Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
Published by Make Me a World on September 10, 2019
ISBN: 0525647074
Pages: 208
Genres: Fantasy, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Imagine a world where parents do not have to worry because there are no monsters to harm their children. Hard to imagine, right? Well, in the city of Lucille, Akwaeke Emezi has built a world where the adults believe that they have cleansed their town of all monsters. Jam and the other children have been taught that there is nothing to fear. When Pet, a creature of vengeance, emerges from her mother’s painting, Jam is hesitant to trust him. Pet tells Jam that there is a monster in her best friend Redemption’s family and that she must help him find the monster. This powerfully imaginative story of friendship and identity will capture readers of all ages. Pet is published by Penguin Random House’s new imprint, Make Me a World, founded by Christopher Meyers, son of Walter Dean Meyers, which works to make all children’s stories visible and helps children struggle with the hard questions of life. This is author, Awaeke Emezi, a National Book Award “5 Under 35” honoree’s first Young Adult book. What a debut! Pet is a National Book Award Finalist and Stonewall Book Award Winner. Recommended for grades 6 and up. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School