The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
The
Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey. Simon & Schuster, New York, 2009. ISBN: 978-1416984481
Summary
The assistant to Dr. Pellinor Warthrop, twelve year old Will
Henry has seen many strange things in his short life. That's because Dr. Warhtrop's main specialty is monstrumology: the study of monsters. Using both
science and myth, Dr. Warthrop and his assistant study the creatures most
people pretend don’t exist. The study of monstrumology is the only life
orphan Will has known, as his father had been an assistant to Dr. Warthrop
before his mysterious death.
When a grave robber comes to visit in the middle of the
night, he leaves them evidence of an Androphagi, a headless monster with eyes
on their back. These monsters feed on humans for strength and travel in packs
at night. Dr. Warthrop believes a new pack of Androphagi have been
roaming the area and are in search of their next victims. When a horrifying
visit to the cemetery proves several of Dr. Warthrop’s theories to be wrong, he
and Will must figure out the cause of the Androphagi outbreak, as well as a way
to stop the monsters before they claim more victims.
Critical Evaluation
Yancey writes the Monstrumologist as if the fictional tale
was translated from a scientific journal, giving the story a realistic feel.
Despite his young age, Will is a reliable narrator and doesn’t let his
youth or lack of experience overshadow the fast moving plot. The action
and plot start quickly in the novel, but Yancey still allows readers to catch
up, without feeling like it’s too much too soon.
Illustrations of medical, monster-hunting equipment and
quotes from several classic texts (think Shakespeare and Herodotus) add to the
mysterious tone. With detailed descriptions of the monsters and
experiments, it’s easy to envision the world Will and Dr. Warthrop are in.
While the monsters themselves are simple in their nature and actions, there’s
still a creepy, monster movie-like appeal to them.
Some of the violent scenes are a little graphic and the
overall tone is moody and dark, making this book best for older teens. For
those willing to stomach the violence and gore, the Monstrumologist makes for
an entertaining, creepy read.
Reader’s Annotation
Will Henry isn’t your usual doctor’s assistant—he studies
monsters.
About the Author
“Rick is the author of thirteen novels and a memoir.
His books have been published in over twenty languages and have earned numerous
accolades and awards from around the world. His young adult novel, The
Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp, was named a "Best Book of
the Year" by Publishers Weekly and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
In 2010, Rick received a Michael L. Printz Honor for The
Monstrumologist. The sequel, The Curse of the Wendigo, was a
finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His latest novel, The
5th Wave, the first in an epic sci-fi trilogy, made its worldwide debut in
2013, and will soon be a major motion picture for GK Films and Sony Pictures.”
(About.
Retrieved November 5th 2014
from http://www.rickyancey.com/about)
Genres
Horror
Action/Adventure
Curriculum Ties
English
Victorian History
Booktalking Ideas
1: Why are Will and Dr. Warthrop so interested in the study
of monsters?
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 15+
Grades 9+
Challenge
Issues
Violence/Graphic
Scenes
Defense File
1—Ensure that policies such as “Freedom to Read,” “Collection
Development,” and “Challenged Materials” are available for patrons and staff to
read and research. Have list of awards and reviews for titles, as well as a
“Reconsideration Form” on hand at all branches.
2—Listen to challenges and complaints openly and without
judgment. Allow the patron to express their thoughts without inputting your own.
3—Have patron fill out reconsideration form. Provide
information and background on challenge material’s author and title.
Forward reconsideration form to appropriate supervisors.
PPLD’s Challenge Materials Policy:
http://ppld.org/challenged-materials-policy
Literary Awards
Printz Honor (201)
Michigan Library Association Thumbs Up! Award Nominee (2010)
Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award (ALAN/NCTE) Nominee (2010)
Why included?
I
included the Monstrumologist for its creepy plot and horror movie appeal.
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