Monster by Walter Dean Myers

 

Bibliography

Myers, W. D. (1999). Monster. Amistad Press.

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0064407314

Plot Summary

Steve Harmon is a 16-year-old, black, teenage boy, and is on trial for murder.  A Harlem drugstore owner was shot and killed in his store, and witnesses say that Steven was the lookout who helped make this happen. This novel is written from his point of view, but it’s written in the form of his journal entries and a play. Through his writings, we follow the trail as it unfolds and see how he processes everything that is happening. We watch him question the truth, question who he is, and who he wants to be.

Critical Analysis

This story was a quicker read than I was expecting. We follow Steve Harmon as he tells his story of his murder trial. There are numerous characters ‌in this story, and I found it hard to keep up. There are details in parts that I felt did not need the details, but it made sense in a way that was Steve’s way of avoiding what he could not control. The story only gives the reader enough information on Steven being the lookout to form our own opinion, which I loved. I was questioning everything I read to try to be an investigator and solve it before the end. The title of Monster stuck with me after finishing because I had to think back on what I thought of Steve. I wanted him to be innocent the whole story because he was only a 16-year-old boy. He had a loving family, and it does not seem like he would be the type of child to end up in a situation like that. Then ‌it goes to show that you need to think about who your friends are, and one wrong choice can change your whole life. We also see the “other side” of the officers at the prison and at the courthouse. The way that they take bets on the prisoners and the sexual abuse that goes on makes it seem like they see the prisoners as nothing more than toys. They use and abuse these humans for their own benefit without care or fear. 

I highly recommend reading the Chapter: Questions for Walter Dean Myers. He explains where he got this idea and how it’s not a true story, but it is based on stories he learned from boys like Steve. He also answers why he did not give details about Steve’s innocence or guilt. When I first finished the book, I went back to double-check that I did not miss something. After the questions, Mr. Walter tells his own story, which is another part that I feel the reader needs to read. It makes the author more personal, and some people could relate to his life.

Review Excerpts

• Chilling and engrossing.” — New York Times

• “A riveting courtroom drama that will leave a powerful, haunting impression on young minds.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

• “A novel that in both form and subject guarantees a wide teen audience.” — Horn Book (starred review)

Awards and Recognitions

• 2000 Coretta Scott King Honor Book, 

• 2000 Michael L. Printz Award, 

• 1999 National Book Award Finalist, 

• 2001 Heartland Award for Excellence in YA Lit Finalist, 

• 2000-01 Tayshas High School Reading List, and 

• 2000-01 Black-Eyed Susan Award Masterlist

• 2000 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA),

•  Hornbook Fanfare 2000,

•  Michael L. Printz Award 2000,

•  2000 Coretta Scott King Award Author Honor Book, 

• 2000 Quick Picks for Young Adults (Recomm. Books for Reluctant Young Readers), 

•  2000 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)

Connections

• Have students create their own play about a conflict in their life. 

• Have a debate on whether Steve was a part of the plan or if he was an innocent bystander. They will need to find evidence to support.