Monster by Walter Dean Myers

"Think about all the tomorrows of your life" (Myers, 2001, p. 205).

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Walter Dean Myers’ Monster is a beautiful work of realistic fiction. The book tells the story of Steve Harmon as he is being charged with first-degree murder. In an attempt to escape from his terrifying reality, Steve decides to treat his life in prison and his time on trial as if he is in a movie. He begins to write out scenes, including settings, voiceovers, and camera panning. The entire book is written as a movie script, which is a refreshing change and interesting take for a suspenseful genre. Steve tells the story during the trial in a third-person point of view, but also keeps a journal for his thoughts where the reader gets a first-person narrative.

According to witnesses and state attorneys, Steve was given the task of the lookout during a robbery that ended in a murder. Steve takes the reader through life in his cell, his thoughts, meetings with his parents, and through court proceedings. He focuses on his “movie” to cope with his tragic situation. Throughout the book, the reader is made unaware of his truth until the very end when the jury makes the final verdict.

The book is intended for young adults, ranging from 13 to 17 years of age. Since the foundation of the book revolves around violence and a view of life in prison, there is explicit language, as well as, scenes with a sexual nature. The book would be better suited for older audiences rather than those in the middle grades. In regards to the educational aspect, Monster has many possibilities to offer. The book offers incredible insight to court proceedings, giving those teaching criminal justice courses an ability to bring the court to life. It can also be used to discuss societal issues dealing with neighborhood violence, racism, and prejudice in the legal system.

One of the strengths of this book is its format. The author, through Steve, decides to use a movie script to tell the story. This allows the reader to detach to the main character and see facts without being influenced. Through Steve’s journal, the reader is able to connect to Steve’s fears, yet Steve refuses to tell his side of the story, solely focusing on his emotions. In this sense, the reader is able to take a role as part of the jury, making it a truly interactive experience. Aside from the organization, the lesson to take from this book is life choices. It is an attempt from the author to make a change, to stop the cycle, and to make one think before acting. A true case of cause and effect.

While I have no personal connection to trials or prison, I believe the community I live in has the same characteristics as the neighborhood described in the book. I live in a low socioeconomic society where shoplifting and burglary is common. While reading this book, I could not help but think of how many adolescents have gone through the same experience in my own home. I am hoping that this book reaches the people that need it, so that it may change perspectives and provoke realizations. Because of Monster’s popularity, it was made into a graphic novel. I think this would be a great follow-up, in order to fully visualize Steve’s fears and angst, or to create interest in students that are less likely to pick up a book.

Walter Dean Myers took inspiration from experiences in court rooms and juvenile detention centers. Watch a full interview with his reasoning and motivation to write his most popular book, Monster.

Myers, W. D. (2001). Monster. New York City, United States of America: Harper Teen.

Sims, G. A. (2015). Monster: A Graphic Novel. New York City, United States of America: Amistad.