By reading this novel the reader begins to wonder about their own identity and the choices they have made and how they have affected their lives.

It also deals with the ideas of peer pressure and how teens in particular strive to fit in. Myers’ novel brings up the questions of identity and humanity to the forefront of the readers mind. I would recommend this book to any reader, young adult or adult. Walter Dean Myers keeps the reader wondering of Steve Harmon’s possible innocence or guilt. Was it simply a matter of knowing the wrong people and being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Or is Steve the monster the Prosecutor, Sandra Petrocelli is conveying to the jury? The personal connection the reader establishes to Steven is an exceptional relationship, starting with empathy having personal notes from Steve that show the fear he experiences in jail.Īs the reader continues they find themselves questioning whether Steve even participate in the crime. I chose this song because that's what he portrays towards himself he believes that he thinks he is a. Steve Harmon’s role was reportedly to scope out the store to see if there were any cops or witnesses. What are 10 songs that relate to the book Monster by Walter Dean Myers 1. Monster by Walter Dean Myers (Close Reading) d.diaz1 The tension socially between those who either abide by the law or enforce the law, and those who commit crimes and are considered to disrupt society are present throughout the entire text. As the case unfolds the reader comes to believe that James King and Richard Evans or Bobo went into the drugstore unarmed but with intent to rob the cashier, in self defense the owner retrieved his gun from behind the counter, which led to a struggle that resulted in the owners death. Other key characters in the ‘film’ include Sandra Petrocelli who is the Prosecutor, Kathy O’Brien the Defense Attorney, James King as ‘the thug’ who took part in the robbery and Richard “Bobo” Evans as ‘the rat’ who was also involved in the crime. Walter Dean Myers uses a unique perspective, the narrative of the story takes place as a screen play written from the perspective of Steve Harmon. The book begins on July 6th and takes place during the course of the trial ending on July 17th. The crime took place on December 22 when a local drugstore was robbed that resulted in the death of the owner, Alguinaldo Nesbitt. He is a 16 year old African American from Harlem, New York on trial for murder. The main character Steve Harmon is portrayed as either being human or a monster. Physical Description: 281 pages, paperback, $9.99

Publisher: HarperCollins: New York, c1999

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