WINNER OF THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2005 ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD Eva never really wanted to be a mother; certainly not the mother of a boy named Kevin who murdered seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker and a teacher who had tried to befriend him. Now, two years after her son's horrific rampage, Eva comes to terms with her role as Kevin's mother in a series of startlingly direct correspondences with her absent husband Franklyn about their son's upbringing. Fearing that her own shortcomings may have shaped what her son has become, she confesses to a deep, long-standing ambivalence about motherhood. How much is her fault? In Lionel Shriver's hands this sensational, chilling and memorable story of a woman who raised a monster becomes a metaphor for the larger tragedy - the tragedy of a country where everything works, nobody starves, and anything can be bought but a sense of purpose.

WINNER OF THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2005 ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD Eva never really wanted to be a mother; certainly not the mother of a boy named Kevin who murdered seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker and a teacher who had tried to befriend him. Now, two years after her son's horrific rampage, Eva comes to terms with her role as Kevin's mother in a series of startlingly direct correspondences with her absent husband Franklyn about their son's upbringing. Fearing that her own shortcomings may have shaped what her son has become, she confesses to a deep, long-standing ambivalence about motherhood. How much is her fault? In Lionel Shriver's hands this sensational, chilling and memorable story of a woman who raised a monster becomes a metaphor for the larger tragedy - the tragedy of a country where everything works, nobody starves, and anything can be bought but a sense of purpose.

Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2025 Pageant winner and horror fanatic Corie Nielson dreams of putting the "QUEEN" in "SCREAM QUEEN" Born into a family of beauty queens, seventeen-year-old Corie Nielson has the looks and charm befitting of Miss Teen Indiana. Her sights are set on the Miss Teen America crown next-and the college scholarship that comes with it-in hopes that she can finally break into her secret dream career: horror movie scream queen. With pageant appearances, caring for her great-grandma, school, and shifts at the family boutique . . . there's more than enough for one person to juggle, let alone Corie with her undiagnosed ADHD. But when the local horror show announces a monster costume contest that promises to make all her dreams come true, Corie can't help but think: What's one more thing? Surely, she can manage her family's high expectations while also using her pageant skills to launch her into horror stardom. All she has to do is convince grumpy special effects makeup artist Everett Robbins to partner up and turn her into a pageant-worthy monster. But old habits die hard; when the contest and a budding relationship with Everett distract her from her obligations even more, Corie must decide if a shot at her wildest dreams is worth risking the family bonds and pageant traditions that have brought her this far.

My Friend Dahmer is the hauntingly original graphic novel by Derf Backderf, the award winning political cartoonist. In these pages, Backderf tries to make sense of Jeffery Dahmer, the future serial killer with whom he shared classrooms, hallways, libraries and car rides. What emerges is a surprisingly sympathetic portrait of a young man struggling helplessly against the urges, some ghastly, bubbling up from the deep recesses of his psyche. The Dahmer recounted here, although universally regarded as an inhumane monster, is a lonely oddball who, in reality, is all too human. A shy kid sucked inexorably into madness while the adults in his life fail him. The crimes Dahmer committed are incredibly depraved, infamous and unforgettable, but in My Friend Dahmer, Backderf provides profound insight into how, and more important, why Jeffery Dahmer transformed from a high school loner into the most depraved serial killer since Jack the Ripper, coming as close as anyone yet has to explaining the seemingly unexplainable phenomenon of Jeffery Dahmer.

WINNER OF THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2010 ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD Eva never really wanted to be a mother; certainly not the mother of a boy named Kevin who murdered seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker and a teacher who had tried to befriend him. Now, two years after her son's horrific rampage, Eva comes to terms with her role as Kevin's mother in a series of startlingly direct correspondences with her absent husband Franklyn about their son's upbringing. Fearing that her own shortcomings may have shaped what her son has become, she confesses to a deep, long-standing ambivalence about motherhood. How much is her fault? In Lionel Shriver's hands this sensational, chilling and memorable story of a woman who raised a monster becomes a metaphor for the larger tragedy - the tragedy of a country where everything works, nobody starves, and anything can be bought but a sense of purpose.

This expanded junior novelisation retells the fourth season of Netflix's iconic series Stranger Things . It's been six months since the Battle of Starcourt, which brought terror and destruction to Hawkins. Struggling with the aftermath, our group of friends are separated for the first time - and navigating the complexities of high school hasn't made things any easier. In this most vulnerable time, a new and horrifying supernatural threat surfaces, presenting a gruesome mystery that, if solved, might finally put an end to the horrors of the Upside Down. This 320-page junior novelisation retells the thrilling fourth season of Stranger Things. Welcome to the world of Netflix's hit series Stranger Things. Follow Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, Max, and their friends for mystery, suspense, and adventures in 1980s Hawkins. Don't miss these other Stranger Things books: Stranger Things: Season One: The Junior Novelisation Stranger Things: Season Two: The Junior Novelisation Stranger Things: Season Three: The Junior Novelisation Stranger Things: Heroes and Monsters Stranger Things: Hawkins Horrors

WINNER OF THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2010 ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD Eva never really wanted to be a mother; certainly not the mother of a boy named Kevin who murdered seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker and a teacher who had tried to befriend him. Now, two years after her son's horrific rampage, Eva comes to terms with her role as Kevin's mother in a series of startlingly direct correspondences with her absent husband Franklyn about their son's upbringing. Fearing that her own shortcomings may have shaped what her son has become, she confesses to a deep, long-standing ambivalence about motherhood. How much is her fault? In Lionel Shriver's hands this sensational, chilling and memorable story of a woman who raised a monster becomes a metaphor for the larger tragedy - the tragedy of a country where everything works, nobody starves, and anything can be bought but a sense of purpose.

Marked for the Hunt: One Girl Must Slay Thirteen Demons or Watch the World Burn. Fourteen-year-old Everly “Ev” Espada thinks she’s just walking home from school…until she looks up and sees her priest, Father Serrano, suspended in midair, choking, and being ripped apart by something she can’t see. Acting on pure instinct, Ev swings a nearby pipe and shatters the illusion, exposing a monstrous demon in the middle of the street. One brutal blow later, the creature is dead. And so is Ev’s normal life. By killing one of Earth’s Thirteen Hidden Demons , Ev has unknowingly triggered an ancient covenant. She’s been marked as a demon hunter , and the remaining twelve are already coming for her. The rules are simple and merciless: slay all thirteen within one year… or they will return more powerful, more vicious, and utterly unstoppable. Now a regular teen armed with nothing but courage, grit, and a growing supernatural legacy must hunt creatures older than civilization while dodging school, secrets, and the slow realization that she may be humanity’s last line of defense. This high-octane, black-and-white, manga-inspired graphic novel comes from writer Adam Tierney (Teen Titans Go!, acclaimed video game director) and artist Saspy , delivering brutal action, emotional stakes, and cinematic monster-slaying on every page. This is Tierney’s graphic novel debut—and it comes in swinging.

Perfect is only on the surface in this gripping novel about a teen girl who looks normal but struggles with a little known eating disorder. Sixteen-year-old Pea has a secret: she has Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, which means she can't eat very much because nutritious foods frighten her. Having ARFID is like having a monster inside of her, one that dictates what she can eat, what she does and who she socializes with. This monster is growing and controlling more than just her food issues?it's causing anxiety, depression, and giving her thoughts that she doesn't want to have. When she falls crazy-mad in love with Ben, she hides her disorder from him, pretending that she's fine. At first, everything really does feel like it's getting better with him around, so she stops taking her anxiety and depression medication. And that's when the monster really takes over her life. Just as everything seems lost and hopeless, Pea finds in her family, best friend, and Ben the support and strength that she needs to learn that her eating disorder doesn't have to control her. Sad Perfect is the haunting debut novel from Stephanie Elliot. A Margaret Ferguson Book Praise for Sad Perfect: "Elliot's novel helps to fill a gap within teen narratives about disordered eating." -Kirkus Review "A well-written page-turner whose sensitive topic is covered with finesse and grace. This novel would be a worthy addition to a high school library collection." -School Library Journal "Diversity in young adult books is finally on the rise, and Sad Perfect fits the bill. It takes an honest look at an eating disorder and mental health issues faced by some teens. Sad Perfect is recommended for libraries serving middle school age and up, where it will appeal to fans of realistic fiction about difficult topics." -VOYA "Written in the second-person, Sad Perfect is the spare, hauntingly told story of a teenage girl and the eating disorder that threatens to consume her. You'll be riveted by her story, and by Elliot's careful observations of social media, the healthcare system, and parental neglect. Girls, and boys, will be reading this elegant and sad book for years to come." -Kathleen Glasgow, New York Times-bestselling author of Girl in Pieces "A raw and visceral exploration of a unique eating disorder. Told in the second person, Sad Perfect is a masterfully crafted novel about the struggle for self-love and the healing power of self-acceptance." -Shannon M. Parker, author of The Girl Who Fell

Marked for the Hunt: One Girl Must Slay Thirteen Demons or Watch the World Burn. Fourteen-year-old Everly “Ev” Espada thinks she’s just walking home from school…until she looks up and sees her priest, Father Serrano, suspended in midair, choking, and being ripped apart by something she can’t see. Acting on pure instinct, Ev swings a nearby pipe and shatters the illusion, exposing a monstrous demon in the middle of the street. One brutal blow later, the creature is dead. And so is Ev’s normal life. By killing one of Earth’s Thirteen Hidden Demons , Ev has unknowingly triggered an ancient covenant. She’s been marked as a demon hunter , and the remaining twelve are already coming for her. The rules are simple and merciless: slay all thirteen within one year… or they will return more powerful, more vicious, and utterly unstoppable. Now a regular teen armed with nothing but courage, grit, and a growing supernatural legacy must hunt creatures older than civilization while dodging school, secrets, and the slow realization that she may be humanity’s last line of defense. This high-octane, black-and-white, manga-inspired graphic novel comes from writer Adam Tierney (Teen Titans Go!, acclaimed video game director) and artist Saspy , delivering brutal action, emotional stakes, and cinematic monster-slaying on every page. This is Tierney’s graphic novel debut—and it comes in swinging.

In *Calyx*, the story unfolds of an unusual friendship between Armin, a successful high school graduate, and little Dennis, who is threatened by an incurable virus. As part of his voluntary social year in a municipal hospital, Armin discovers a well-kept secret about a room where Dennis is in the isolation ward. The virus, transmissible through blood and bodily fluids, has turned the once innocent boy into a little monster. Despite the warnings and his girlfriend Ruth's fear of possible infection, Armin decides to gain little Dennis' trust. A tender friendship develops, which is challenged by Doctor Pneuma's merciless control and the boy's isolation. Ruth, initially skeptical, eventually succumbs to little Dennis' charm and mischievousness. *Calyx* is not only a novel about friendship and respect, but also a story full of humor, drama, suspense and adventure. The close bond between Armin, Ruth and Dennis is put to the test when they embark on extraordinary adventures together outside the supposed safety of the hospital. This novel shows that nothing in life can be planned and that things always turn out differently than you think.

A national bestseller, Derf Backderf's Alex Award winner My Friend Dahmer is the bone-chilling graphic novel that inspired the major motion picture starring Ross Lynch as Jeffrey Dahmer. You only think you know this story. In 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer-the most notorious serial killer since Jack the Ripper-seared himself into the American consciousness. To the public, Dahmer was a monster who committed unthinkable atrocities. To Derf Backderf, "Jeff" was a much more complex figure: a high school friend with whom he had shared classrooms, hallways, and car rides. In My Friend Dahmer, a haunting and original graphic novel, writer-artist Backderf creates a surprisingly sympathetic portrait of a disturbed young man struggling against the morbid urges emanating from the deep recesses of his psyche-a shy kid, a teenage alcoholic, and a goofball who never quite fit in with his classmates. With profound insight, what emerges is a Jeffrey Dahmer that few ever really knew, and one readers will never forget. Find teaching guides for My Friend Dahmer and other titles at abramsbooks.com/resources. Also available by Derf Backderf: Trashed Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio

In the third and final installment of the heartfelt Dungeons & Dragons graphic novel series by Molly Knox Ostertag and Xanthe Bouma, the club battles new monsters—both real and imaginary—as their first campaign comes to an epic conclusion. Tyler has a secret —Sunny; the imaginary friend he had when he was younger, hasn’t gone away. Not only that, she now acts as his butt-kicking character in his after-school D&D club, too. Whether it’s helping him deal with his rowdy cousin, Luis, or avoiding his archnemesis, Kelly, at school, Sunny always has his back, often encouraging soft-spoken Tyler to be a little more…bold. Until one day Sunny pushes Tyler a little too far and he unexpectedly confesses his feelings to Sam, his outspoken and dreamy crush. Instead of a happily ever after, Tyler’s confession turns into gossip fodder for the entire school. Hurt and angry, Tyler banishes Sunny from his mind. But the silence afterward is louder than Sunny’s presence ever was, and Tyler must look to the people in his real life to discover who he truly is—and who he wants to be. Praise for Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Club A Harvey Award – Nominated series “An absolutely wonderful story that exemplifies the joys, challenges, and lifelong memories forged between friends in the creative furnace of role-playing games. The vibrant, energetic art further elevates the beautiful dichotomy between epic, fantasy adventures and finding one's place in those awkward teenage years. I couldn't help but see much of myself and my own youth in parts of each character as they find their companions in real life through their imaginary adventures, and the sense of unparalleled bonding one finds within a good game group resonates deeply throughout this story. I absolutely loved it.” —Matthew Mercer, creator of Critical Role “The power D&D has to help you explore and express yourself is on full display in this lovely story of friendship and growing up." —Kat Leyh, author of Snapdragon “Perfectly captures the magic when the world you create with your friends becomes as real as the world around you.” —Tim Probert, author of the Lightfall series “A thrilling and gorgeous adventure that goes straight for your heart.” —ND Stevenson, New York Times bestselling author of Nimona “What Molly Ostertag and Xanthe Bouma pull off in Dungeon Club is nothing short of astounding. Contained within these magical pages are not one but two amazing stories: fantasy and reality woven masterfully together by Ostertag's spellbinding storytelling. An adventure filled with fun, magic, and deep insight into the trials and tribulations of high school, Dungeon Club is what we in the D&D world would call a 'Critical Hit'! To everyone who knows that there's always adventure and a little bit of magic just around the corner, this book will be a treasured artifact for years and years to come!” —Brennan Lee Mulligan, creator of Dimension 20 “Middle grade readers intrigued by the cult classic RPG and fans fond of popular campaigns like Adventure Zone and Critical Role will enjoy the message of this series opener: ‘Monsters are easier to fight when you’ve got people by your side.’” —ALA Booklist (starred review) “Scoring high on charisma, this tale of personal growth is bound to win many a curious young fan over to D&D’s allure.” —Kirkus Reviews “For readers who are fans of or are curious about role-playing games, or those seeking heartwarming stories about friendship and imagination.” —School Library Journal

A queer, feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, this ode to female-rage is a perfect pick for fans of She Is a Haunting, and a reminder that if "boys will be boys", girls will fight back. For high school senior Nell and her friends, a vacation house on a private Florida island sounds like the makings of a dream spring break. But Nell brings secrets with her—secrets that fuse with the island's tragic history, trapping them all with a curse that surrounds the island in a toxic, vengeful mist and the surrounding waters with an unseen, devouring beast. Getting out alive means risking her friendships, her sanity, and even her own life. In order to save herself and her friends, Nell will have to face memories she'd rather leave behind, reveal the horrific truth behind the encounter that changed her life one year ago, and face the shadow that's haunted her since childhood. Easier said than done. But when Nell's friends reveal that they each brought secrets of their own, a solution even more dangerous than the curse begins to take shape. Reading like a YA feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, So Witches We Became is a diverse, queer horror about female friendship, the emotional aftermath of surviving assault, and how to find power in the shadows of your past. Step into your witchy power or be swallowed by the curse—the choice is yours. ★ "Skillfully crafted and sharply descriptive with horrifying imagery to spare ... Powerfully angry and vengeance-laden, with terrifying and very human monsters." —School Library Journal, starred review

A queer, feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, this ode to female-rage is a perfect pick for fans of She Is a Haunting, and a reminder that if "boys will be boys", girls will fight back. For high school senior Nell and her friends, a vacation house on a private Florida island sounds like the makings of a dream spring break. But Nell brings secrets with her—secrets that fuse with the island's tragic history, trapping them all with a curse that surrounds the island in a toxic, vengeful mist and the surrounding waters with an unseen, devouring beast. Getting out alive means risking her friendships, her sanity, and even her own life. In order to save herself and her friends, Nell will have to face memories she'd rather leave behind, reveal the horrific truth behind the encounter that changed her life one year ago, and face the shadow that's haunted her since childhood. Easier said than done. But when Nell's friends reveal that they each brought secrets of their own, a solution even more dangerous than the curse begins to take shape. Reading like a YA feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, So Witches We Became is a diverse, queer horror about female friendship, the emotional aftermath of surviving assault, and how to find power in the shadows of your past. Step into your witchy power or be swallowed by the curse—the choice is yours. "Skillfully crafted and sharply descriptive with horrifying imagery to spare ... Powerfully angry and vengeance-laden, with terrifying and very human monsters." —School Library Journal, starred review

PRE-ORDER NOW! Vampire Diaries meets Norse mythology in this first novel in a trilogy from TikTok sensation Emma Noyes. "What happens when an ordinary teen finds herself rocketed into an overlapping world of Nordic mythology? In Noyes' case - a breakneck story and surprising twists." - Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author "This book is absolutely incredible. If you loved the Vampire Diaries or any other show that combines the angst of high school with the darkness of a supernatural world, you will love this book!" 5***** Reader Review "Yurrrrrrrp this was exactly what I needed" 5***** Reader Review "Emma's writing is sharp and beautiful" 5***** Reader Review ------------------------------------ Since the death of her twin sister two years before Charlie Hudson has drifted through life until the day her classmates start to go missing. Drawn to the disappearances by forces she can't explain, Charlie soon finds herself investigating the mysterious, alluring newcomer in town, Elias Everhart. She knows Elias is hiding something, but what she doesn't know. Soon his secrets will lead her to a place she never imagined: a world hiding in plain sight, made of magic, gods, and monsters-and a first love fated to fall apart

PRE-ORDER NOW! Vampire Diaries meets Norse mythology in this first novel in a trilogy from TikTok sensation Emma Noyes. "What happens when an ordinary teen finds herself rocketed into an overlapping world of Nordic mythology? In Noyes' case - a breakneck story and surprising twists." - Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author "This book is absolutely incredible. If you loved the Vampire Diaries or any other show that combines the angst of high school with the darkness of a supernatural world, you will love this book!" 5***** Reader Review "Yurrrrrrrp this was exactly what I needed" 5***** Reader Review "Emma's writing is sharp and beautiful" 5***** Reader Review ------------------------------------ Since the death of her twin sister two years before Charlie Hudson has drifted through life until the day her classmates start to go missing. Drawn to the disappearances by forces she can't explain, Charlie soon finds herself investigating the mysterious, alluring newcomer in town, Elias Everhart. She knows Elias is hiding something, but what she doesn't know. Soon his secrets will lead her to a place she never imagined: a world hiding in plain sight, made of magic, gods, and monsters-and a first love fated to fall apart

A queer, feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, this ode to female-rage is a perfect pick for fans of She Is a Haunting, and a reminder that if "boys will be boys", girls will fight back. For high school senior Nell and her friends, a vacation house on a private Florida island sounds like the makings of a dream spring break. But Nell brings secrets with her—secrets that fuse with the island's tragic history, trapping them all with a curse that surrounds the island in a toxic, vengeful mist and the surrounding waters with an unseen, devouring beast. Getting out alive means risking her friendships, her sanity, and even her own life. In order to save herself and her friends, Nell will have to face memories she'd rather leave behind, reveal the horrific truth behind the encounter that changed her life one year ago, and face the shadow that's haunted her since childhood. Easier said than done. But when Nell's friends reveal that they each brought secrets of their own, a solution even more dangerous than the curse begins to take shape. Reading like a YA feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, So Witches We Became is a diverse, queer horror about female friendship, the emotional aftermath of surviving assault, and how to find power in the shadows of your past. Step into your witchy power or be swallowed by the curse—the choice is yours. "Skillfully crafted and sharply descriptive with horrifying imagery to spare ... Powerfully angry and vengeance-laden, with terrifying and very human monsters." —School Library Journal, starred review

A queer, feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, this ode to female-rage is a perfect pick for fans of She Is a Haunting, and a reminder that if "boys will be boys", girls will fight back. For high school senior Nell and her friends, a vacation house on a private Florida island sounds like the makings of a dream spring break. But Nell brings secrets with her—secrets that fuse with the island's tragic history, trapping them all with a curse that surrounds the island in a toxic, vengeful mist and the surrounding waters with an unseen, devouring beast. Getting out alive means risking her friendships, her sanity, and even her own life. In order to save herself and her friends, Nell will have to face memories she'd rather leave behind, reveal the horrific truth behind the encounter that changed her life one year ago, and face the shadow that's haunted her since childhood. Easier said than done. But when Nell's friends reveal that they each brought secrets of their own, a solution even more dangerous than the curse begins to take shape. Reading like a YA feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, So Witches We Became is a diverse, queer horror about female friendship, the emotional aftermath of surviving assault, and how to find power in the shadows of your past. Step into your witchy power or be swallowed by the curse—the choice is yours. ★ "Skillfully crafted and sharply descriptive with horrifying imagery to spare ... Powerfully angry and vengeance-laden, with terrifying and very human monsters." —School Library Journal, starred review

A queer, feminist spin on Stephen King's The Mist, this ode to female-rage is a perfect pick for fans of She Is a Haunting, and a reminder that if "boys will be boys", girls will fight back. For high school senior Nell and her friends, a vacation house on a private Florida island sounds like the makings of a dream spring break. But Nell brings secrets with her-secrets that fuse with the island's tragic history, trapping them all with a curse that surrounds the island in a toxic, vengeful mist and the surrounding waters with an unseen, devouring beast. Getting out alive means risking her friendships, her sanity, and even her own life. In order to save herself and her friends, Nell will have to face memories she'd rather leave behind, reveal the horrific truth behind the encounter that changed her life one year ago, and face the shadow that's haunted her since childhood. Easier said than done. But when Nell's friends reveal that they each brought secrets of their own, a solution even more dangerous than the curse begins to take shape. Reading like a YA feminist spin on Stephen King's The Mist, So Witches We Became is a diverse, queer horror about female friendship, the emotional aftermath of surviving assault, and how to find power in the shadows of your past. Step into your witchy power or be swallowed by the curse-the choice is yours. "Skillfully crafted and sharply descriptive with horrifying imagery to spare ... Powerfully angry and vengeance-laden, with terrifying and very human monsters." -School Library Journal, starred review