Monster (Amistad) by Walter Dean Myers Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Monster (Amistad)
Book Review: What does it mean to be guilty?
Summary: 5 Stars
In Walter Dean Myers' book, "Monster," Steve Harmon, age 16, is in prison awaiting trial for murder, accused of serving as a lookout during a robbery in which the robbers shot and killed a drugstore owner. While in prison, Steve, a film student, tells about his life, his case, and his imprisonment in the form of a movie screenplay interspersed with diary entries in which he describes his feelings, his life before the murder, and the frightening conditions in prison. Is Steve a "monster" responsible for the senseless death of the storeowner, as the prosecutor alleges, or is he guilty only of knowing the crime participants?
Weaving handwriting-typeface journal entries, grainy cinematic quality photographs, and fast-paced movie script dialogue with directions for camera angles, Myers has written a unique novel. As a young adult who finds himself in a violent place in the adult world, Steve is a compelling character. Faced with what may be a permanent loss of independence, and taking a hard look at his identity and at his integrity, Steve attempts to convince himself that he is not the "monster" the prosecutor alleges. Readers serve as witnesses to the courtroom proceedings, but find themselves serving as jurors as well. When reading the story, it is virtually impossible to remain unmoved - we make a decision about this young man's guilt or innocence, and we are anxious to see if the jury in the book reaches the same conclusion.
Myers presents questions about Steve, about our justice system, and about the nature of guilt and innocence. He gives readers no easy answers. "Monster" is a riveting novel that makes readers think - while reading and after reading the book.
(National Book Award Finalist, and winner of the Printz Award for Excellence in YA Literature and of the Coretta Scott King Award for Non-Violent Social Change.)
Book Review: Monster
Summary: 5 Stars
MONSTER
Monster is a book about a kid that get's in trouble with the law everything happens when his buddy
told him that they were going to hold up a store. Then when they entered the store the clerk pulled out
A gun and the friend shot him instantly. I like this book because it shows the reality of holding up a store and the consequences of being a witness you could go to jail or if you snitch you die, its really bad to go
To jail for your friends
Book Review: 25 years to Life
Summary: 4 Stars
Monster was an intense book filled with excitement and thrill, I could not put it down. Steve Harmon's story is truly amazing and Walter Dean Myers has created a masterpiece to me. I truly felt like I was at this trial with Steve I could feel what he felt. Walter Dean Myers truly paints a picture. I recommend this book to someone who likes courtroom dramas. Something like a Law and Order show.Book Review: Good, not great
Summary: 3 Stars
Monster by Walter Dean Myers is a quick and enjoyable read. I felt that he could have digged deeper into the background of the characters, and it would make me feel more sympathetic towards them. After finishing, it wasn't something I thought I would really want to read again. If you want a good and quick read, then go ahead and pick it up. If you want something that will really impact you, pick up something else.Book Review: Monster a Review By Corie, Heather, Marisa, Andrew, and Avia
Summary: 4 Stars
Monster a book review by: Heather, Marisa, Avia, Corie, and Andrew
The courtroom was silent. If a pin was dropped it could be heard. At the end of the day, an innocent man is dead and his murder and posy are on trial. Steve is on trial for being the lookout boy for the murder. He is stuck with a lawyer who is very doubtful on whether Steve is guilty or not. This fantastic book is written in play format and you can almost always "see" what is happening.
The Coretta Scott King award winning book and Michael L. Prince book Monster, by Walter Dean Myers is very intriguing and exciting. Sixteen year old Steve Harmon has been accused for felony murder of a store clerk. He doesn't know if he will win or lose the case to James King, his nasty opponent. As days go on he is becoming a monster-according to the prosecutors opinion. For Steve things aren't going so well, whether it's staying in a strict court room or even staying alone in a cold dark cellar. Knowing that James King is feeling the same way, he knows that he could to jail be free with or without him. Steve is on his 1st trial without knowing what's going to happen.
Monster is a great book and will not disappoint you. I recommend this book anyone who likes suspense and easy reads. As the book goes on Steve Harmon writes a play in his head- not about jail, or prison, but about this excruciating pain he is feeling and this movie he just tuned into. Will Steve go to prison for his whole life or will he find his way out of this big mess? Flip open Monster to find out. We hope you enjoy the book!