Myers, W.D (1999). Monster. New York: HarperCollins.
Monster is about 16 year old, Steve who is on trial for murder. The author, Walter Dean Myers, has an unique approach in writing the book like a movie script from Steve's perspective. Steve was a lookout for a robbery that went wrong and now he is accused of murder.  Steve wasn't in the store when it happened and no one really knows who killed the store keeper.  The prosecutor has labeled him a monster for the crime and is trying to tie him to the killing.  His lawyer isn't confident that she can distant him from the real perpetrator.  The book follows the court case from direction of the camera to the expression of the players involved. If Steve is convicted he will receive life in prison.  His life will be over before it even starts.
Readers will identify with the theme of helpless and see themselves through Steve's eyes. The book allows the reader to see the criminal justice system through the eyes of the accused.  Conversations about race and how someone is treated based on poverty and how they are perceived are interesting talking points to discuss with students.
Myers created an original book that will inspire student to write differently and see their ideas in a new way. Myers was a multiple award-winning author who wrote over 45 books and visited often with young offenders at detention centers.  A connection idea with students is to encourage students to write a "movie script" story about their lives or something that interests them.
When reading Monster I thought about the chapter in the textbook about development aspects. Many of my students come from a background that could reflect Steve's life.  I could share the book with students with a reading group providing the library as a safe place.  Also, finding books that are reflective of the students' environment as well as experiencing some consequences without living them. I find this book important to share with students without similar backgrounds as a window to see the criminal justice system from the perspective of someone in poverty and without a voice.