Myers, W.D. (1999). Monster. NY: Harper
Steve Harmon is a
16-year-old boy that is accused of murder.
He is having a difficult time coping with being in jail and decides to
document his experiences in a journal / movie format. Although most of the book
takes place in the prison and the courtroom, some scenes are flashbacks of his
life before the arrest. It displays how during trial, him and three other boys
are labeled monsters and how witnesses were brought in to testify. After much
debate, Steve Harmon is found not guilty and is released. Nevertheless, the
struggle of trying to understand if people still see a monster in him is there.
He also goes through a distance with his father due to everything he went
though.
I certainly enjoyed reading this realistic
fiction book and still wondering if maybe he was guilty. It also made me think
of just how many young African Americans are innocent yet prosecuted due to
stereotypes. We see a great example of conflict not only with himself but
also with society. This book was given many awards including the Printz award
and the Caldecott medal.
Author's Website:
Book trailer:
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