing.
• Engaging characters: The protagonist, Frances, is an isolated, science-loving girl who struggles with PTSD from a terrible car accident in which she lost an ear, as well as agoraphobia. She’s also brave, smart, and strong—and thrillingly, unapologetically herself.
Luca, a kind and resourceful boy who helps Frances discover true friendship.
Hobbes��possibly my favorite character?—a robot who spends most of the story as a disembodied head. Frances’ father created Hobbes to tutor and care for his daughter while he and his scientist wife travel for work. (A robot caretaker? What could go wrong?)
The easy-to-hate antagonist, the Constable, doggedly pursues Frances. In the end, we come to understand his motivations and glimpse his humanity. The villain who lives in the sewer is just plain creepy.
• Lots of action, including perilous rooftop chases as Frances and Luca (with Hobbes in a birdcage) try to evade the Constable while chasing the monster that escaped Frances’ great-grandfather’s secret lab.
• Terrific humor—especially the banter among Frances, Luca, and Hobbes.
• A twisty, surprise ending and then—surprise!—another. (There’s an epilogue.)
• Important themes about what makes us human and the value of friends and family.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I only post about books I finished and enjoyed.
An adventure that’s fun, funny, and a bit spooky that will make readers think and feel.
Here’s what I loved:
• A new riff on the Frankenstein tale.
• Intriguing setting: Bern, Switzerland, 1939.
• Gorgeous writing.
• Engaging characters: The protagonist, Frances, is an isolated, science-loving girl who struggles with PTSD from a terrible car accident in which she lost an ear, as well as agoraphobia. She’s also brave, smart, and strong—and thrillingly, unapologetically herself.
Luca, a kind and resourceful boy who helps Frances discover true friendship.
Hobbes��possibly my favorite character?—a robot who spends most of the story as a disembodied head. Frances’ father created Hobbes to tutor and care for his daughter while he and his scientist wife travel for work. (A robot caretaker? What could go wrong?)
The easy-to-hate antagonist, the Constable, doggedly pursues Frances. In the end, we come to understand his motivations and glimpse his humanity. The villain who lives in the sewer is just plain creepy.
• Lots of action, including perilous rooftop chases as Frances and Luca (with Hobbes in a birdcage) try to evade the Constable while chasing the monster that escaped Frances’ great-grandfather’s secret lab.
• Terrific humor—especially the banter among Frances, Luca, and Hobbes.
• A twisty, surprise ending and then—surprise!—another. (There’s an epilogue.)
• Important themes about what makes us human and the value of friends and family.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I only post about books I finished and enjoyed.
May 1, 2022
Frances and the Monster was a fun middle-grade-level book! It was full of adventure, character-driven, world-building, and plot twists galore.
It was so creative and had me wanting to read more!
***
Synopsis: "Frances Stenzel was just trying to prove her scientific worth to her parents so they would take her with them to their scientific symposiums for once--instead, she reawakened her great-grandfather's secret and most terrible invention.
Before it can destroy the town, she sets off after it, with her pet chimp and sarcastic robot tutor by her side. But monster-hunting isn't easy, and she'll have to face a persistent constable, angry locals, and an unexpected friendship ahead--all while the trail for the monster goes cold and time is running out before her science career, and the city itself, are doomed forever."
***
Kids in STEM will really feel pulled to this book as science is a massive element throughout the book.
The message is strong, and the themes of friendship, being creative, and bravery holds true. It has a darker, steampunk feel, which is perfect for retelling in the world of Frankenstein. This book moved me and is a good reminder to embrace your scars from the past, learn from mistakes, and never give up.
As a teacher, I recommend that we bring this book into our school library! I would love to give elementary children the opportunity to read such a marvelous book.
Thank you, NetGalley, and to the publisher for the opportunity to read this fantastic book in exchange for my honest review.
It was so creative and had me wanting to read more!
***
Synopsis: "Frances Stenzel was just trying to prove her scientific worth to her parents so they would take her with them to their scientific symposiums for once--instead, she reawakened her great-grandfather's secret and most terrible invention.
Before it can destroy the town, she sets off after it, with her pet chimp and sarcastic robot tutor by her side. But monster-hunting isn't easy, and she'll have to face a persistent constable, angry locals, and an unexpected friendship ahead--all while the trail for the monster goes cold and time is running out before her science career, and the city itself, are doomed forever."
***
Kids in STEM will really feel pulled to this book as science is a massive element throughout the book.
The message is strong, and the themes of friendship, being creative, and bravery holds true. It has a darker, steampunk feel, which is perfect for retelling in the world of Frankenstein. This book moved me and is a good reminder to embrace your scars from the past, learn from mistakes, and never give up.
As a teacher, I recommend that we bring this book into our school library! I would love to give elementary children the opportunity to read such a marvelous book.
Thank you, NetGalley, and to the publisher for the opportunity to read this fantastic book in exchange for my honest review.
August 18, 2022
This was an awesome book! The time the story took place could be almost anytime. At first I thought it was current day and then I thought it was during the World Wars. But it didn't really matter because it could be anytime.
I loved how the story kept growing, with the characters and the plot. I felt like I was on the adventure with them. I was caught up with them emotionally too. The author did a great job pulling you in.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Happy reading.
I loved how the story kept growing, with the characters and the plot. I felt like I was on the adventure with them. I was caught up with them emotionally too. The author did a great job pulling you in.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Happy reading.
July 26, 2022
** “We didn’t fail. We just haven’t succeeded yet.” **
Refe Tuma offers a unique take on the classic Frankenstein story with “Frances and the Monster,” a story about never giving up.
Frances Stenzel doesn’t understand why her brilliant scientist parents never let her leave their home. When they leave for another conference at the start of World War II, she finds herself alone with a new mechanic tutor … and a mystery in the basement.
When she accidentally releases the mysterious creature into the nearby village, she finds herself having to head into an unknown and unfamiliar place.
With the help of Luca, a boy she meets, as well as a chimp named Fritz and a talking head, will she be able to save the village from “the monster”? And will she find the answers she’s seeking about herself?
“Frances and the Monster” is a fun story that teaches us the importance of bravery; the need for creativity; the specter of war; don’t ever give up; and the impact of secrets. Huge themes include sacrifice and justice.
Tuma also creates delightful characters. Readers will love the plucky Frances and the trying-to-be-brave Luca.
Children and adults will both love this story, which is due out Aug. 23. It will be a great book for parents and children to read together.
Five stars out of five.
HarperCollins provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Refe Tuma offers a unique take on the classic Frankenstein story with “Frances and the Monster,” a story about never giving up.
Frances Stenzel doesn’t understand why her brilliant scientist parents never let her leave their home. When they leave for another conference at the start of World War II, she finds herself alone with a new mechanic tutor … and a mystery in the basement.
When she accidentally releases the mysterious creature into the nearby village, she finds herself having to head into an unknown and unfamiliar place.
With the help of Luca, a boy she meets, as well as a chimp named Fritz and a talking head, will she be able to save the village from “the monster”? And will she find the answers she’s seeking about herself?
“Frances and the Monster” is a fun story that teaches us the importance of bravery; the need for creativity; the specter of war; don’t ever give up; and the impact of secrets. Huge themes include sacrifice and justice.
Tuma also creates delightful characters. Readers will love the plucky Frances and the trying-to-be-brave Luca.
Children and adults will both love this story, which is due out Aug. 23. It will be a great book for parents and children to read together.
Five stars out of five.
HarperCollins provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
August 8, 2022
I received an ARC of Frances and the Monster by Refe Tuma from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fun twist on a Frankenstein story. It has the right amount of scary for a middle-grade audience along with all the laughs.
The robot programmed to protect Frances has humor that will appeal to adults. Kids will find the situation (temporary home) of the robot funny. I loved the relationship between Frances and Luca. They're both navigating hardships from their past. I wasn't sure why Frances lost the ear and had it sew-up from the car wreck of when she was a little girl. (But the author worked it into the plot in a logical way.)
This book is high adventure, hunting for a monster. Could you say there are more than one monster in this book? Why yes, you could.
I hope you pick up this book and love it!
This is a fun twist on a Frankenstein story. It has the right amount of scary for a middle-grade audience along with all the laughs.
The robot programmed to protect Frances has humor that will appeal to adults. Kids will find the situation (temporary home) of the robot funny. I loved the relationship between Frances and Luca. They're both navigating hardships from their past. I wasn't sure why Frances lost the ear and had it sew-up from the car wreck of when she was a little girl. (But the author worked it into the plot in a logical way.)
This book is high adventure, hunting for a monster. Could you say there are more than one monster in this book? Why yes, you could.
I hope you pick up this book and love it!
Read
March 20, 2022 eARC provided by NetGalley
A fast-paced Frankenstein retelling with hints of Les Mis throughout the second half. (Maybe it's just me, but something about Tuma's stylized prose reminds me a lot of musical theatre... the constable felt reminiscent of the policeman from Annie before he eventually pivoted into Javert.)
This book will be great for STEM-inclined kids; I can imagine plenty of readers coming up with imaginative play games after reading it, engineering machines, robots, etc. The setting is unique and evokes the steampunk aesthetic despite being set in the 1930s. It was great to see Frances and her friend, Luca, push back against the gender norms of the time.
The twist ending caught me by surprise, and will delight young readers with its inventiveness (no pun intended). The epilogue also sets up the possibility for a sequel.
A fast-paced Frankenstein retelling with hints of Les Mis throughout the second half. (Maybe it's just me, but something about Tuma's stylized prose reminds me a lot of musical theatre... the constable felt reminiscent of the policeman from Annie before he eventually pivoted into Javert.)
This book will be great for STEM-inclined kids; I can imagine plenty of readers coming up with imaginative play games after reading it, engineering machines, robots, etc. The setting is unique and evokes the steampunk aesthetic despite being set in the 1930s. It was great to see Frances and her friend, Luca, push back against the gender norms of the time.
The twist ending caught me by surprise, and will delight young readers with its inventiveness (no pun intended). The epilogue also sets up the possibility for a sequel.
July 7, 2022
What a fun book with a serious twist. Fances is a girl on a mission to be a top-notch scientist like her parents, but they have her sequestered in the house with limited freedom. All that changes when they leave her behind with a robotic nanny. Frances has a mind always working and she is quick to setting about creating some unforeseen havoc while the parents are away.
What trouble can an unsupervised 11-year-old girl with a monkey and a few other sidekicks get into running around the streets of 1939 Switzerland?
When my daughter was much younger, we enjoyed the Franny K. Stein series. I can see this being a step up from that series.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
What trouble can an unsupervised 11-year-old girl with a monkey and a few other sidekicks get into running around the streets of 1939 Switzerland?
When my daughter was much younger, we enjoyed the Franny K. Stein series. I can see this being a step up from that series.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
May 9, 2022
Free Netgalley book for review ~~ This was a ridiculous but fun caper! By that I mean don’t expect things to make sense…. And don’t expect characters to necessarily make smart choices in the heat of the chase. I definitely stayed up way too late reading this, but it was a lovely way to pass time.
I enjoyed the adventure, although Frances makes for an unlikely and awkward first friend. I was less happy that many of the adults were regulated to “it’s the enemy run!” category but oh well. I don’t think many kids will notice this.
I am looking forward to the sequel and I’d recommend for younger readers as an enjoyable and quick read.
I enjoyed the adventure, although Frances makes for an unlikely and awkward first friend. I was less happy that many of the adults were regulated to “it’s the enemy run!” category but oh well. I don’t think many kids will notice this.
I am looking forward to the sequel and I’d recommend for younger readers as an enjoyable and quick read.
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