Book Review: Monster High

Okay, so you've seen the dolls, the movies, maybe even played the games, but you might be wondering, 'Is Monster High a book series?' The answer is a resounding YES! And if you're like me, discovering (or rediscovering) Lisi Harrison's novels adds a whole new layer to the iconic franchise. I was so excited to dive into the first book, and it truly offers a fresh perspective that the visual media sometimes can't capture. It’s definitely more than just a 'story book' – it’s a full-fledged novel series! Lisi Harrison, the brilliant mind behind the *Monster High book series*, is known for her sharp wit and ability to perfectly capture the angst and drama of teenage life. Before Monster High, she penned the incredibly popular 'The Clique' series, and you can definitely see her signature style in how she crafts the social dynamics and quirky Monster High book characters within the halls of Merston High. Her writing makes the 'monster' aspect feel entirely natural, blending the supernatural with very relatable adolescent struggles. She doesn't just tell a story; she creates a world where being different is the norm, and yet, everyone still grapples with fitting in. So, what's the deal with the *Monster High books*? There are four main novels in the original series by Lisi Harrison, starting with the self-titled 'Monster High' (the Monster High book 1 I just reviewed!), followed by 'The Ghoul Next Door,' 'Where There's a Wolf, There's a Way,' and 'Frights, Camera, Action!' Each book continues the adventures of the 'Freaky-Fabulous' students at Merston High, focusing on different characters and their journeys. The target Monster High books age range is typically Young Adult (YA) or advanced Middle Grade, perfect for readers aged 10-14, though as I mentioned in my review, even adults can find so much to enjoy and relate to. If you’re ever asked 'does Monster High have a book?', you can confidently say yes, a whole series! Beyond Frankie Stein and Melody Carver, who are central to the first novel, the Monster High book characters are a diverse and delightfully spooky bunch. You get to meet Draculaura, a vegetarian vampire struggling with her heritage; Clawdeen Wolf, a fashionista werewolf with a huge family; Cleo De Nile, the queen bee mummy; Lagoona Blue, a sweet sea monster from Australia; and Ghoulia Yelps, the super-smart zombie. Harrison gives each of these characters depth and unique challenges, making them more than just their monstrous origins. They're navigating friendships, crushes, family expectations, and the overarching secret of their existence in a 'normie' town. If you loved the themes of acceptance and embracing your true self in *Monster High*, and you're looking for *books like Monster High*, you're in luck! Many fantastic YA series explore similar ideas. You might enjoy 'Ever After High' (another Mattel franchise, focusing on fairytale characters choosing their destinies), or 'The Descendants' novels, which follow the children of famous Disney villains. For something a bit more gothic and mysterious, you could try 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.' All these series feature unique characters in extraordinary schools, dealing with identity and friendship in their own magical ways. It's truly a genre that celebrates individuality. And speaking of the books themselves, I just love how the physical copies look! The book cover for 'Monster High' by Lisi Harrison is so iconic. I remember holding it, and you can clearly see the black quilted pattern in the background, with the title in *pink and white*. And that *skull with a pink bow made of white and pink rhinestones*? It perfectly encapsulates the 'goth-chic' vibe of the series. The aesthetic alone makes them a joy to collect and display!