Last year I raved over the first book in the Scary School series. It took me back to my days as a young reader, visiting Wayside School and giggling up a storm at the zany antics of the characters. Needless to say, Monsters on the March had a lot to live up to! I was looking forward to more adventures with my favorite students, and definitely looking forward to a wacky read. Luckily this second installment far surpassed what I was hoping for. I couldn't get enough!

Derek the Ghost, our lovable ghost writer, quickly draws the reader right back into day to day life at the scariest school on Earth. If you haven't had a chance to read the first book, never fear! Derek introduces us to the cast of characters once again so, even if you're starting here, you won't be lost. This time the kids face a new adversary, the Monster King. Scary on the outside, but surprisingly pleasant smelling, the Monster King is all about manners. Step out of line? You might be a monster snack. So you can imagine his disbelief when Charles Nukid dares to save his daughter from her pirate fiance! The battle for Scary School is on.

It is so easy to become immersed in this book, no matter what your age. There are ample nods to many things that only an older reader would get. I couldn't help but giggle as I met Jason, a young boy who always wore a hockey mask to school. I was equally delighted when I found out that Steven Kingsley was the best writer in school! This is a book that you'll absolutely want to read along with your kids. Or, you know, read by yourself on the bus. (I highly recommend this, as people will look at you oddly when you crack up laughing!)

This book is perfect for reluctant readers and, in my opinion, easily transcends both age group and gender. No matter whose hands you put this book into, they're bound to love it. The illustrations are wonderful, the writing is perfection, and the plot twists are sure to delight. I'm a fan, tried and true! Add this book to your reading list and join me in the fun!

This might appeal to youngish readers who like madcap fantasy with monsters, ghosts, etc. but not much logic. I haven't read the first book, but this seems to stand alone well enough. It's just not my style at all, the humor fell flat for me (and I think some of the references would go over the heads of the intended audience) and it was more a collection of over-the-top anecdotes than a fleshed out story.

I am totally PRO-middle grade books where you can pick up the series in the middle and be just fine following along and not lost at all. This happened when I read Invisible Inkling: Dangerous Pumpkins by Emily Jenkins and also when I read Monsters On The March by Derek The Ghost and I just have to say THANK GOODNESS I do not have to take a lot of time out of my schedule to get all caught up on a series. Plus, I imagine that it’s nice for a middle grader to just be able to pick up a book. ANYWAYS, rant aside, I definitely thought Monsters On The March was pretty decent October Readathon material and I think it will also be decent Autumn reading material for actual middle graders.
Read the rest of my review here