Monster

Myers, W. D. (1999). Monster. New York, NY: Harper Collins.
Age Range: This book is appropriate for students in grades seven and up.
Summary: "Sometimes I feel like I have walked into the middle of a movie. Maybe I can make my own movie. The film will be the story of my life. No, not my life, but of this experience. I'll call it what the lady prosecutor called me ... Monster." This quote gives deep insight into one of the major themes of Monster by Walter Dean Myers, which involves introspection. In the book the main character Steve must come to terms with his actions. Steve is 16 year old that is accused of being the lookout for a robbery gone bad and is imprisoned as a result of the murder of the store owner. While awaiting trial for murder he uses a screenplay format and journals to make since of his life; including the things he has done and has not. The justice system and race play a major role in an additional theme as well. Due to the fact that Steve is black the justice system already assumes he is guilty, because the witness and his arrest. The font in the book also plays an important role for the reader. Myers changes the font to make certain words stand out, which makes it easier for readers to distinguish Steve's thoughts. Myers also draws in readers through the script style writing, which helps readers connect with the text and feel as though they are with Steve throughout the trial.
Reflection: I think this book is overall challenging, especially for younger students. It has so many underlying emotions and meanings that it suits older children best because they could relate with Steve's overall focus of questioning who he is. A few of my students have read it and some did not like the script format, because they felt that it was confusing or made it easy to lose focus. I thought that it was good because it's different, but I don't prefer it. I did like how the author put the reader in Steve's shoes throughout the trial and allowed readers to follow him and his thoughts.
Big Questions:  This book raises several questions that I have and that students could focus on about our society. First of all, should people we say are presumed innocent until proven guilty be held in prison? Also, is it okay for every individual to be punished for a crime that they did not actually commit even though they may have been involved?