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The Monster at Recess
Meet misfit Sophie, too used to bullies at Grey Stone Day School. Her classmates Julia and Molly tease her to no end and her teacher, Mrs. Cook ignores the bullying.
The playground at Grey Stone has a special secret though: it's shared with the students of a monster school!
Craving acceptance and diversity, and trying to defeat her feelings of fear towards these strange and colorful monsters, Sophie bravely steps into the unknown and meets a little monster at recess--and makes her first friend. Through her friendship with the monster, she develops stronger feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem. In addition, she learns to stand tall and to appreciate differences and she discovers that sometimes you really can turn lemons into lemonade.
The playground at Grey Stone has a special secret though: it's shared with the students of a monster school!
Craving acceptance and diversity, and trying to defeat her feelings of fear towards these strange and colorful monsters, Sophie bravely steps into the unknown and meets a little monster at recess--and makes her first friend. Through her friendship with the monster, she develops stronger feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem. In addition, she learns to stand tall and to appreciate differences and she discovers that sometimes you really can turn lemons into lemonade.
- GenresChildrens
30 pages, Paperback
Published December 21, 2017
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 20, 2017
The Monster at Recess has an inviting bright and cheerful cover featuring a cute, diverse assortment of monsters that capture your imagination before you even read the blurb. Shira C. Potter has written an uplifting book that will resonate with young girls, especially those who don't feel like they belong.
Sophie attends Grey Stone Day School. The monsters at Monstamasta Day School share the same playground as the students at Sophie's school but have recess at a different time, as girls at Grey Stone aren't supposed to talk to the monsters. Sophie's school is filled with drab grey and black, and she's envious of the various monster colours.
Sophie doesn't fit in at her school, even after she convinces her mother to dye her naturally red hair brown to match the other girls. She is bullied, ignored and gossiped about. When Sophie meets Zaragilda, a purplish pink monster with red stars on her face, she finds a new friend and discovers that being different isn't so bad after all.
The messages about making judgements about other people based on their looks and reputation, the constraints of conformity versus the freedom of being yourself, the damaging effects on self esteem of bullying, and having the courage to go against the grain are vital and made clear to the reader.
I appreciated the positivity and hope found in this book, and the encouragement to be yourself. One of my favourite things about this book was learning that it was the bullies who were the real monsters, not the colourful monsters the girls were taught to fear. I want this book to find its way into homes, libraries and schools, and into the hands of lots of young girls, particularly those who have experienced bullying or feel different from their peers.
I received an ARC from NetGalley (thank you very much to NetGalley and Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.
Sophie attends Grey Stone Day School. The monsters at Monstamasta Day School share the same playground as the students at Sophie's school but have recess at a different time, as girls at Grey Stone aren't supposed to talk to the monsters. Sophie's school is filled with drab grey and black, and she's envious of the various monster colours.
Sophie doesn't fit in at her school, even after she convinces her mother to dye her naturally red hair brown to match the other girls. She is bullied, ignored and gossiped about. When Sophie meets Zaragilda, a purplish pink monster with red stars on her face, she finds a new friend and discovers that being different isn't so bad after all.
The messages about making judgements about other people based on their looks and reputation, the constraints of conformity versus the freedom of being yourself, the damaging effects on self esteem of bullying, and having the courage to go against the grain are vital and made clear to the reader.
I appreciated the positivity and hope found in this book, and the encouragement to be yourself. One of my favourite things about this book was learning that it was the bullies who were the real monsters, not the colourful monsters the girls were taught to fear. I want this book to find its way into homes, libraries and schools, and into the hands of lots of young girls, particularly those who have experienced bullying or feel different from their peers.
I received an ARC from NetGalley (thank you very much to NetGalley and Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.
September 2, 2017
This is a short story about a girl who does not fit in at her school, even though she dyed her natural red hair to be brown and the same as all the other girls. The school she goes to is all about browns and greys, but there is another school next door that has what people call monsters, people of all sorts of colors and shapes.
Both schools share the same recess, but go at different times, because the "normal" people are told the monsters would attack them, are bad...etc.
I thought this was a nice little story. I wish it was part of a bigger book. I am glad Sophie finds her place in the end and makes a friend.
Disclaimer: I received this from Netgally in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the chance to read this!
Both schools share the same recess, but go at different times, because the "normal" people are told the monsters would attack them, are bad...etc.
I thought this was a nice little story. I wish it was part of a bigger book. I am glad Sophie finds her place in the end and makes a friend.
Disclaimer: I received this from Netgally in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the chance to read this!
August 29, 2017
Title: The Monster at Recess - A book About Teasing, Bullying and Building Friendships
Author: Shira Potter
Publisher: Heartlab Press Inc.
Published: 12-21-2017
Pages: 19
Genre: Children's Fictions
Sub-Genre: Chapter Books. Growing Up, Bullying
ISBN: 9780995044166
ASIN: B07525KXK8
Reviewed For NetGalley and Heartlab Press Inc.
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
A story for young readers to learn that bullying can come from many directions. Poor Sophie has beautiful red hair, but is slightly shy and timid. Her classmates tease and pick on her unmercifully both in the classroom and out of it. Neither her teacher or the other adults do anything to stop them and Sophie is miserable. The one day Sophie runs out on playground when the Moster School is out.
What follows is a great story about true friendship, inviduality and coming into your own. A great story for young readers.
My rating of "The Monster at Recess - A book About Teasing, Bullying and Building Friendships" is out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0752SKXK8/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Friend...
Google Play Link: Not Available
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Shira Potter
Publisher: Heartlab Press Inc.
Published: 12-21-2017
Pages: 19
Genre: Children's Fictions
Sub-Genre: Chapter Books. Growing Up, Bullying
ISBN: 9780995044166
ASIN: B07525KXK8
Reviewed For NetGalley and Heartlab Press Inc.
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
A story for young readers to learn that bullying can come from many directions. Poor Sophie has beautiful red hair, but is slightly shy and timid. Her classmates tease and pick on her unmercifully both in the classroom and out of it. Neither her teacher or the other adults do anything to stop them and Sophie is miserable. The one day Sophie runs out on playground when the Moster School is out.
What follows is a great story about true friendship, inviduality and coming into your own. A great story for young readers.
My rating of "The Monster at Recess - A book About Teasing, Bullying and Building Friendships" is out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0752SKXK8/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Friend...
Google Play Link: Not Available
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
September 13, 2017
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is about a young girl named Sophie. She is bullied by her classmates for having red hair and her teacher doesn't make the effort to stop it. Everyhing changes when she meets a monster called Zaragilda.
For me the plot line was ok. I did not gave it 4 starts because I think teachers would never let kids bully other kids. Because of this, kids may think it isn't safe to talk about bullying to teachers.
This book is about a young girl named Sophie. She is bullied by her classmates for having red hair and her teacher doesn't make the effort to stop it. Everyhing changes when she meets a monster called Zaragilda.
For me the plot line was ok. I did not gave it 4 starts because I think teachers would never let kids bully other kids. Because of this, kids may think it isn't safe to talk about bullying to teachers.
September 15, 2017
I quite enjoyed this quick kids read. First, the negative. I felt like the ending was cute but felt that it could have been taken a bit farther. I would have loved to see all of the kids, monsters and humans alike, get along together and learn the same lessons that Sophie did. Now for the good. I'm glad the main character at least learned that being different isn't bad, it's good. Being different made her faster friends with the monsters and that's a great lesson for kids and adults alike. Overall, I definitely liked the book and would recommend it to anyone, especially grade school aged kids.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2017
I thought this was such a great example of showing the various sides of bullying. It isn't just with the kids, many times the school plays a role as part of the problem that many shy away from discussing. It's tough out there these days but this was definitely an interesting read for the younger audience.
September 18, 2017
The heroine was very relatable. As much as teachers are taught to deal with issues such as bullying, sometimes it can't be fully prevented. This was an enjoyable read with many good lessons such as the importance of being oneself.
September 19, 2017
Good read for anyone who has been bullied. Enjoyed reading it and think kids will too.
October 4, 2017
Usually either I like a book or I don't. This book I liked!
January 24, 2018
This is a story about accepting who you are. However, the protagonist’s insecurity has to do with how she is treated by some of her peers. She finds her tribe in the monsters that play during a different recess—they are segregated from humans. Because of this segregation, it feels as if she’s running away. I wish other alternatives to dealing with bullies had been offered.
December 19, 2017
The Monster at Recess is an entertaining read that offers a lesson about bullying and being happy with who you are for young readers. With an eye-catching cover and characters that children can easily relate to, this short chapter book follows young Sophie as she struggles to fit into a grey world where everyone is the same and finally finds the courage to step outside that box to a world of color and uniqueness. The story is written on a level that children can understand without being condescending and includes some important lessons on cliques, bullying, standing out, and friendship that kids of all ages can identify with.
September 8, 2017
I liked this book! I thin middle grade school kids would appreciate it, too. It's a good story about being the individual you are rather than trying like everybody else. Be yourself! it's so much more fun and original!
September 27, 2017
Good story, would recommend.
October 2, 2017
Liked it! Would recommend.
October 11, 2017
As someone who experienced bullying, this book speaks to me. Would recommend to kids in the same situation.
November 3, 2017
Description
Meet misfit Sophie, too used to being bullied at Grey Stone Day School. Her classmates Julia and Molly tease her to no end and her teacher, Mrs. Cook ignores the bullying.
The playground at Grey Stone has a special secret though: it's shared with the students of a monster school! Craving acceptance and diversity, and trying to defeat her feelings of fear towards these strange and colorful monsters, Sophie bravely steps into the unknown and meets a little monster at recess--and makes her first friend. Through her friendship with the monster, she develops stronger feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem.
Marketing Plan
- KEY OUTLETS: PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY, LIBRARY JOURNAL, BOOKLIST, FOREWORD MAGAZINE, NATIONAL RADIO AND TV INTERVIEWS.
- PROMOTION AND GIVEAWAYS THROUGH MAJOR ONLINE RETAILERS.
Available Editions EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9780995044166
PRICE $12.95 (USD)
MY REVIEW:
Thanks to NETGALLEY and HeartLab Press Inc. for providing me with this ARC to read and provide an honest review!
The cover drew me in to this easy reader. I was curious to see where the author would go with a world that consisted of both humans and monsters. In Sophie's world, being different is bad. This is especially shown by Sophie having red hair and everyone else having brown. This is also shown by the attitude of others, especially the principal and her teacher, one who thought she colored her hair and had to stop, and the other who picked on her at times and ignored her at others.
Mean girls are present to add to the Protagonist's pain. This book is chiefly about teasing, bullying and building friendships.
On the Protagonist's side of the school, everyone is plain and boring, wearing the same thing, doing the same thing. On the monster side, everything is bright and colorful and being different is celebrated.
The Protagonist learns a valuable lesion by breaking a few rules and making decisions for herself as to what pleases and makes her happy. She thinks she does this at a tremendous cost, the scorn and disapproval of the others. You'll have to read the book to see how and what she does.
With issues the way they are in today's society regarding bullying, this easy reader is a welcome addition to tools out there combating the problems kids are facing in schools, out in playgrounds and walking to and from home. I give the author a lot of credit. She found a new twist on a subject to draw in the younger spectrum of children just starting school. This book will help them understand to be more accepting, understanding and compassionate about the differences of one another. By placing this topic in an easy reader format, perhaps by getting them at a younger age will put off what is endured by many at an older age. We all want to belong, be accepted for who we are, even the youngest of our children.
I found a few issues with the book's editing, especially an awkward moment at the beginning where one moment the author was discussing recess and in class, and the next the Protagonist is walking home. A better lead-in to the change of setting would have made that part read smoother.
Otherwise, very well done!
Meet misfit Sophie, too used to being bullied at Grey Stone Day School. Her classmates Julia and Molly tease her to no end and her teacher, Mrs. Cook ignores the bullying.
The playground at Grey Stone has a special secret though: it's shared with the students of a monster school! Craving acceptance and diversity, and trying to defeat her feelings of fear towards these strange and colorful monsters, Sophie bravely steps into the unknown and meets a little monster at recess--and makes her first friend. Through her friendship with the monster, she develops stronger feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem.
Marketing Plan
- KEY OUTLETS: PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY, LIBRARY JOURNAL, BOOKLIST, FOREWORD MAGAZINE, NATIONAL RADIO AND TV INTERVIEWS.
- PROMOTION AND GIVEAWAYS THROUGH MAJOR ONLINE RETAILERS.
Available Editions EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9780995044166
PRICE $12.95 (USD)
MY REVIEW:
Thanks to NETGALLEY and HeartLab Press Inc. for providing me with this ARC to read and provide an honest review!
The cover drew me in to this easy reader. I was curious to see where the author would go with a world that consisted of both humans and monsters. In Sophie's world, being different is bad. This is especially shown by Sophie having red hair and everyone else having brown. This is also shown by the attitude of others, especially the principal and her teacher, one who thought she colored her hair and had to stop, and the other who picked on her at times and ignored her at others.
Mean girls are present to add to the Protagonist's pain. This book is chiefly about teasing, bullying and building friendships.
On the Protagonist's side of the school, everyone is plain and boring, wearing the same thing, doing the same thing. On the monster side, everything is bright and colorful and being different is celebrated.
The Protagonist learns a valuable lesion by breaking a few rules and making decisions for herself as to what pleases and makes her happy. She thinks she does this at a tremendous cost, the scorn and disapproval of the others. You'll have to read the book to see how and what she does.
With issues the way they are in today's society regarding bullying, this easy reader is a welcome addition to tools out there combating the problems kids are facing in schools, out in playgrounds and walking to and from home. I give the author a lot of credit. She found a new twist on a subject to draw in the younger spectrum of children just starting school. This book will help them understand to be more accepting, understanding and compassionate about the differences of one another. By placing this topic in an easy reader format, perhaps by getting them at a younger age will put off what is endured by many at an older age. We all want to belong, be accepted for who we are, even the youngest of our children.
I found a few issues with the book's editing, especially an awkward moment at the beginning where one moment the author was discussing recess and in class, and the next the Protagonist is walking home. A better lead-in to the change of setting would have made that part read smoother.
Otherwise, very well done!
October 29, 2017
I chose this book because I loved the wonderful cover. It was a book for early chapter readers and it was easy enough for a 1st grader to read. I didn't love this book. I wish some illustrations had been added because the story fell flat and felt too simplistic- even for the target audience.
Additionally, I felt that the message about bullying was a little inappropriate. I get that a bullied child should seek to find a place where he or she fits in; however, it is not OK to distance yourself from the people you don't like. It is not a realistic solution. To me the message indicated that it was acceptable to disobey school rules and do your own thing. I kind of wished that the monsters had helped Sophie gained confidence and stand up to the bullies.
Additionally, I felt that the message about bullying was a little inappropriate. I get that a bullied child should seek to find a place where he or she fits in; however, it is not OK to distance yourself from the people you don't like. It is not a realistic solution. To me the message indicated that it was acceptable to disobey school rules and do your own thing. I kind of wished that the monsters had helped Sophie gained confidence and stand up to the bullies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2017
Shy nonconformist Sophie would rather be playing with the monsters from the school that shares a playground with hers than deal with her mean classmates and misunderstanding teachers.
First and foremost, this isn’t a typical children’s book; there’s no artwork or photos, it’s all written (Though there are monsters drawn on the cover). This story would have benefitted from visuals, considering all the monsters an artist would have enjoyed inventing.
As it stands, Sophie breaks rules and lies to go play with the monsters, which isn’t surprising, considering they’re a far better lot than the human girls. Still, I’m not sure parents will appreciate the lengths this author has her going to.
First and foremost, this isn’t a typical children’s book; there’s no artwork or photos, it’s all written (Though there are monsters drawn on the cover). This story would have benefitted from visuals, considering all the monsters an artist would have enjoyed inventing.
As it stands, Sophie breaks rules and lies to go play with the monsters, which isn’t surprising, considering they’re a far better lot than the human girls. Still, I’m not sure parents will appreciate the lengths this author has her going to.
October 10, 2017
*thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
3 stars.
This is a really good book for children who are just starting out on chapter books. Most chapters are only a page long.
This felt a bit unfinished to me. But the story was good. It was an emotional topic but since Bullying is a major issue these days and it needs to be talked about more. Thats what this book does. Its awful that it happens but im glad there are the monsters in her life that make it a bit better for her. I would have liked to read more about them.
3 stars.
This is a really good book for children who are just starting out on chapter books. Most chapters are only a page long.
This felt a bit unfinished to me. But the story was good. It was an emotional topic but since Bullying is a major issue these days and it needs to be talked about more. Thats what this book does. Its awful that it happens but im glad there are the monsters in her life that make it a bit better for her. I would have liked to read more about them.
December 8, 2020
I received a free eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
While this is a cute story and I loved the colorful monsters vs the gray-everyone-is-the-same school, this entire book felt rushed. It has the content of an early-reader/middle-grade book but at only 17 pages, it felt extremely rushed to me. I enjoyed the message about diversity and not needing to be exactly like everyone else, but I felt like it all fell a bit flat.
This is a book my kids would definitely enjoy (once their reading level increases just a bit).
While this is a cute story and I loved the colorful monsters vs the gray-everyone-is-the-same school, this entire book felt rushed. It has the content of an early-reader/middle-grade book but at only 17 pages, it felt extremely rushed to me. I enjoyed the message about diversity and not needing to be exactly like everyone else, but I felt like it all fell a bit flat.
This is a book my kids would definitely enjoy (once their reading level increases just a bit).
August 28, 2017
Really good early reader that helps kids learn about bullying and that a bad situation can really get better with the help of a new friend. The level of reading is perfect for a kid in grades 2-3 while introducing kids to a few new words. Found Sophie an endearing character that I'd like to see more of.
September 8, 2017
I did enjoy this book but some of the bullying aspects I didn't enjoy - 'The Monster at Recess' as it is a lovely story about friendship and embracing imperfections and flaws in others. In the story, Sophie is made to feel alienated by her classmates as she has red hair, no-one helps her and her teacher ignores the comments and bullying. Luckily everything changes when she meets a monster called Zaragilda and things improve for her. I can only give this book three stars, I did initially look at 2 as I don't think any book should portray a teacher who doesn't condone bullying but the rest of the story is ok.
November 13, 2017
Simple story but it resonated! Recommended.
December 1, 2017
Sophie goes to a school where there uniforms have no color. They wear grey uniforms. Sophie loves color. Sophie is bullied and teased cruelly at school. One day Sophie finds a colorful hat in which she decides to keep rather than give it to the monsters who play at her school's playground. Sophie decides she should give the hat back to the monster teacher so it will be back with its neighbor. However one of the monsters (a girl) sees Sophie and invites her to play with them. She has such a good time she forgets about the hat. Will Sophie return it? Will Sophie be able to stop the bullies from teasing her?
It's a delightful story that gives examples of bullying and learning how to deal with them in a most surprising way. The author has written a story that will invite conversations about bullying, teasing and people who are different in no big way but still attracts others who notice this.
It's a delightful story that gives examples of bullying and learning how to deal with them in a most surprising way. The author has written a story that will invite conversations about bullying, teasing and people who are different in no big way but still attracts others who notice this.
January 10, 2018
I struggled with how to review this book because I loved it so much. It really hit home. I was always the different kid who was ignored by those who weren't bullying me and I wish I had this book as a kid! If I could I would give it more than five stars.
February 15, 2018
This story starts out good and I understand why it is written the way it is, but it seems unfinished. Why do the other kids ignore or not like the protagonist? What happens after the girl is accepted by the monsters? What do the other kids do after seeing this? The story just stops. While I get that is probably what the author was looking for to make a point about acceptance of yourself and others who are different, it just felt unsatisfying. How did the other kids change because of what happened? Plus this is a world where monsters and grey humans live together, so much could have been expanded upon in this book. I think it is a great idea, it just needs more to make it a great story.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews