THE READER’S NOTEBOOK · INTERACTIVE LITERATURE LAB

A Monster Calls

Notice the details. Track the characters. Find the deeper meaning. Build a thoughtful book review from your own evidence and ideas.

Patrick Ness · Inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd · Illustrated by Jim Kay

Behind the bookSiobhan Dowd developed the original idea but died before she could write the novel. Patrick Ness transformed that idea into the finished story.

Creative choicesThe novel blends realistic experiences with a fantastic visitor. Jim Kay’s black-and-white illustrations help shape the atmosphere in illustrated editions.

Why it mattersThe novel won the Carnegie Medal for writing and the Kate Greenaway Medal for illustration. Consider how its storytelling handles complicated feelings.

Reader reminder: Your notes should include specific story moments, not just one-word answers. Interpretations may differ, but you must explain your thinking. The book explores serious illness, grief, and difficult emotions. You do not need to discuss your own life.

Reader nameNotes save automatically in this browser on this device. They are not submitted to your teacher.

Your notebook progress0 of 23 prompts started

YOUR SPACE · INDEPENDENT NOTES

My reading notebook

These notes belong to you. Decide which details are worth remembering. You can write about a surprising moment, a character decision, a question, a pattern, or something else you noticed. You do not need to answer a prompt or fill every line.

Ideas, not requirements:✦ Moments that stand out✦ Questions I have✦ Changes I notice✦ Quotes or page / listening time

My own notes (unstructured, optional format)

READING JOURNAL · 01 / 06

Story & setting

Where and when does the story take place? How does the setting create a mood?

Describe two important places in the story and the feelings each creates.What is Conor dealing with when the story begins? Explain without giving away the ending.Choose the mood of the opening and explain what makes you feel that way.

READING JOURNAL · 02 / 06

Characters & relationships

Explore what characters do, say, feel, and how they affect one another.

Describe Conor with TWO precise character traits. Support each with a moment from the story.What does the monster seem to want? How does your understanding of it change?Choose another character (Mum, Grandma, Dad, Lily, or Harry). What is their role in Conor’s life?How does Conor change from the beginning toward the end? Include evidence.

READING JOURNAL · 03 / 06

Conflict & turning points

Capture the moments that matter without merely retelling the plot.

What is Conor’s biggest INTERNAL conflict? What external problems make it harder?Describe one turning point and explain why it matters.What does the novel suggest about facing difficult or complicated truths?

READING JOURNAL · 04 / 06

Themes & symbolism

Move beyond topics like ‘sadness’ to a message the novel communicates.

Write one theme as a COMPLETE statement about life (not a single word).Which scene or one of the monster’s stories supports your theme? Explain the connection.What might the yew-tree monster, the nightmare, or another repeated image symbolize? Defend your idea.

READING JOURNAL · 05 / 06

Writer’s craft & impact

Study how the story is told, not just what happens.

How do Patrick Ness’s short sentences, dialogue, suspense, or shifts between reality and fantasy influence your experience? Choose one technique.If you have the illustrated edition, how do Jim Kay’s images affect the mood? If listening, how does the narration or a soundless pause affect the mood?Which scene affected you most, and why? You can discuss an emotion without sharing personal experiences.Why might this book matter to readers your age? Who might appreciate it?

READING JOURNAL · 06 / 06

Review lab

Turn observations into a clear, evidence-based book review.

What is your overall opinion of the book? Explain your strongest reason.What was the book’s strongest feature? Use a specific example.What, if anything, could have been more effective? Explain fairly.Who would you recommend this book to, and why? (Consider its serious subjects.)

FINAL PRODUCT · BOOK REVIEW STUDIO

Build your book review

Your notes will become a starter outline, not a finished review. Add transitions, improve your explanations, and make the writing sound like you. For a spoiler-free review, leave out the ending.

Review structure: introduction & brief premise → character and conflict → theme & evidence → writing style & reader impact → evaluation & recommendation.

Start answering the notebook prompts to generate your outline.

For class submission, paste your revised review into the assignment your teacher provides. Downloading a copy is recommended if you share a Chromebook.