Monster by Walter Dean Myers
Bibliographic
Information:
Myers, W. D. (1999). Monster. New York, NY: Harper Teen. ISBN 9780064407311
Summary:
Consider the
word “monster.” When it comes to mind, what do you imagine? Do you imagine a
sixteen-year-old boy? An aspiring filmmaker? Or your older brother? This word –
monster – is used to describe Steve Harmon, a young man who claims he was in
the wrong place at the wrong time. Will this “monster” serve time for a crime
he claims he didn’t commit? Or will the jury see the “monster” he really is?
Critical Analysis:
Walter Dean
Myers has an eloquent way of capturing his reader with words and style. Monster is written as both a screenplay
for a film and as a personal journal full of Steve Harmon’s reflections and the
telling of his time on trial for murder. The entire book is written from
Harmon’s perspective and explores his account of the trial. The placement of
the text on the page, the fonts utilized, and the novel format, all make this a
unique work. It is no wonder that Myers earned the first presented Michael L.
Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature in 2000 for this text.
The novel was also selected as a National Book Award Finalist and earned a
Coretta Scott King Award Honor. These honors are certainly well deserved.
Monster challenges young adults to consider their actions
and the potential ramifications or consequences in a youth friendly format. In an effort to have
a deeper understanding of Harmon’s consequences, Myers’ novel encourages readers
to look into Harmon’s mirror and into the readers’ own mirror. Readers will
consider what these reflections show and tell. This book would serve as a
beautiful lead in for difficult discussion centered on challenging situations
that young adults face today. Furthermore, Myers has the ability to take a
tough subject and make it approachable and manageable for teens.
Educators and
librarians should be cautioned regarding several references in Myers’ novel
that center on actions that happen in prison between inmates. While this may be
a factual account of what may occur, it is important that educators and
librarians are aware of these references in case this content may not be appropriate
for specific audiences or patrons. Besides this small word of caution, Myers’
has crafted a piece that will captivate his readers for decades to come.
Creative Activity:
Film Footage
In small
groups, select a scene from Monster and
act it out as Steve has written. Next, take the scene and rewrite it from the
point of view of a different character, perhaps Ms. Kathy O’Brien – Steve’s
defense attorney. Discuss how the scenes are different and alike from each
point of view.
Tug of War
Steve Harmon
claims that he simply walked into the store to buy a package of mints and
walked out. Now he’s being accused of being the “lookout” for a drugstore
robbery that ended in murder. Even though, Steve may not have been an actual
accomplice, several of the accused state that Steve is an acquaintance and was
at the scene on the day of the crime. How does Steve simply being there and
having known the men responsible for the robbery impact his trial? Decide
whether or not you believe he should be found guilty.
On a bulletin
board draw or post a length of rope. Label one end of the rope “guilty” and the
other end “not guilty.” Allow participants to pick sides in a “tug-of-war”
fashion and add supporting evidence on sticky-notes to each side of the argument
– guilty or not guilt. Encourage participants to research legal code and other
similar court cases. Remind the participants: “A man is known by the company he
keeps” (English Proverb). How does this
impact young adults today?
Related Resources:
- Lockdown by Walter Dean Myers
Myers, W. D.
(2011). Lockdown. New York, NY:
Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN
9780061214820
-
Walter
Dean Myers speaks from experience and the heart in Lockdown as he tells the story of fourteen-year-old Reese who is
currently locked down at a juvenile detention center. Myers spends a great
amount of his free time visiting and conversing with troubled young adults
about making good choices and the power of writing. Readers who enjoyed and
connected with Steve Harmon in Monster
will certainly enjoy Lockdown.
- Dope
Sick by Walter Dean
Myers
Myers, W. D. (2010). Dope sick. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN
9780061214790
-
Follow
the story of another troubled youth in Walter Dean Myers’ Dope Sick. Is running away the answer? Will Lil J get a second
chance like Steve and Reese may? Readers who enjoyed Monster will certainly engage with Lil J and his life that is on
the line.
- Help Guide in Collaboration with Harvard
Health – Help for Parents of Troubled Teens
-
Help
Guide offers various articles on topics concerning young adults and how parents
can support their teens. This site is geared towards offering information for
parents and is “not a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.” The
articles could be beneficial for parents who have teens that have encountered
similar situations as those in Monster,
Lockdown, and Dope Sick.
Published Reviews:
Publishers Weekly remarks Monster,
“will leave a powerful, haunting impression on young minds.”
Publishers
Weekly. (1999). Monster. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0
Kirkus Review calls Monster a “breathless, edge-of-the-seat… moving drama.”
Kirkus Review.
(1999). Monster. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/bookreviews
All readers,
young and old, will engage with this novel; teen readers will especially
connect. This novel will make us all consider what is a real "monster."
~
Mandy
*book cover image borrowed from www.barnesandnoble.com *
No comments:
Post a Comment