Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Creative kids fight Halloween monsters in clever adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
The costume-wearing kids are back in ROAR OF THE BEAST, and this time they're preparing for Halloween. After losing a verbal fight with a bullying kid, Vijay gives up dressing as the Beast, retreating into his bedroom and not speaking to anyone. That night, a monster is spotted in someone's backyard, and Nate breaks his leg pursuing of the creature. Is the neighborhood infested with monsters, and is anybody safe?
Is It Any Good?
Nearly every kid likes to play with boxes at some time, and this lively adventure captures the joy of letting your imagination run wild. In Roar of the Beast, artist and writer Chad Sell also shows what happens when the scaring gets a little too intense and kids begin to take the hijinks too seriously. The book also touches on some serious topics, such as gender issues, depression, and bullying. But there's plenty of action and good-natured fun as the kids work together to celebrate Halloween in their own special ways. There's also plenty of charm to go around, and most readers will be eager for the next book in the series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Roar of the Beast celebrates creativity and imagination. Why is it important for kids to learn to play "pretend"?
Is it OK for girls to wear "boy clothes" and vice versa?
Why do some kids like to be scared, while others dread it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Chad Sell
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Adventures , Arts , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : June 1, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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