Parents' Guide to

Monster: A Graphic Novel

By Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Thought-provoking adaptation of classic coming-of-age novel.

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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.

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