It Looks Like Us

Gr 8 Up–This is a fun and scary horror send-up. Beginning with a quote from John Carpenter’s The Thing, this novel immediately clues readers in to its simple premise; it’s The Thing, but with teenagers. A group of teen interns in the Antarctic think they are collecting environmental samples, but they are actually there as part of a tech billionaire’s plot to capture a shapeshifting monster. When the monster inevitably escapes, it begins to infect the teens with a flesh-eating virus, collecting them into a hivemind. Many elements are referential to 1970s and 1980s horror and action films—The Breakfast Club set of teen characters, the final girl hunting the monster back with a flamethrower, etc. This story definitely leans into tropes with an enjoyable effect, including a positive reversal of romantic tropes with an asexual main character. This edge-of-your-seat, action-packed story is perfect for teens looking for a scary winter read. Some body horror elements may be disturbing to sensitive readers, and this story contains strong language.