Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Summary/Review:

Monster is a mixed format book written as a screenplay with additional diary entries. The story describes the trial of Steve Harmon, who has been accused of the crime of felony murder. On December 22, Mr. Nesbitt, a storekeeper was murdered with his own gun during a burglary. A man named Osvaldo claims that he and three others planned the burglary. He accuses Steve Harmon of being one of the participants who acted as a look-out, casing the joint to make sure it was clear inside. James King is also on trial, but the book focuses on Steve Harmon and is told through Steve’s point of view. Steve must endure the confinement of jail, the trial and the possibility of life in prison/death; all for a crime he claims he did not commit. The prosecutor calls him a monster, and Steve must also deal with contemplating if he really is a monster.

Students may enjoy this book for a variety of reasons. First, the mixed format of the book provides a more personal and interesting experience. Through diary entries, the reader learns Steve’s personal thoughts. The script tells the story in a segmented way, but provides cues for imagining the setting and situations. Additionally, readers will be hooked simply to reach the climax of the story and the desire to know if Steve Harmon is found innocent or guilty.



Awards:

2000 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Literature for Young Adults

1999 National Book Award finalist

2000 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book

2000 Edgar Allan Poe Award nominee, Best Young Adult

1999 Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book

2000 L.A. Times Book Award nominee

2000 ALA Best Books for Young Adults

2000 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

1999 New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age

1999 Notable Children's Book, The New York Times

2000-2001 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award nominee in high school category

2002 Booksense 76 list

2002 Kentucky State Award Nominee

Booklist Editors' Choice

BCCB Blue Ribbon

Heartland Award for Excellence in YA Literature Finalist

"Fanfare:" The Horn Book Honor List

New York Times Notable Book of the Year

PW Best Books of the Year

Riverbank Review Children's Book of Distinction

Tayshas High School Reading List (TX)

Awarded Outstanding Achievement in Books Honor by Parent's Guide to Children's Media



Links:

Learn more about the book and the author on Myers’ site: http://www.walterdeanmyers.net/monster.html

Check out this digital book talk available through the University of Central Florida: http://digitalbooktalk.com/?p=17