Reviews

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

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cartermon4's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

alexiathethief's review

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4.0

Well written for a young adult book. It's in play form (is that what it's called)

I was a bit disappointed with this one, but I think it's because my expectations were so high. Monster is one of those books I've been hearing about for a decade or so but just never got around to reading, and it's the first-ever Printz winner after all. I definitely provides a lot of food for thought--about the problems with our justice system, primarily--but it felt kind of flat. I didn't feel like I got to know the characters as much as I would have liked to, and the plot was also quite straightforward and one-dimensional. Still, I did enjoy the book overall, especially the unique format. It took me a while to get used to, but telling the story as a film script made the action come to life and feel more real.

sumayyaha's review

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3.0

This was an introspective one and a sad tale of the reality and cruelty of our current justice system.

cdjdhj's review

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3.0

This book is an interesting Young Adult read about choices and consequences. It follows the trail of a young African American teenager accused of being the lookout in a drug-store robbery that resulted in the death of the store owner. It is written like a movie script with some commentary. A quick read, it does offer a lot of food for thought, especially for teens who sometimes may not realize that all decisions and actions have consequences.

evarano's review

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4.0

This is a great read! I enjoyed the way the store is told, like a movie manuscript with journal like entries from Steve as well. I think this would be a great story to read and study with students. Highly recommend! This touches on really important topics in an accessible way.

ringringringer's review

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challenging emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

bibliobrandie's review

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4.0

I read this book with my 8th grade students in Spain, it’s part of their curriculum, and I don’t think this story resonates with them in the way it does with students in the US. One thing, these kids don’t watch courtroom dramas so I had to explain what a courtroom is, a lawyer, a judge, what an affidavit is (oye!). I am confused why this book was even picked for them. It’s not an easy read, neither the subject nor the vocab are easy. Their understanding of the English language is basic so most of the courtroom words went over their heads, but this wasn’t the biggest problem. They don’t understand about racism in the US or how justice is not color blind or how teens could be tried as adults. Me trying to explain these really big issues to them didn’t help them grasp or enjoy this book any more. So while I loved reading this book it wasn’t a hit with my students.