Monster

Myers, W. (1999). Monster. New York: HarperCollins

Summary: 

Monster is written in the form of a screenplay which follows the main character Steve Harmon through his court trial.  Steve at age 16 has been accused of a being participant in a robbery.  He tells his tribulations while being in jail through his journal entries.  He describes the details of how he feels and what he should of done differently thru his entries.  The story truly unfolds when he describes his dreams of making his awful experience into a movie.  Steve at the end is found not guilty and runs free.

Strengths/Textbook: 

This book covers the genre criteria for drama because the screenplay could definitely be played out.  It also covers some contemporary realistic fiction when it allows readers to make connections with the situations Steve is encountering.  At the end of the story readers are left with not knowing what will happen to Steve.  Readers could only envision Steve’s future and how he will tackle society as a “Monster.”  This book would most benefit grades 9-12.

Awards:

A Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor Book.

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