Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story is a graphic memoir by Sarah Myer, published in 2023 by First Second. It covers Myer's experiences growing up as a Korean-American interracial adoptee.
Synopsis The book covers Myer's youth starting from early childhood. Myer and their adoptive sister Lily were born in South Korea and internationally adopted at a young age by white parents in a rural Maryland community with a primarily white population. As Sarah grew up, they dealt with racist and homophobic bullying, often turning to creating art and engaging in fandoms like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and various manga to cope. The book also covers Myer's questioning of their sexuality and gender. Myer, who uses they/them pronouns, uses she/her in the book when depicting their younger self.
Development The book was based on Myer's Master of Fine Arts thesis "Drafting Self-Identity: Transracial Adoption in Comics"
Reception School Library Journal, The Horn Book, and Kirkus Reviews all gave Monstrous starred reviews. Kirkus Reviews commented on how the art depicted "themes of anxiety and self-image... contrasting the more minimalist drawing style in fairly neutral tones with dramatically shaded and dynamic panels," and concluded that the book was a "beautifully depicted emotional journey."
Publishers Weekly said "those wrestling with feelings of disconnect from their communities will find validation in this confessional read."
D. Morris of The Beat included it on the website's list of the 34 Best Comics of 2023, noting the book's positive portrayal of fandom by saying "an alternate title for Monstrous could be Fandom Saved My Life." +Awards and honorsYearAward/HonorCategoryResultRef.2024Eisner AwardBest Publication for TeensNominatedLos Angeles Times Book PrizeYoung Adult NovelNominatedYoung Adult Library Services AssociationGreat Graphic Novels for TeensTop Ten2023School Library JournalBest Graphic NovelsIncludedNew York Public LibraryBest Books for TeensTop Ten
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