Monster

Myers, W. (1999). Monster. New York: HarperCollins. Book Summary Monster by  Walter Dean Myers is a fiction book that tells a story of a African American teenage boy named Steve from Harlem, New York. He is falsely accused of a monstrous crime, murdering a drugstore owner and gets arrested. He is stuck in prison alone and afraid and doesn’t know what to do. Steve feels like he is stuck in a movie and decides to write a screenplay of his horrible experience in jail. The main character exposes his doubts and fears of his grim reality. At the end, Steve realizes that even when found innocent, it won’t prevent others from judging him. He will always be a monster in the eyes of some people. Book Review This modern realistic fiction book is a recommended read for ages 15 and up.  Students that like to read theater scripts will enjoy this book because Walter Dean Myers writes this book like a screenplay! The book becomes slightly suspenseful making readers question the main character’s innocence...readers will find themselves turning the page until the verdict at the end. Students will be able to connect with the multiple themes in this book such as fear, justice, and isolation. This book will leave readers reflecting on many issues still going on in society today. Interview with the Author https://youtu.be/funK7DKaPwI Awards Michael L. Printz Award Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honor Book National Book Award Honor for Young People’s Literature New York Times Bestseller Book Trailer https://youtu.be/jlqFm5R3QgM