Module 3: Monster

Bibliography:  Myers, W.D. (1999). Monster. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

Summary:  This novel tells the story of a young African-American boy named Steve Harmon who is on trial for participating in a robbery that resulted in the death of a popular shop owner. Steve, who is terrified of the prison he stays in during the trial, pretends his tale is a movie. There is frequent use of movie terminology as the book alternates between the courtroom, jail, and scenes from Steve’s life prior to his imprisonment. Steve is eventually declared innocent, unlike his companion King, but the experience leaves a lasting impression on him.

Impressions:   Though some might disagree with me, I think the mature and sometimes sexual situations in this book make it unsuitable for young children.  Young children are also likely to miss the subtle examples of racism that pervade the story.  The conversation between Detectives Karyl and Williams in which Karyl reveals his disgust that Harmon is unlikely to receive the death penalty is a good example. Definitely not an 'Everybody’ book in my opinion.  Of course librarians considering this book for their collections should keep in mind that what children read is up to them and their parents.

The candid and realistic portrayal of a young African American boy who makes some poor choices, makes this book worthy of its Printz award. I believe it will stand the test of time because it takes an unflinching look at racism - an attitude that unfortunately is not likely to ever disappear completely.

Reviews: 

“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. Steve Harmon is accused of acting as lookout for a robbery that left a victim dead; if convicted, Steve could serve 25 years to life. Although it is clear that Steve did participate in the robbery, his level of involvement is questionable, leaving protagonist and reader to grapple with the question of his guilt. An amateur filmmaker, Steve tells his story in a combination of film script and journal. The “handwritten” font of the journal entries effectively uses boldface and different sizes of type to emphasize particular passages. The film script contains minimal jargon, explaining camera angles (CU, POV, etc.) when each term first appears. Myers’ son Christopher provides the black-and-white photos, often cropped and digitally altered, that complement the text. Script and journal together create a fascinating portrait of a terrified young man wrestling with his conscience. The tense drama of the courtroom scenes will enthrall readers, but it is the thorny moral questions raised in Steve’s journal that will endure in readers’ memories. Although descriptions of the robbery and prison life are realistic and not overly graphic, the subject matter is more appropriate for high-school-age than younger readers.” – Debbie Carton

-          Carton, D. (1999). Monster Review. Booklist Online. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com/Monster-Walter-Dean-Myers/pid=1707796

“Grade 7 Up-Steve Harmon, 16, is accused of serving as a lookout for a robbery of a Harlem drugstore. The owner was shot and killed, and now Steve is in prison awaiting trial for murder. From there, he tells about his case and his incarceration. Many elements of this story are familiar, but Myers keeps it fresh and alive by telling it from an unusual perspective. Steve, an amateur filmmaker, recounts his experiences in the form of a movie screenplay. His striking scene-by-scene narrative of how his life has dramatically changed is riveting. Interspersed within the script are diary entries in which the teen vividly describes the nightmarish conditions of his confinement. Myers expertly presents the many facets of his protagonist's character and readers will find themselves feeling both sympathy and repugnance for him. Steve searches deep within his soul to prove to himself that he is not the "monster" the prosecutor presented him as to the jury. Ultimately, he reconnects with his humanity and regains a moral awareness that he had lost. Christopher Myers's superfluous black-and-white drawings are less successful. Their grainy, unfocused look complements the cinematic quality of the text, but they do little to enhance the story. Monster will challenge readers with difficult questions, to which there are no definitive answers. In some respects, the novel is reminiscent of Virginia Walter's Making Up Megaboy (DK Ink, 1998), another book enriched by its ambiguity. Like it, 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.

-           Sullivan, E. (1999). Monster Review. School Library Journal. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Walter-Dean-Myers/dp/0064407314/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1308779886&sr=1-1

Suggestions for Use in a Library:

This is a tricky one.  I think this book is best suited to a group discussion.  A librarian can use this book to broach sensitive topics like self-esteem, racism, and criminal activity to a group of young adults.  Members of the group can even talk about events in their life or the life of someone they know that are similar to those in the book.