monster.jpgSteve Harmon is a young African American man accused of murder. The story of the trial is told through Steve’s notes and screenplay, meaning that readers see only what Steve wants them to see, filtered and edited. Readers never discover exactly what happened the day of the robbery when a man was shot. Is Steve innocent, and, if so, will he be able to get a fair trial in a system that automatically labels him as a monster? Or is the label true? Is Steve Harmon really a murderer?

The novel questions the fairness of the U.S. legal system and poses the question ‘What is truth?’ This is a great book to spark discussion.

DweebMeter: 3.5/5

Walter Dean Myers’ Website

Walter Dean Myers on Wikipedia

Lesson Plans for Monster