Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Book Summary
Sixteen year old Steve Harmon is on trial for murder after supposedly taking part in a convenience store robbery that results in the killing of the store owner. Steve decides to deal with his situation by turning the events that unfold into a movie and so the book "Monster" is born. His script depicts the trial itself and includes all stage/camera directions. Every statement made by the lawyers and judges and every testimony given by every witness is included. When the trial is not in session, Steve writes journal pages where he writes about his life in jail and his personal thoughts on what has happened to him. Throughout the trial, Steve often wonders whether or not he is the monster that he has been accused of being.

My Thoughts
A good book for high school students and one that can be enjoyed by both sexes. I thought the script format of the book allowed the reader to really get into Steve Harmon's head and watch the trail as it unfolds along with him. There were certain parts of the trial that seemed to me a little unrealistic but seeing as I have never studied any type of law, I could be completely wrong. Overall, this is a good realistic fiction book that focuses on a situation that could happen to students that get involved in the wrong crowd.

Library Usage
A good book talk book for high school classes focusing on criminal justice or social studies classes discussing the legal system or gangs.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal, 1999
"Monster will challenge readers with difficult questions, to which there are no definitive answers. Monster lends itself well to classroom or group discussion. It's an emotionally charged story that readers will find compelling and disturbing." - Edward Sullivan, New York Public Library, Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Booklist
"Myers combines an innovative format, complex moral issues, and an intriguingly sympathetic but flawed protagonist in this cautionary tale of a 16-year-old on trial for felony murder." - Debbie Carton