by Kazu Kibuishi
After Emily’s father dies, her family moves to mysteriously missing great-grandfather’s house. When her mother is abducted by a monster in the basement, Emily and her brother must rescue her or risk losing another parent.
I had mixed feelings about this book. I really like the premise, characters, and art. But there were times when the dialogue felt forced, like there was information that needed to be given and it was squeezed in where it didn’t necessarily fit. I also found the ending unsatisfying—I know there’s a whole series that follows, but if you’re not immediately devouring the rest, this one feels unfinished. A caution about death: every death in the book happens right on the page, which may be a bit intense for younger readers.