MONSTER BY WALTER DEAN MYERS PUBLISHED BY HARPERCOLLINS ©1999 Cameron Robinson Block 2A

SETTING Manhattan and Harlem, New York City a city jail or prison lockup the court where the trial is held neighborhood where Steve Harmon lives

 In the opening, readers find out that Steve is in a cell in jail. this is important given is shows his fear.  The "scene" between Steve and his family.  The scene with the transcriptionist and the court officers.  The flashback to Steve and his brother.  The scene with Steve running from the man who was almost hit by a rock he threw.  The scene with Steve on the porch talking about making money.  The scene where Steve is with his lawyer and asks her if they are going to win. Key Events * Important “scene” for the plot

PROTAGONIST STEVE HARMON  16 year old young African American man.  arrested for acting as the lookout in a robbery that goes bad and ends in a murder.  narrator of the story, writes it in screenplay &journal entries ANTAGONIST(S) the justice system the neighborhood which impacts young men like Steve people Steve associates with in the neighborhood Steve himself.

CENTRAL CONFLICT Man vs. Society Steve Harmon is on trial for felony murder and must help his attorney convince the jury that he is not guilty. Man vs. Self Steve Harmon must deal with his own questions and conscience about his involvement in the crime and who he really is.

MINOR CHARACTERS KATHY O’BRIEN Steve’s defense attorney who distances Steve from the other defendants as a way of getting a not guilty verdict. SANDRA PETROCELLI Assistant District Attorney who prosecutes the case against Steve and James King. She labels them “monsters.”

MINOR CHARACTERS JAMES KING An African American man who is also young, but older than Steve. He is accused of being in the drugstore and ultimately shooting the Mr. Nesbitt to death. RICHARD “BOBO” EVANS Accused of being in the store during the murder. He admits to stealing the money and grabbing the cigarettes.

REVIEWS ews/book_reviews/articl e/157359/monster-by- walter-dean-myers/ org/book-reviews/monster o The user who read this book enjoyed it much and said that it was an “eye opener” to all teens entering young adulthood teaching them a very important lesson on life. o This reader found the book intriguing and felt that it was full of action and always kept him guessing and wondering about what would happen next with a “real-world” plot.

MY TAKE ON THE STORY This book was a good read. It really does show emphasis for teenagers and young adults on what could happen if you get caught up in the wrong crowd and give in to peer pressure. It also lets readers know that you should take life for granted because even though it may seem as though your future is bright,don’t go slacking, because you never know what decision may affect your dreams.