Book Summary -
Steve Harmon is 16 years old and on trial for murder. As he waits in jail and later sits through the trial, he puts his feelings and his fear in the form of a diary and screenplay. He looks in the mirror and does not see himself anymore. He feels like a character in a movie. Steve says that he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and had no knowledge of the theft and murder before it happened. The prosecution suggests that he was the lookout and was active in the robbery that led to a murder. The book ends with him being found not guilty and struggling to find out who he really is after being thought a monster for so long.
APA Reference -
Myers, W.D. (1999). Monster. New York: Harper Collins.
My Impressions -
I think that this book is written in a very unique and fun way. It should certainly be a good book to read for those students who don't typically like to read. Harmon, the main character, has very insightful things to say about his life and who he is in prison. By writing the proceedings like a movie script, he reads into the characters of his life and is really able to look at who they are objectively. This is a great and innovative book that hits on themes that are relevant for many teenage students in schools today.
Professional Book Review -
Gr 9 Up- When Steve Harmon is accused of being an accomplice in a robbery and murder, he chronicles his trial and experiences in the form of a movie script. The prosecutor calls the teen a monster while his high school film teacher calls him compassionate. The ambiguous ending of this riveting account provides much opportunity for debate. Audio available from Listening Library.
Ralston, J. (2003). Monster (book). School Library
Journal, 49(10), 99.
Library Uses -
The students can use this book and rewrite the ending where the readers find out whether or not Steve is really innocent or guilty. They need to write in the screenplay format.
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