cover image Misfit Mansion

Misfit Mansion

Kay Davault. Atheneum, $22.99 (304p) ISBN 978-1-6659-0308-0

On the outskirts of Dead End Springs is an enchanted foster home for supernatural creatures rescued by their brown-skinned human guardian Mr. Halloway. But the magic that keeps the creatures safe also keeps them locked inside the mansion, and blue-skinned Iris longs to visit the places she sees in comics and on TV. Moreover, she yearns to connect with humans, believing they will be more accepting of her than Mr. Halloway, whose anxious nature convinces Iris he’s afraid of her. While Mr. Halloway is on an excursion rounding up more horrors in need, a young paranormal hunter manages to break the magic seal before being scared off by a resident. Emboldened, Iris seizes the opportunity to attend the town’s Harvest Festival, a Halloween-like event that encourages costumes, providing ideal cover for Iris and her friends. As Iris interacts with the townsfolk, she considers where she truly fits in, even as a mysterious voice in her head portends trouble. A cartoonishly adorable monster cast populate the brightly colored pages of this uplifting tale. Through earnest and optimistic depictions of found family dynamics, Davault (Star Knight) presents the ups and downs of relationships while emphasizing openness, communication, and acceptance. Ages 8–up. Agent: Britt Siess, Britt Siess Creative. [em](July) [/em]