Monster Book Log PDF

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Summary

Book log assigned for several books in this course including Monster...

Description

ENG-130 Book Log Complete one book log for each book you read in this course. Submit the book log according to each assignment’s instructions. Title: Monster

Author: Walter Dean Myers

Grade level: 9th-12th

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Drama

APA citation: Walter Dean Myers. (1999). Monster. Amistad. Summary (in your own words): A 16-year-old named Steve Harmon is on trial for a murder he did not commit. The trial lasts about 11 days before a verdict is made. In the book, Steve is writing a screenplay to address his experience that feels like something out of a movie. His screenplay is titled “Monster” because the prosecutor called him a monster during the trial. Two of the four accused have entered a plea bargain so that only Steve and James King will be tried. A drugstore owner named Mr. Nesbitt was killed in a robbery gone wrong where Steve and James were said to be lookouts. While nobody actually saw the murder or robbery, witnesses are brought forward. One of the witnesses is a felon who is testifying as a way to lower his sentencing. James’ attorney questions the competence of his testimony. Steve has several flashbacks to his rough childhood in Harlem. He witnesses and experiences a lot of violence, threats of violence, and sexual violence against other inmates. It is mentioned that shoelaces are taken so people cannot kill themselves in jail. It is also mentioned that half of the jury will find him guilty because he is a black male. The detective sought the death penalty even with no actual evidence. Steve is afraid for himself currently, in the future, and is afraid when he learns how Mr. Nesbitt actually died. Steve struggles to believe in his own innocence and thinks he is a monster. He experiences a jail lockdown after a fight as the church. Another person testified for a reduced sentence further showing the injustice of the trial. Bobo is later forced to admit he never exchanged words with Steve. The goal is to make Steve look as human as possible and not like a monster. People enter as witnesses on behalf of Steve’s character which helps him out. In the end James King is charged with felony murder and Steve is found innocent. He goes to hug O’Brien but she turns and wont hug him. He seemingly looks off into the distance then sees himself as a monster one last time. © 2015. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.

Major theme(s): The major themes I noticed in this book were racism, social injustice, and dehumanization. I feel that these themes also relate to the current political climate in the United States.

What curriculum connections could you make with this book (either interdisciplinary or other literary works)? This book reminded me of many crime books I have read. It also reminded me of many real court cases I have seen on tv or in the news. It was very realistic and did not hold back from allowing us to experience the protagonists position firsthand.

What kind of readers might enjoy this book? Anyone who wants to better their understanding of racism and the impact of the justice system on the black community would enjoy this book. I also believe anybody could benefit from this book.

How is this book representative of YA and its genre? The protagonist of the book is within the 12-18 age range of young adult and the book discusses a problem that is very relatable to many real-life situations.

What is your reaction to this book? Did you enjoy it? I enjoyed this book. I grew up around more African American people than white people. As a white person in America I feel that this book was beneficial to my understanding of my black brother and sisters. My main reaction was that anyone could benefit from this and that it would be very beneficial to anyone who has not experienced prejudice or social injustice....