Ethan Pitowski is afraid of just about everything, so when he (along with the entire class) is invited to a classmate's house to watch a horror movie, Ethan isn't too keen on the idea - even though it is the most popular by in school. Ethan's friends, knowing of Ethan's fears, encourage him to attend anyway. It's hard for Ethan to say no to someone like Olivia.
But when Ethan shows up, the horror is far more than he could imagine in his worst nightmares! The movie is one that was once thought to be lost and is considered by every single person who's ever survived seeing it, as the scariest movie ever made! And the worst part is, it isn't just a movie - it is coming to life! The movie IS the monster and it's eating Ethan's friends ... or their heads, anyway - the rest of them seems just fine. But Olivia is missing and no matter how scared Ethan is, rescuing Olivia comes first.

In addition to finding his best friend, Ethan needs to find a way to stop the monster and rescue all his classmates - if that's even possible, considering their heads are gone. But he has to try. And it won't be easy since he's the boy who's afraid of everything up against the scariest movie ever made!

I am a big fan of Chuck Wendig's work. I think his adult horror novels are among the best dark fantasy/horror novels available today. And his YA series "Miriam Black" is phenomenal. Now he's writing for kids as well. He's toned back his language and the darkness of his adult works and created a delightful 'horror' story for young readers. How horrific? Think "Goosebumps."

I was not a big fan of his previous young reader book - I thought that it was missing the 'edge' that makes Wendig so much fun to read. This book, however, has a nice balance of age appropriate horror combined with fun and characters that the target readers can identify with.

The search for Olivia gets a little long and redundant but I recognize that we're building up a reason for Ethan to stay focused and not run away in absolute fear. Young readers will likely enjoy his jumping from one scary incident to the next.

And - SPOLIER ALERT! - there's no need to worry about monsters eating people's heads. Everyone's okay. That's what makes it fun.

Looking for a good book? A good age-appropriate horror book for middle grade readers is Chuck Wendig's Monster Movie!

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun middle grade book. There were good messages about bullying, dreams, and standing up for what you believe in. I enjoyed the more frightening moments (it is a horror story, afterall). It takes a moment to get rolling, but once it does, it's a lot of fun.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book through Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Monster Movie! is a fun middle-grade horror story about a monster movie that comes to life and starts biting people’s heads off. It has some great characters that were easy to root for and some great messages about bravery and following your dreams.

The premise of Monster Movie! was a lot of fun. One of the most popular kids at school managed to get his hands on the scariest horror movie ever created. He invites everyone in the grade over to his house to watch it while all of the parents are at the school for parent night. The movie ends up putting everyone in a trance, coming to life, and starts biting people’s heads off. It’s kind of creepy, but it’s also kind of fun. That being said, this probably isn’t the best introduction to middle-grade horror and might be better for kids who are already fans of the genre.

The main character in Monster Movie! is Ethan Pitowski. Ethan has anxiety and is afraid of everything. He has a habit of spiraling and thinking of the worst case scenarios. He doesn’t want to watch the movie, but his two best friends, Olivia and Harvey, pressure him into going. He’s late and it ends up being up to him to save the town from the monster that’s terrorizing the town.

Ethan is a great main character who is easy to root for. He loves his friends and tries so hard to be brave. While some of his fears were a bit on the extreme side, I think some of his fears could be very relatable, especially the fear of losing his friends. I enjoyed reading about him working through his fears and being brave.

I also loved the friendship between Ethan, Olivia, and Harvey. I enjoyed their different personalities and how they balanced each other out. I also loved that they had a code phrase to use when it was time to be serious.

I liked the messages about following your dreams and standing up for what you believe in in Monster Movie! There were a few points where this came up, but I especially liked how it applied to Ethan and his artwork. I also liked how Ethan’s artwork helped show Ethan’s growth throughout the story.

I didn’t love the pacing of Monster Movie! I thought the first half of the book was a bit slow and that the second half flew by. This made it a bit more difficult to become invested in the story, but once I got into it, it was hard to put down.

Monster Movie! does touch upon some heavier topics. There’s mentions of divorce, a few instances of bullying, and depictions of a parent bullying their child. Monster Movie! also has some scary and violent moments. The head eating monster isn’t gory, but it is disturbing. There are other scenes that were fairly intense and on the frightening side. I don’t think there was anything unusual for a horror story, but as I mentioned above, this might not be the best introduction to the genre for kids.

This is a case of it isn't the book's fault, it just isn't working for me to read this one fully on my phone (which just gives me headaches and eye pain). If I could download it to my Kindle it would have been such fantastic thing. I am definitely thinking of buying the book when I have a chance to do so. Because the bit I read was a lot of fun and I am definitely curious about the MC and his friends. The writing style was a lot of fun and kept me engaged (well, until my head/eyes started to hurt). Bonus points btw to the fun cover which is what drew me into this story in the first place (followed by the fab blurb). So for now I am giving it 4 stars because that is what I feel the book deserves based on what I mentioned above. Again, not a book problem, more a device problem.

Chuck Wendig delivers a delightful mix of humor and horror in Monster Movie, a modern spooky novel perfect for young readers. The story follows Ethan Pitowski, a boy terrified of just about everything. When a cursed videotape turns a simple movie night into a horrifying battle against a living monster, Ethan finds himself the unlikely hero, forced to face his fears to save his friends.

Wendig expertly balances the supernatural elements with heartwarming themes of friendship and self-discovery. Ethan’s anxiety is portrayed in a relatable way, and his journey toward bravery is both engaging and touching. The story’s pace keeps you hooked, blending spooky moments with just the right amount of humor, making it a fun read for kids and adults alike. A solid, spooky adventure that’s both thrilling and heartfelt!

A great mix of bad dreams and self-discovery.

Sixth-grader Ethan Pitowski, the only child of very cautious parents, has taken on their anxiety and fearfulness (about everything), overthinking each and every daily movement and decision until he’s almost paralyzed from actually living. When his two best friends run into trouble at a clandestine house party thrown by the most popular kid in class, he must overcome his fears to save them. Readers will enjoy his lively inner monologue and pep talks in which he convinces himself to forge on as everyone else around him is losing their heads.

Monster Movie! by Chuck Wendig, a new upper middle-grade horror story, is a great mix of bad dreams and self-discovery. While eluding a horrifying TV-headed monster, the product of a cursed videotape of the “SCARIEST MOVIE EVER MADE,” the main character’s greater challenge is overcoming his fears to be himself (and save his friends and family in the meantime.) This unusual monster tale was mesmerizing, hitting many universal fears, some from daily life and others from the horror film genre, and I could easily relate to the young protagonist’s struggles easily relatable.

The monster of the story is a large, older-model television set that moves about on spindly, insectile legs. The television’s screen changes from a blue screen to white crackly static to an enormous eye to a maw that bloodlessly removes the heads of its hypnotized victims: nightmarish images, perhaps, for more sensitive younger readers. Besides the frighteningly unstoppable monster, there is a villainous movie theater manager behind the monster’s release into Ethan’s community to best. The plot includes exciting rescues and escapes, movie-making action, and facing and overcoming one’s fears, and while scary, the story is easy and engaging to read. Thumbs up as a possible choice to entice reluctant readers.

I recommend MONSTER MOVIE! to upper middle-grade readers who enjoy scary stories.

Reading Monster Movie was an absolute delight. It is funny, creepy, and sweet; an enjoyable book for readers of all ages. There's strong friendship, a cursed video tape, time travel (maybe??), and a lot of laughs.

Ethan Pitowski is a VERY anxious kid so when the whole 6th grade class is invited to the rich kid's house to watch "the scariest movie ever" he doesn't want to go. But his best friends Harley and Olivia force him to get outside of his comfort zone and join the class. By the time Ethan arrives, everyone is quite literally hypnotized by the TV. Then, the monster appears.

The book is broken up into 3 parts and each one almost reads like a different book -- it all comes together in the end but it did feel like a slightly different experience each time. What I mean is, each part opens up a new area of the plot. There's before the monster, the show down in the movie theater, and then the battle inside the monster.


I loved these characters, especially our main three (Ethan, Harley and Olivia).

Oh my days when i saw the email that Chuck Wendig had written another Middle Grade Horror I was excited as I thoroughly enjoyed Dust & Grim.

This time Chuck uses this story to show that anyone can be a hero even if you are scared about a lot of things and I absolutely loved that. I also think that Chuck handled the topic of Anxiety really well and that is coming from a person who suffers from it.

I'm not going to say anymore as I do not do spoilers but what I will say this if you looking for a book with laughs and scares this is the perfect book for you.

For all the above reasons Monster Movie receives 5 stars.

I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Ethan is scared of everything. And I mean everything. Germs, choking, horror films. You get the idea. So when one of the most popular kids in school invites his fellow classmates to watch the scariest movie ever made, Ethan’s two best friends try to convince him to go. And he’s terrified. Nothing they say can change his mind. That is, until Olivia calls and tells him he needs to make an appearance. However, when Ethan arrives, he realises that this indeed is the scariest movie, it’s unleashed a monster bent on destroying the town, and he must be brave and face his fears to save everyone and everything that he loves.

Ethan is a great lead, his strength and courage, his anxiety and art, his determination to stick with his friends. He’s easy to root for. Even though this book is geared toward middle grade, I felt seen. I too, am a ball of anxiety. It almost appears that his parents kind of created it for him, where mine is all natural. I also need to add in here real quick, that I enjoyed seeing names like Robert Englund and Freddy Krueger pop up in the book. As a lover of horror movies, I kind of geeked out at that.

I found this a surprisingly creepy story for kind. I’d say it’s more intense than a “Goosebumps” book. It’s better suited for the mature side of middle grade, as Wendig doesn’t hold back on the scares. I also enjoyed the message of not staying strong and brave in the face of adversity, especially when standing up for what’s right.

Overall, this is a wonderful read, and would certainly recommend to any middle grade reader who is into horror.

Thank you, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Chuck Wendig for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @what_emm_reads shortly.

Chuck wendig is an absolute treasure. When I saw he had another youth book coming out and I immediately pre-ordered it, thank goodness my local bookstore has a good relationship with him and I actually got a signed copy. I read the arc about 2 weeks before the book came out and was even more excited to get my own personal copy.

This book is a wonderful story, I even talked to my children into reading it. (They don't like anything that may resemble something scary) And they enjoyed it. So glad I can finally share my favorite author, Black River orchard was my favorite book last year, with my kids.

Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC, in exchange for an honest review

Ethan is a boy who doesn’t take risks. A boy who has pretty much been conditioned to be afraid of everything. But when his friends…his entire town…heck, maybe the entire world is at risk from a cursed object (a copy of the scariest movies ever made!) that brings to life a crazy monster (TV head!), Ethan must go against his natural instincts to run and hide. Monster Movie! is quite different from the books I’m used to reading from Chuck Wendig but I’m more than happy to say this middle grade horror is so much fun. The book has likable characters and a fun story (if a bit goofy at times, in a good way) that includes some good messages for kids. I’d like to thank Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Monster Movie!

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1N2USXYRR62F7/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

I happened to open the box containing Monster Movie with my 12-year old son nearby and his eyes went wide, almost like a cartoon, with excitement about the cover of this book. He asked if he could read it, to which I obviously said yes since my review was after publication day but told him I would need it back. He devoured it in one sitting and returned it to me asking if he could have it back when I was done. I’d say he gave it his stamp of approval.


Full review will be on instagram 9/28 on scheduled date with tbr and beyond tours!

Hilarious and anxious, always catastrophizing MC, who usually goes into a spiral with intrusive thoughts will have an amazing character arc, growing into a hero (basically because there is no one else to save the day, haha) and learning to stand up for his passions and beliefs.
A monster TV has stolen everyone's heads. The event has no gore, no blood; the heads are just gone, but everyone is alive (somewhere). The MC will have to find a way to not have a panic attack and save his friends and everyone else.
It is a very creative and out-of-the-box fun spooky story with great elements to pay homage to a time when we appreciated the art of movies more than reels. Has some great insights and life lessons towards the end. Very satisfying and fun read. I am glad it supports a career in arts.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-ARC of Monster Movie!

• 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐄!

1. If you love to laugh, then this one is for you!
2. Have you ever wondered what an evil TV might look like? Read this to find out!
3. Looking for a funny and scary middle grade read for your children? I highly recommend this one!
4. Ethan is an amazing artist and an even better friend. If you can relate to either of these, check out this novel!
5. Enjoy chapters with punny titles? Monster Movie! has all that and more!

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Ethan Pitowski is afraid of everything. Luckily, his best friends don’t mind, and when their entire class gets invited to watch a long-buried horror movie at the most popular boy in school’s house, Ethan’s friends encourage him to join in the fun. But when the “scariest movie ever made” reveals itself to be not just a movie about a monster, but a movie that is a monster, only a terrified Ethan escapes its clutches. Now he must find a way to stop the monster and save his friends (and also, um, get their heads back).

With his signature balance of kid-friendly horror and humor, Chuck Wendig crafts a spookily heartfelt novel about anxiety, friendship, and finding your unique voice and inner strength.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was such a funny read! I loved how Chuck mixed humor with real-life issues such as bullying, anger, resentment, and fear. I kept reading because I really needed to know what this monster was and why it was attacking people. I was pleasantly surprised with the ending and the reasoning for everything. This would make for a really cool movie with a lot of great imagery. I found myself imagining everything Ethan was seeing so vividly it was pretty frightening even for me! I would love to see more adventures with Ethan and his friends.

This was fun, it could have used a bit more world building but was so good! It worked well as a middle grade horror and gave genuine scares but was very sweet and had great pacing.

If you need a gateway horror title for the scaredy cat kid in your life, then this book is for you! Ethan Pitowski is a fellow scaredy cat kid whose friends are the only ones who can help him get out of his shell of fear and anxiety. When a rich popular kid invites Ethan and his friends to a party at his house where he will screen a copy of a movie so legendarily scary that almost all traces of it have been erased, Ethan balks at the invitation despite his friends invoking their unbreakable vow to stick together no matter how scary something might be. A video message from one of his friends at the party convinces him to sneak out, but Ethan is completely unprepared for what has been unleashed by this thought-to-be-lost VHS tape.

This book describes pretty harrowing events, but there is still a lightness to it that should help more sensitive readers get through it. You may want to preview the book first. As an adult, I also appreciated the references to other films as well as the tribute to those who are out there trying to make their films despite the naysayers.

Many thanks to Little, Brown Young Readers, and Netgalley for providing a copy for review purposes.

I read this book with my son! He absolutely loved it! He thought it was so funny! Of course any mention of poop and he’s laughing!

I saw a lot of myself in Ethan. I could really appreciate a lot of his inner monologue. As a fellow worrier, a lot of the things he worried about made sense to me. I was glad to see him overcome his worries and take big steps to do hard things! I think young readers will be able to relate to Ethan.

The spooky aspects of the story were fun and reminded me of Goosebumps books. A town full of people loosing their heads is just the right amount of horror for young readers. I can see lots of kids getting a kick out of this book!

Ethan Pitowski is a bit of a scaredycat. He doesn't want to have fun with his friends, watching scary movies. But when the danger from the screen becomes real, Ethan is the one left to save the day.
Running around town, trying to find the friend he thinks can help, Ethan ends up at the theater in a confrontation with a bad guy -- but who is really behind the chaos? I was surprised and enjoyed the resolution.
I think of Wendig as an adult author, and I highly recommend his books, but he's successful here with a children's horror novel. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Monster Movie by Wendig was a fun romp in a town where watching TV may result in you losing your head….

Ethan Pitowski is your average worry wart and scaredy cat who is forced to find a way to overcome his fears of well, everything, while trying to find and save his friends.

Whether is juvenile fiction or adult fiction, Wendig proves he’s a masterful writer who will leave you wanting more!

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for allowing me the chance to read this ARC!

This story had a lot of potential. It was a unique premise that had a lot of fun wink and nod moments for older audiences. I was rooting for this book, but ultimately it fell flat for me as it felt like it started to try to do too many things in too short a time.