Myers, W. (1999). Monster. Harper Collins.
*Blog Note: I read this book last semester for my child-lit class, and my opinions/views of this novel have not changed, therefore I am reposting it since it is a required reading this semester as well*
Summary
This work of realistic fiction contains such deep messages that even the narrator may not fully comprehend what he's telling readers. The main character, sixteen-year-old Steve, is on trial for being an accomplice to a crime that lead to murder. During the story, Steve copes with his fear of imprisonment by focusing on his love of film and filmmaking. He keeps a journal of events told in the style of a movie script. There are close-ups, dialogue marks, and fade-ins. Mixed throughout are a few journal entries that do not fit the script type, but Steve's decision to keep the journal helps him deal with the trial and atrocities he witnesses in prison. By the end, even the reader is left with a sense of unclear security in the jury's decision.
A Teacher's Perspective
The style of this novel is unparalleled to most class novels. If a teacher decided to teach this in a conservative school, though I do not believe in censorship and fully support intellectual freedom, I feel that the teacher would have to warn parents of content if she/he were to pursue a novel study. There are some really dark moments that require a certain level of maturity to handle, however the messages within the text are powerful and necessary for society to understand. Injustice, uncertainty, poverty, stereotypes, flawed systems--these are just a few things that the novel touches on. From a teacher's perspective, this novel is golden, and should be taught so that students question, try to right wrongs, and understand that systematic justice can sometimes need reparation.
Want to know more?
To purchase your own copy of Monster: Click here!
Here is a wonderful book trailer to use before teaching the novel:
Here is another opportunity to understand the author's perspective on his novel:
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