Printz Award Winner

I. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Myers, Walter Dean. 1999. MONSTER. New York: HarperCollins.

II. PLOT SUMMARY

Steve Harmon is a sixteen-year-old young man in jail for being part of a robbery that resulted in a murder. He is on trial and dictates the courtroom drama in his screenplay for a film about his experience. He is accused of being the “lookout man” for the others committing the robbery of the drugstore. Steve is ultimately acquitted of the murder, but questions remain about his involvement. His relationship with his family has changed forever.

III. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

MONSTER is a unique contemporary realistic fiction novel about a decidedly difficult subject. Myers does not gloss over the realities of life in jail or the stress of having to be on trial for murder. Through the voice of Steve, the reader is taken into a realistic murder trial from the perspective of the defendant. The characters in the novel are believable, and Myers has created a realistic setting by not glossing over the harsh realities and fears Steve experiences in the jail. In one journal entry, Steve tells about life in jail. “…I hate this place so much…If you look at somebody, they say ‘What you looking at me for? I’ll mess you up!’”(p 45).

The writing style Myers uses to tell the story is fresh and unique. By writing it as a screenplay, this novel may appeal to reluctant readers, especially teenage boys. The plot is well constructed, leading the reader on a journey to find out the truth of what happened. By reading about the choices Steve has made and consequences he may face, readers are exposed to the realities of what mistakes can cost you. The theme in this story is not overpowering, but certainly readers can take from it many lessons about making positive choices.

Overall, MONSTER brings readers into the mind of Steve Harmon through his screenplay and handwritten notes. Christopher Myers illustrations throughout the novel add to the harsh realities of Steve’s life in jail and the fears he is experiencing during his trial.

IV. REVIEW EXCERPTS

Michael L. Printz Award Winner
Corretta Scot King Honor Award
National Book Award Finalist

“Many elements of this story are familiar, but Myers keeps it fresh and alive by telling it from an unusual perspective.” –School Library Journal

“Myers combines an innovative format, complex moral issues, and an intriguingly sympathetic but flawed protagonist in this cautionary tale of a 16-year-old on trial for felony murder.” –Booklist

V. CONNECTIONS

**Use the screenplay to create a dramatic readers theater script.

**Have students create their own screenplay of a life-changing event in their lives.