Creature of the Night (by Kate Thompson)
common sense media says
Gritty story about troubled teen is realistic and complex.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book is rough and gritty, with much swearing, violence, delinquent behavior and attitudes, and weak parenting. Bobby and his thug friends have little concern for consequences and are void of remorse. However, the book is really well written and the characters are genuine and complex. As Bobby is exposed to a more gentle life and good people, his interests and attitudes begin to change, though haltingly and not without relapse. Parents also need to know that the mystery behind the cottage is not resolved.
Positive role models:
PJ, Coley, and the whole farm family are positive role models for Bobby. Bobby initially makes poor decisions, but because he makes big changes in his life and outlook, he's a role model for those who struggle and want/need redemption. On the negative side, Fluke and the boys in the gang are criminals, and Ma yells, hits, takes pills, and smokes, but since she tries to do the right thing, she garners some compassion.
Violence:
Bobby and his gang are thugs and criminals: they steal purses, electronics, bikes, and cars. They burn the cars after running them out of fuel. Mick beats someone up and knocks his teeth out and stomps on his head. Bobby and Ma watch serial killer movies. The country cottage has a violent past -- first the rumors of a murdered child, and then the previous resident was found murdered and hacked into small pieces. Ma also hits her kids and has yelling rages.
Sex:
Fluke, age 17, stays at his girlfriend's house and moves in with her so he can have sex with her. He talks about sex, as well.
Language:
"F--k"; "s-t"; "bastard"; "piss"; "snotface"; "go to hell"; "bitch"; "dickhead"; "wanker". It also has British-isms that teens may not be familiar with.
Consumerism:
Xbox, Legos, Nokia, Land Rover, and Lara Croft are all mentioned but play no big roles.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Bobby and his gang friends drink beer and hard alcohol, smoke pot and cigarettes, and do other unidentified harder drugs. Bobby drinks too much, throws up, wishes he was dead. Bobby wants to drink and do drugs when he is bored. On one occasion he doesn't remember three days after taking drugs. Ma smokes cigarettes and takes sleeping pills. Beetle always drinks until he passes out. Mick uses crack and gets manic afterward.
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Most useful reviews by all members
Labrandi
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
This review is well-written and makes me want to actually read this entire book. Now, I,m stuck on where to get it from.
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srslyX
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
there wasnt that many bad scenes, i dont know why they rated it iffy for 15. i must say i enjoyed it but it wasnt one of my fave books. fairies are not the type of things id read about.
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brycez
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
read it twice. really good and unflinching tale of kids who do whatever they want. this book doesn't hold back in terms of content and is a great engrossing story
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