Module 5 | Monster

PLOT SUMMARY

Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon can’t quite reconcile his picture of himself with the description provided by the prosecutor at his murder trial: "Monster." The Harlem teen is charged in the robbery and murder of a local store owner; though it’s clear he didn’t pull the trigger, Steve’s possible involvement as a lookout casts serious doubts on his innocence. The teen struggles to understand his actions and the dangerous world around him through journal entries and a screenplay he is writing about his own trial.

MY IMPRESSIONS

Truly a fantastic addition to YA literature, the Printz award winner asks fundamental questions about the nature of guilt and innocence. It’s never clear how intentional Steve’s involvement in the robbery/homicide really was, which should inspire some interesting debate among young readers. The unique way in which the book is presented, coupled with the gritty depictions of Steve’s life both in and out of prison, will make for a gripping read for teens.

REVIEWS

"The tense drama of the courtroom scenes will enthrall readers, but it is the thorny moral questions raised in Steve's journal that will endure in readers' memories. Although descriptions of the robbery and prison life are realistic and not overly graphic, the subject matter is more appropriate for high-school-age than younger readers."

Debbie Carton, Booklist, May 1, 1999, Vol. 95, No. 17

"While less experienced readers may need some guidance in picking up the clues about Steve’s involvement, the drama of the situation and the ethical questions raised will keep the audience not just reading but thinking."
Deborah Stevenson, The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, May 1999, Vol. 52, No. 9

"The journal and script techniques, distinguished by two reader-friendly typefaces, move the story along quickly. This pace, along with the casual type, courtroom drama, gritty jail descriptions, and the fate of the protagonist will make teen readers whiz through the book."
Avis D. Matthews, VOYA, August 1999, Vol. 22, No. 3

USES IN THE LIBRARY

The book would be a great jumping off point for a filmmaking exercise in which teens document their neighborhoods, which could then be made into a mini-film fest at the library. In addition, the book would be a great choice for a teen book club, with the discussion potentially making for an interesting podcast.

CITATION

Myers, Walter Dean (1999). Monster. New York: HarperCollins.