Now Available

Reading Level: 8-9 • Interest Level: 9-12
Paint Me a Monster
Available: Now Available
Author: Janie Baskin
Specs: 5 1/4” x 8” • 250 pp • About the Author
HC ed.: 978-1-62324-018-9 • $40.60 | $30.45
eBook: 978-1-62324-022-6 • $40.60 | $30.45
Pbk. ed.: 978-1-62324-019-6 • $13.88 | $11.80
Rinnie Gardener’s life looks like a perfect painting from the outside—a loving family and a beautiful house. But when the paint is stripped away, this dream dissolves to dust. Her parents divorce. Her father treats her like a stranger. Her mother, looming like a black cloud, treats her worse. Painful words become painful bruises. Rinnie’s own body becomes a source of self-punishment. As her life seemingly falls apart, Rinnie struggles to find the courage to pick up the pieces. In a brilliantly unique style and voice, Rinnie tells her story—a search for identity, love, and healing. She must look in the darkest places to repaint the canvas of her life. She must face the monster.
“This book is a tremendous coming-of-age story...The book is written in very short chapters that illustrate particular incidents in Rinny's life; it makes for a quick and compelling read. Baskin has a unique voice.” —Library Media Connection
“Baskin takes readers through a tug of war of emotion, punctuated by short, lyrical chapters that include poems, letters, and lists. Teens will follow the protagonist's tumultuous journey from innocent little girl to heartbroken teen and eventually a brave young adult. By helping others, Rinnie discovers a kindness only she knows how to give.” —School Library Journal