Common Sense Media Review
Provocative book about teen on trial for murder.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Parents say the book offers an engaging narrative that helps mature teens explore complex themes, such as point of view and character motivations, but reactions vary significantly regarding its appropriateness for younger readers. While some find it a valuable resource for teaching about justice and personal responsibility, others express concern over its violent and sexual content, deeming it unsuitable for middle school students.
- engaging narrative
- teaching tool
- controversial content
- varying opinions
- age appropriateness
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 29 kid reviews
Kids say the book offers a unique learning experience, with a compelling format as it is written like a screenplay, although some content is deemed inappropriate for younger readers due to themes of violence and sexual assault. While many find it informative and thought-provoking regarding the judicial system and personal responsibility, others criticize it as confusing and boring, leading to mixed feelings about its educational value and age appropriateness.
- educational value
- unique format
- mature themes
- confusing narrative
- diverse opinions
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Steve's in jail, on trial for murder. He's young, he's terrified, and he's black. He's sure no one will believe him. Does Steve even believe in himself? You decide when you read this fast-moving book written like a movie script. The courtroom mystery hits home with enough drama and realism to attract even reluctant readers.
Is It Any Good?
The suspense and drama keep reluctant readers turning the pages, while more advanced readers will respond to the issues raised. Walter Dean Myers writes about human beings who make their own choices and react to their own circumstances -- even the minor characters have enough individuality to ring true -- and, as a result, teen readers care about them. They want Steve to be found not guilty, even as they try to figure out if Steve really is guilty. Steve's feelings about himself, his terror of jail, and his reaction to the epithet "monster," leave the reader guessing.
The format of this taut story regulates the pacing. Edge-of-the-seat courtroom scenes written entirely in dialogue wind the reader up, then thoughtful journal entries allow readers to catch their breaths. Readers can feel Steve's terror and confusion, and will ponder Myers' point about how the road from innocence to trouble is taken in small, almost invisible steps, each involving a "lack of positive moral decision."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether 16-year-old Steve is guilty or not. What would you decide if you were a juror? Was he just at the wrong place at the wrong time?
This book has received a number of awards, including being named a National Book Award finalist and winning the Printz Award. Do you think it deserves all the recognition and praise? Why or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Christopher Myers
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date : January 1, 1999
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 12
- Number of pages : 281
- Award : Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors
- Last updated : January 25, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate