Monster by Walter Dean Myers
Yesterday, I found out that my professor for this upcoming fall semester changed the reading list for my young adult reading class. I was a bit miffed because I'd made decent progress on the old list. Never fear though, because I've already read twelve of the twenty-five books on the new list. This book makes thirteen.
I like Myers. I have read a handful of his books, and they are relatable-usually to boys and people of color, but reading them has opened my eyes to the plight of others not like myself. He's not afraid to tackle topics like crime and war.
This book chronicles the trial of Steven Harmon. He is on trial for a murder committed during a robbery. He is on trial with another young man. When you read this, or at least when I read this, your first thought is that this is a kid who made a terrible mistake. I mean, his defense attorney doesn't seem to believe him, so that should tell you something. As you progress through the book, and learn more about the circumstances, your opinion changes. I won't tell you how it changes, just know it does.
My biggest complaint with this book is the format. Most of it is written as a screenplay, and, while it makes for a shorter read in this case, I find it harder to stay focused than when I read regular prose. And really, this was such a little thing. This was a good book, and it's one I think I ordered for my classroom this year.
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