The True Tale of the Monster Billy Dean Telt by Hisself

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2014

Review

Almond's new title is upsetting, compelling and absolutely a fun venture into an early learner's phonetic spelling. Billy Dean is a hidden child who had been born the day that war came to his island home. His life till age 13 is limited to one room, the mice that scurry in the walls, and the stars that appear outside his window. The only human contact he has is with his mother and usually absent father - the parish priest. Some readers will be put off by the text which is written in the style of an uneducated child. Others may find the images of a war tore environment difficult. Those who can decipher the writing will be treated to a good story that will keep them thinking long after they have put the book down.

Overall Book Score: very good