Mail-Order Monsters: Crash Course

A 10-year-old boy desperate for a new best friend orders monsters from an ad at the back of an old comic book.

Ten-year-old Marco Torres needs a new bestie. Or a few. He's on the outs with his EX-best friend and needs someone to talk to, confide in. So he takes a chance on an ad in the back of an old comic book promising something big: MAIL-ORDER MONSTERS. Marco hopes they'll make amazing new besties and scare off his bully, who in a mean twist of fate happens to be the twin of his crush. When the monsters arrive, Marco unleashes their magic and draws the reaction he'd hoped for from his classmates-until the monsters' hilarious, uncontrolled escape through the school's ceilings makes it nearly impossible to hide them from adults. And when Marco's ex-bestie challenges him to a grudge match to finally settle their score, it's Marco's monsters against an enemy robot in a race on remote control trucks through the neighborhood junk yard. But through it all, Marco begins to wonder who should really be fighting his battles? And what exactly is he fighting for?

A tale of friendship breakups and makeups, of monsters and robots, and of racing and chasing. Featuring a diverse cast, bilingual Latino protagonist, and Spanish lightly sprinkled and explained within.

REVIEWS:

"Spiky characters and vigorous storytelling ... OUR VERDICT: GET IT " Kirkus Reviews (Recommended review)

"The story is snappy and fresh, entertaining until the very last page." The BookLife Prize

"A well-plotted story that will entice young readers with its lovable characters and exciting adventures ...Kept me utterly hooked" Readers' Favorite (5-star review)

"Acevedo skillfully explores how loneliness can drive us to seek connection in the most unexpected places ... an exciting and immersive adventure that will capture readers' hearts from beginning to end." Midwest Book Review (Recommended review)

"Fun and fast-paced ... The themes of friendship and reconciliation are woven securely into the plot, and action in the final chapters just rockets the reader forward. Highly recommend this book for young boys in particular." Wisconsin Writers Association

"A thrilling, laugh-out-loud story about teamwork and the true meaning of friendship ... an instant favorite!" Christy Wopat, teacher and author of Always Ours

A delightful, rollicking, action-packed tale of friendships-old and new-forgiveness, and the willingness to believe in the impossible. A middle-grade must-read!" Michelle Houts, author of Winterfrost and Lucy's Lab

"This fast-paced, delightful adventure will have middle-grade readers (and up!) glued to the page as Marco attempts to solve his problems with a little help from some new friends." Valerie Biel, award-winning author of Haven

"Clever, fun, fast-paced and filled with humor, kids will wish mail-order monsters were real in this delightfully relatable tale of about friendships and family." Liza Wiemer, Sydney Taylor Notable Award-winning author of The Assignment

"Acevedo's positive messages about friendship and family will be easy for young readers to understand." Tracey S. Phillips, award winning thriller author of Forewarned

"The title hooked me, but the hilarity and hijinks kept me turning the pages. Now I want my own mail-order monsters!" Kerry Hansen, Author of Polterghost