MONSTERS-Award Winning Y/A Novel by Walter Dean Myers-a Teen on Trial for Murder

Walter Dean Myers is a highly recognized writer of Y/A novels that have earned him numerous awards.  MONSTERS received the 1st the Michael L Printz Award.  He is also a Nat'l Book Finalist.  Steve Harmon is a frightened, young teen imprisioned, on trial as an accessory to murder.  The reader, along with Steve tries to come to grips with what's happening. How did he wind up in prison on trial for murder?  How does he cope with his hellish imprisonment? What will his life become if found guilty?  Myers portrays Steve as an impressionable, likable teen who is facing serious time behind bars, "Here I am, maybe on the verge of losing my life or the life I used to have."  The reader empathizes deeply for Steve,"I'm a human being.  I want a life too!" Still, there remains reasonable doubt as to his culpability.  That doubt depicts the beastiality within all of us to form biases & tp prejudge. "The jury believed you were guilty the momet they laid eyes on you. You're young, you're Black, and you're on trial. What else do they need to know?" MONSTERS is a compelling court room drama told with great poignancy. Steve narrates in film script format as a coping mechanism.  This tecnique distances the reader permitting Steve's nightmare be viewed as entertainment.  MONSTERS is a deeply stirring novel illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Christopher Myers.  I am left with powerful conflicitng emotions of relief & guilt.