Krause, D. (2013). Scowler. New York: Delacorte.Genre: Dark Modern Realistic Fiction (violence, domestic abuse, horror)
Subjects: Young Adult fiction - domestic abuse, mental illness, family life, farm life,
Audience: ages 16 & up
Ry Burke is a nineteen year old survivor of domestic abuse at the hands of his father. After his father is imprisoned, Ry, his little sister Sarah, and his mother barely manage to make a living on the dilapidated family farm. A meteorite hits the prison and another one lands in the farm's field. Ry's father manages to escape during the chaos and makes his way to the farm where he begins to take his revenge on the family. He decides to use Ry to gather the meteorite so they can sell it for a fortune. Ry fights to survive and save his mother and sister with the help of three imaginary friends who have returned from his troubled childhood to help. His three childhood toys--his teddy bear Mr. Furrington, a bendy figure of Jesus Christ, and a monster with metal teeth Scowler give him the courage to fight his father and ultimately beat him. Throughout the story readers sense that Ry is teetering between reality and madness. Kraus uses vivid and gory details throughout making this a book for older teens and adults who enjoy horror.
Awards:
Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production Winner (2014)
Milwaukee County Teen Book Award Nominee (2014)
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