Monster
by Walter Dean Myers
"Sometimes I feel like I have walked into the middle of a movie. Maybe I can make my own movie. The film will be the story of my life.No not my life, but this experience. I'll call it what the lady who is the prosecutor called me. MONSTER". (Myers 4-5)
Growing up in the streets of Harlem can be difficult on a person. Especially when young Steve Harmon is charged with assisting the robbery and murder of a local drug store owner. Steve describes the horrifying events that take place in the courtroom during his trial as the 16 year old African American Male endures it. Not only does the prosecution see him as a lowlife criminal, even Steve begins to believe that he is the elleged MONSTER that they claim him to be.
Is racial discrimination a reasonable cause to ruin someone's life?
Growing up in Harlem for most of his childhood, Walter Dean Myers had a lot of expirience with the culture found in Monster. His background in the city really helps to captivate the overall atmosphere of the book. Several of his bestsellers include the nationally recognized Fallen Angels and Scorpions.
Combine with the large majority of the youth and follow Steve along his troublesome event,by acquiring a copy of Monster today.
Insight
"This New York Times bestselling novel and National Book Award nominee from acclaimed author Walter Dean Myers tells the story of Steve Harmon, a teenage boy in juvenile detention and on trial. Presented as a screenplay of Steve's own imagination, and peppered with journal entries, the book shows how one single decision can change our whole lives."-good reads
"Even after the verdict is delivered he is not able to make sense of who he is: the final image of him filming himself as he gazes into a mirror, searching for his identity (""I want to look at myself a thousand times to look for one true image"") will leave a powerful, haunting impression on young minds." - Publishers Weekly
Achievements
Michael L. Printz Award
Correta Scott King Award
Nominated for the National Book Award For Young People's Literature
Rest in peace to Walter Dean Myers:
August,12,1937-July,1,2014
May people continue to honor and purchase your astonishing literature for years to come.