What if the March sisters were hiding more than just family secrets? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries interviews author Máire Roche about her new middle-grade novel, Little Monsters, a spooky, humorous reinterpretation of Little Women. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are sisters with a very unusual secret: they are monsters. While Meg strives to protect her family and keep their secret, she also faces questions about belonging, identity, fear, and being accepted for who she really is. Máire discusses why she chose Meg as the story's focal point, how each March sister corresponds with her own monstrous alter ego, the significance of setting the story near Salem, and the enjoyment and challenges of reimagining beloved characters with supernatural elements. We also explore themes of sisterhood, family, anxiety, secrecy, and the idea that our hidden parts often define us. Additionally, Máire participates in a lively rapid-fire round about monsters, March sisters, spooky environments, and more. Little Monsters by Máire Roche is available now, perfect for fans of middle-grade fantasy, supernatural mysteries, spooky tales, family narratives, Little Women retellings, and stories about finding your place.
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