Monster

Myers, Walter Dean (1999). Monster. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN: 978-0064407311; paperback $7.99 Ages 16+

Steve Harmon is a 16 year old who is on trial for a felony murder after he is implicated in the robbery and murder of a convenience store clerk. Despite a lack of evidence against him, Steve’s attorney finds himself in an uphill battle trying to prove his innocence. Against the jury and prosecution’s preconceptions regarding the character of a black young man from an impoverished neighborhood, the frustration of the situation is palpable. The story is told from from Steve’s point of view as he sits in jail awaiting the trial, and also during the trial itself. It reads like a movie script because Harmon feels that the only way he can survive the ordeal is by viewing his life as a movie.

Monster is a haunting tale that speaks to the injustices of a flawed justice system. It has been recognized with the Michael L. Printz Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, and was also a finalist for the National Book Award. The subject matter within this book is especially relevant for today, and presents a clear view of the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. Monster is a quick, nail-biting read that will haunt you long after the trial is over, and will hopefully leave the reader with a better understanding of how prejudice can effect an individual’s life.

Video

The author discusses the novel in this video

Awards Won

Michael L. Prinz Award

Resources

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