Monster

Myers, W.D. (1999).  Monster. NY: Harper.

Appropriate age:  7th grade and up (There is some discussion in the books about jail violence and forced sexual assaults while in jail, but it is not graphic).

Summary: Steve Harmon is a 16 year old, currently in jail (with adults), awaiting trial for murder.  He is accused of being a look out in a store robbery where the owner was shot and killed.  This books is written in a unique style.  To help cope with his new reality, Steve being writing his current events in movie manuscript form.  Before this incident, he was a part of a audio/visual department where he spent his time making films. Throughout the book, the reader lives through the trial learning the facts of the case just like the jury.  In the end, the jury feels that there is reasonable doubt that Steve is guilty of being the lookout, and he is found not guilty.  However, Walter Dean Myers leaves it open to interpretation...did Steve actively participate in the criminal act or not? The social development of students and the level of their moral development will be seen and possibly tested during the discussions of this book.


Useful information
The back of the book offers a reader's guide, questions/answers from the author, the author's story, etc...

Pre reading activity

Reader's guide

This book would be great for a reading group or class discussion.  It opens up many discussions on morals, the justice systems, etc...