Monster

                                    Monster
Lexile Level: 670L (ages 12 and up)

            Monster is an is a unique story about a sixteen-year-old boy, Steve Harmon, that is put in prison for robbery and murder. Steve copes with being in prison by writing in his diary and writing his trial in the form of a script. This book anchors the reader in by going through this dramatic court case. The reader hopes that Steve will be found innocent for this case, and develops a relationship with this character. The book shows how people accused of being committed crimes are being treated in prison and in court.
Is this a good story?
            I think this is a great story to read. This story is very interesting and it is told in a unique way. The character is relatable and the way he writes in his journal helps the reader feel empathy. Students will be able to see what a play format of writing looks like.
How did the characters in the story grow? Where did we see this happen?
            The reader can see Steve’s growth through his journal entries. At the end of book when Steve’s found not guilty the reader can see how this experience has changed the character and has helped the character grow. For example, “That is why I take the films of myself. I want to know who I am” (Myers, 281). In the beginning of the book Steve’s journal entries were so sure of what he is, and at the end of the book Steve feels like he needs to find himself and through the films he is doing that.

What did the author want to tell me in this story? Was the theme worthwhile?

            I think that the author’s purpose of writing this is to connected with young black males that are often convicted of crimes like this. I think that this story is to create empathy for these teenagers. The theme of the story I think was innocence. I think this theme is worthwhile because people often assume and do not give people the benefit of the doubt.
Does the author transcend stereotypes?
            I believe that the author does transcend stereotypes. The main character who is a black male in prison for robbery and murder remains his innocence and is really interested in film making. Steve is a bright kid, and with a book like this the author could have had him in a gang or could have made him guilty instead this character is smart and has hobbies.
            Analogies were used in this book, like, “Sometimes I feel like I have walked in middle of a movie. It is a strange movie with no plot and no beginning” (Myers, 3). This is comparing his life in prison to a strange movie. Repetition is also used in this book. When Steve writes in his journal he writes, “I hate this place” (Myers, 45). This statement is written over and over again the diary. Steve also writes in his diary, “It’s crushing me” (Myers, 202). This is an example of a hyperbole.
            A mini lesson that I would do with student is have them make their own mini movie of a scene in the book. Students would be in groups and they would have the opportunity to act out a scene of the book. Students will then submit a short reflection on why they chose to do that scene.

Citation:
Myers, W.D. 1999. Monster. Amistad Harper Teen.