Myers, W. D., & Myers, C. (1999). Monster.
New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Steve Harmon is one of several on trial
for being involved in a robbery of a Harlem drugstore that ended with the death
of the storeowner. Written in a screenplay format, Steven composes the proceedings
from his point of view, including briefings, nights in his cell crying, and
seeing his family hurt due to his situation. He also shifts back an forth with
his conversations with his film teacher and his hopes of making something of himself
one day.
Monster is
intended for ages 12 years-old and up. Adolescents read Steven’s point of view
from within prison and see his emotional distress. The realistic novel includes
violence, murder, trials, and grief with a child behind bars. The format of the
book may cause readers to turn away, but once they become used to it, the story
flows with interactive proceedings and judgment.
The book can be used to debate whether or not the trial was
justified and what role Steven had. Students can look into similar cases and
debate if Steven was correctly proven within his story.
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