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Monster Hunters: Nightmare Academy: Book 1

(2008, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Dean Lorey, Illustrated by Brandon Dorman)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Familiar and predictable but lots of fun.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 9–10

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Much sexist talk by the characters.
  • Violence:

    Magical fighting, a monster's arm is severed, people are reduced to ash, a boy beats up another boy, a boy has his toe bitten off by a monster, a monster's eyes are cut off, two monsters fight and tear each other open.
  • Sex:

    A kiss.
  • Language:

    A bit of mild swearing.
  • Consumerism:

    Frozen drink, mp3 player brands.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adults drink whiskey.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Monster Hunters: Nightmare Academy: Book 1

Parents need to know that there is some fantasy violence here, not especially graphic, some mild swearing, and several of the characters engage in sexist talk.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the Rowling formula. Does it bother you when books follow a similar path to the Harry Potter books? Or do you like it? What makes one version of the formula successful and another not? How is this one different from Harry Potter? Is it the similarities or differences that you like? Did Rowling invent the formula, or can you think of similar stories that came before her?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    perfect for kids 8 and up.

    I really like the book. I think it is even better than goosebumps! If you read it you will really love it.

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