Monster: A Graphic Novel
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The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Monster: A Graphic Novel is an illustrated representation of timely but strong themes in Walter Dean Myers' original novel. Street life, a murder, and life inside jail are realistically depicted. Parents should be ready to discuss the criminal justice system, racism, perception of guilt or innocence, and peer pressure.
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What's the story?
Steve Harmon is a 16-year-old budding filmmaker awaiting trial for the murder and robbery of a beloved bodega owner. He sees his experiences in jail and on trial through the lens of a movie script. Steve grapples with fear, depression, and questions of whether he really is the MONSTER the prosecution says he is.
Is it any good?
Readers may be wary of messing with a masterpiece when a new version of a classic novel is created, but the striking, eerie art of this graphic novel adaptation quickly puts those fears to rest. The fear, doubt, uncertainty and confusion of Walter Dean Myers' novel is all there. As with the original, you want to root for Steve -- to believe in his innocence and hold your breath for his safety as he navigates the horrors of prison life. Yet, as with the novel, readers of the graphic novel will find themselves doubting the innocence of a teen with so much to live for who's working so hard to convince himself he still has some piece of humanity left.
In the hands of indie comic favorites Guy A. Sims and Dawud Anyabwile, the book comes to life for a new generation of readers at a time when society's narrative about the humanity of boys and men of color is often subjective. Stark and open-ended, MONSTER: A GRAPHIC NOVEL is an excellent resource when discussing current events, criminal justice, and peer pressure.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about media portrayals of violent crimes. What is the difference between the way a criminal trial is presented in the novel versus the way it's presented on television?
Families also can talk about peer pressure and ways to say no, even under threat of harm.
What happens when people view the same event(s) from different perspectives? Can you point to examples of this in current news events?
Book details
- Authors: Walter Dean Myers, Guy A Sims
- Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Topics: High School, Misfits and Underdogs
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Amistad
- Publication date: October 20, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 18
- Number of pages: 160
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Award: Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors
- Last updated: June 19, 2019
Our editors recommend
For kids who love graphic novels and books with characters of color
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