Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Suspenseful survival story will grip teen readers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 24 kid reviews
Kids say this book delivers a thrilling and engaging plot that captivates many readers but contains several elements of concern, including sexual content, drug use, and violence, which some find inappropriate for younger audiences. While many praise the character development and the overall excitement, opinions are divided on whether the explicit scenes detract from the story or simply depict a realistic portrayal of teenage life.
- engaging plot
- inappropriate content
- mixed reactions
- character development
- mature themes
- thrilling experience
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A series of natural and man-made catastrophes traps a busload of 14 students, ranging from elementary school to high school, inside a Greenway super-store in Monument, Colo. Over the next 12 days, they must learn to work together in order to survive poisonous gas, violent visitors, and their own weaknesses and fears.
Is It Any Good?
Although its set-up is a tad far-fetched, MONUMENT 14 is a clever and compelling one-set suspense novel. The characters are well defined, even the grade schoolers. Author Emmy Laybourne finds ways to keep the tension high throughout and devises an ending that feels both realistic and satisfying.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how having Monument 14 entirely set in one place adds to the suspense and drama. What effect did it have on you as a reader?
How does Monument 14 compare with other post-disaster stories you've read or movies you've seen?
If you had complete access to a superstore like Greenway, what items would you choose for yourself? How would you choose what you really needed to survive, rather than just what you would enjoy?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Feiwel and Friends
- Publication date : June 5, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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