Monster of the Week

Gr 8 Up–In this sequel to The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic, spring semester of Bridger Whitt’s senior year has been great. He is blissfully happy with his boyfriend, the school’s star athlete, he has an amazing BFF and an acceptance letter to college, and he works as an assistant to Pavel Chudinov, an intermediary tasked with helping cryptids from myth and legend navigate the modern world. However, Bridger and his misfit group go on high alert when a monster-hunting television show and its persistent host arrive in town to investigate the mysterious events of the previous summer. Toss in the arrival of his estranged father and some typical teenage insecurities and Bridger is in for an action-packed and quite disastrous end of high school. The highlight of this series is the realistic character building; Bridger is lovable because of his flaws, fears, and anxieties. This series gives him a chance to blossom realistically as a queer character. He is endearing and the love and support he receives from his mother, friends, and adopted magical family will bring readers to tears. The cast of supporting characters is just as memorable. Lukens shines in her ability to balance humor, character depth, and a well-developed plot.