About This Book
Walter Dean Myers' "Monster" is a critically acclaimed young adult novel that plunges readers into the intense world of 16-year-old Steve Harmon, an African American teenager on trial as an accomplice to murder. The story unfolds through Steve's eyes, primarily as a screenplay he writes, interspersed with his personal diary entries. This innovative format allows for a deeply personal and introspective look at the justice system, racial prejudice, peer pressure, and the complex question of identity. Parents should know it tackles mature themes like crime, incarceration, and the subjective nature of truth, making it an excellent choice for sparking discussions with middle schoolers about ethics, perception, and systemic issues.
While on trial as an accomplice to a murder, sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon records his experiences in prison and in the courtroom in the form of a film script as he tries to come to terms with the course his life has taken.
Concepts
Character Death
Violence
peril_danger
mental_health_themes
discrimination
Discussion Prompts
1
How does the unique format of a screenplay and diary entries help us understand Steve's experience and feelings?
2
The prosecutor calls Steve a "monster." What does that word mean to you, and why is it so powerful in this story?
3
How does the book explore the idea of "truth"? Is there one single truth, or are there many different truths?
4
What role does race play in how Steve is perceived and treated throughout the trial?
5
At the end, why do you think Miss O'Brien turns away from Steve? What do you think she sees?
6
How does Steve's journey make you think about identity and how we define ourselves versus how others define us?
External Reviews
Awards
1 award
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