Monster Book Club
Mentorship Program

Where childhood studies and monster studies collide.

A guided reading and mentorship experience for teens—combining literature, critical thinking, and supportive discussion in a space designed to build confidence and voice.

Young creature in a liminal area like a mall with an escalator, surrounded by books and monsters.

What Students Experience

More than a book club—this is mentorship through reading, discussion, and reflection.

📖 Guided Reading

Carefully selected YA and speculative fiction texts explored through a scholarly lens.

💬 Discussion & Community

Small-group conversations that prioritize openness, curiosity, and critical thinking.

✍️ Writing & Feedback

Opportunities to develop analytical and reflective writing with personalized feedback.

🎓 Mentorship

Support from an experienced educator to build confidence and academic skills.

Meet Dr. Kathleen Kellett

I hold a PhD in Childhood Studies and an MA in Children's Literature. I am an experienced college-level writing instructor and tutor for middle- and high-school students.

In 2022, I facilitated a successful dissertation book club study—a digital ethnography with teen participants across the U.S. who read eleven YA speculative fiction novels over six months.

Now, I'm expanding that work into a structured mentorship-based book club program.

Read My Full Story →

Voices of Former Participants

"Monster Book Club was more free, and I felt more open to talk about my actual thoughts... It was a comfortable experience talking about books and not having to feel judged for it."

Kaleigh
Former participant, now a college junior studying biology

"It just gave me a space to be able to be that open... there was just less fear of judgment in the book club. I was not very good at 'what's the symbolism' before going in. And those are skills you need."

Sophie
Former participant, now a college senior studying social work

Public Scholarship

Accessible, research-driven videos on childhood and monster studies.

Latest Video

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Help Fund Student Access

Contributions directly support scholarships, making the program accessible to more students.

Any Amount

Support scholarship funding and receive a thank-you in upcoming videos.

$10

A YouTube Short on a topic of your choice.

$25

Two Shorts OR written feedback on up to 5 pages.

$45+

Feedback, Zoom session, OR three Shorts.

Join or Support the Monster Book Club

Whether you're a student, parent, or supporter, there's a place for you here.