Monster

by Walter Dean Myers, Christopher A. Myers (Illustrator), Christopher Myers (Illustrator)

Overview

This New York Times bestselling novel 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. 

Monster is a multi-award-winning, provocative coming-of-age story that was the first-ever Michael L. Printz Award recipient, an ALA Best Book, a Coretta Scott King Honor selection, and a National Book Award finalist.

Monster is now a major motion picture called All Rise and starring Jennifer Hudson, Kelvin Harrison, Jr., Nas, and A$AP Rocky.

The late Walter Dean Myers was a National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, who was known for his commitment to realistically depicting kids from his hometown of Harlem.

Share this highly readable novel at home or in the classroom—it's sure to spark debate and conversation. Walter Dean Myers said: "I would like young people to consider what happened to Steve Harmon, as well as why. There were decisions that Steve made and some he clearly should have made, but didn’t. As the author, I’ll be satisfied if the reader forms his or her own opinion about these decisions and the consequences."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780064407311
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	03/05/2019
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	336
Sales rank:	7,315
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.00(h) x 0.90(d)
Lexile:	670L (what's this?)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Walter Dean Myers was the New York Times bestselling author of Monster, the winner of the first Michael L. Printz Award; a former National Ambassador for Young People's Literature; and an inaugural NYC Literary Honoree. Myers received every single major award in the field of children's literature. He was the author of two Newbery Honor Books and six Coretta Scott King Awardees. He was the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults, a three-time National Book Award Finalist, as well as the first-ever recipient of the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Editorial Reviews

Monster is a subtle and provocative novel about what it means to be alive in our time.

Riverbank Review

Chilling and engrossing.

New York Times

A novel that in both form and subject guarantees a wide teen audience.

Horn Book (starred review)

"A fascinating portrait of a terrified young man wrestling with his conscience. The tense drama of the courtroom scenes will enthrall readers, but it is the thorny moral questions raised in Steve’s journal that will endure in readers’ memories.”

Booklist

"The youthful, vulnerable voice will draw in YA readers, boys and girls.

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

The drama of the situation and the ethical questions raised will keep the audience not just reading but thinking.

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

The sheer authenticity of the novel and its presentation are disquieting—and totally riveting.

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Committee

"A fascinating portrait of a terrified young man wrestling with his conscience. The tense drama of the courtroom scenes will enthrall readers, but it is the thorny moral questions raised in Steve’s journal that will endure in readers’ memories.”

Booklist

The drama of the situation and the ethical questions raised will keep the audience not just reading but thinking.

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

The drama of the situation and the ethical questions raised will keep the audience not just reading but thinking.

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Chilling and engrossing.” — New York Times

“A riveting courtroom drama that will leave a powerful, haunting impression on young minds.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A novel that in both form and subject guarantees a wide teen audience.” — Horn Book (starred review)

“A riveting novel with breathless, edge-of-the-seat courtroom scenes. Taut and moving.” — Kirkus Reviews

“The sheer authenticity of the novel and its presentation are disquieting—and totally riveting.” — Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Committee

“The drama of the situation and the ethical questions raised will keep the audience not just reading but thinking.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"A fascinating portrait of a terrified young man wrestling with his conscience. The tense drama of the courtroom scenes will enthrall readers, but it is the thorny moral questions raised in Steve’s journal that will endure in readers’ memories.”
— Booklist

“Monster is a subtle and provocative novel about what it means to be alive in our time.” — Riverbank Review

“Riveting. An emotionally charged story that readers will find compelling and disturbing." — School Library Journal

"The youthful, vulnerable voice will draw in YA readers, boys and girls.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“The unusual format and easy style combines with powerful content to make an unforgettable book.” — Language Arts

From the Publisher

The unusual format and easy style combines with powerful content to make an unforgettable book.

Language Arts