Stitch: Reimagining Frankenstein by Pádraig Kenny is a good reimagining of the Frankenstein story. You can see how the original story influences the ideas presented on the pages of this middle grade novel. There was much to enjoy, however, it lacked a ‘wow’ factor for me. It was enjoyable and I liked it but it wasn’t my favorite. With that said, I recommend it for ages 10 and up, but the sensitive reader might not be okay with some situations, as it does go “edgy and darker” in places.
Granted I am basing my “original story influences” on what I have seen via the Universal Monsters movies and what I have talked about with others. I have not actually read the Shelley novel. With that said, you do not need to know that story, you just have to know that Kenny’s story is a stand alone tale as we follow Stitch, a self-made man (with a lot of help from the Professor and lightning) and his friend Henry (a terribly excitable person who has also had some help becoming the man he is) as they learn the concepts of life and death; how they learn about self-acceptance and self understanding; and how they realize that being oneself is truly a good thing.
The tone of the story was a bit classical feeling as I was getting maybe 1940s and 1950s elements, but also “modern old school” as I could have read something similar when I was a preteen. Yet, things are modernly set, with a female character being strong, but also vulnerable. Overall, things are fairly straightforward, an enjoyable read for the aimed at age, and a quick read for the adult.
