Teacher’s Guide

Monster
Reading Level Lexile 670
Genre/Length Contemporary Fiction; 209 pages THE EXCHANGE QUESTION
Language Register Technical, Legal, and Movie Terms; Slang Is everyone considered innocent
Content Load Criminal Trial, Teen Issues, Discrimination until proven guilty?
Selected Awards Michael L. Printz Award
National Book Award Finalist
This book contains mature content. Educators and parents should read the
book and determine its appropriateness for use with their students.

Overview
Background Walter Dean Myers writes about the hardships children face growing
up in harsh urban environments. He uses his own experiences growing up in
Harlem, New York to construct stories that represent experiences that young
African Americans can relate to. His stories portray positive aspects of a community
that society has labeled in a negative way. Myers’s characters are complex and
as tough as their environment. Although his protagonists learn from their mistakes
and become stronger individuals, they do not completely reform themselves. For
this reason, critics continue to praise Myers for the authenticity that distinguishes
his work.
Book Summary Monster is the story of Steve, a 16-year-old African American boy
on trial for murder. Steve fits the image of a large population of inmates in prison
and because of this, everyone involved in his trial has labeled him a monster. Steve
knows he is a good person and struggles with the way he is perceived by his
lawyer, his parents, and everyone else. Steve decides to write about his experience
in the form of a screenplay.

About the Author

Born on August 12, 1937, in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Walter Dean Myers never
dreamed that he would make a living as a writer. After his mother’s death, Myers
went to live with foster parents in New York’s Harlem neighborhood. Myers found
Harlem to be exciting—a place that affirmed his identity as an African American. He
loved the noise, colors, and rhythms of his urban community.
At school, Myers struggled for two reasons. He began to feel the sting of racial
discrimination and he got teased because of a speech impediment. At the
suggestion of his teacher, Myers began to write poetry. He read his poems aloud to
overcome his impediment. He continued to write stories and poems, even when he
joined a gang for a short time. At fifteen, he quit school. At seventeen, he enlisted
in the Army. When Myers returned to New York, he decided he wanted to become
a writer.
Over time, Myers became a recognized author of African American literature.

Teacher’s Guide page 1 of 14 © Hampton-Brown

Monster

Student Journal, page 1

Reading the Book
Name:

There are several options for reading Monster. They include:

Student Journal
• Whole Class Assign sections of the book and discussion dates
using the planner on Student Journal, page 1. After students
read a section and respond to the corresponding Student
Monster
by Walter Dean Myers
Journal pages, have a class discussion. At the end of the book,
the class meets for The Exchange.
Reading Schedule
Group members:

• Small Groups Read the book Introduction with the group.

Monster
Group members then read an agreed-upon number of pages, Introduction
Student Journal

Pages 2–4
Due Date Discussion Date

complete the corresponding Student Journal pages, and meet Pages 11–52 Pages 5–6

to discuss. When they finish the book, they meet again for The Pages 53–98 Pages 7–8

Exchange. Use the planner on Student Journal, page 1 to Pages 99–149 Pages 9–10

Pages 150–209 Pages 11–12

establish meeting times. The Exchange

Assessment

• Independently Students read the book on their own and

then meet as a group for The Exchange. Use the planner on
Student Journal, page 1 to establish the meeting time.

• Guided Reading Have students read Student Journal, Is everyone

considered
page 2 and monitor their discussion of the What If? scenario. innocent until
proven guilty?
Read aloud the book Introduction to give students background
on the book. As students read, use the Before You Move On
questions to guide comprehension. Use the Look Ahead to set
a focus for reading the next set of pages. At the end of each
section, assign the appropriate Student Journal pages. Discuss
the pages before starting the next section. Establish a date for
Student Journal, page 2
The Exchange and record it on the planner.
Monster

Getting Started

Getting Started What If?

You and your best friend look, dress, and sound alike. The bad part
about this is that your friend gets into trouble a lot. Nobody can
understand that just because you are close to your friend, you are not
Have students read What If? on Student Journal, page 2 the same person. Everybody thinks you are a troublemaker, too.

and discuss the scenario. Encourage students to describe the A week after you and your best friend are in the computer lab, it is
discovered that someone vandalized the school computers. You know it
similarities and differences between the scenario and their lives and was your friend. But the school is blaming you! The principal has proof
that you were in the lab because you sent an e-mail to a teacher.
imagine how the situation would affect them.
Make notes about how this would affect you.
• Have students write their responses to the three questions below • What would you do?
• Is it possible to be judged fairly in this situation?
the scenario and compare answers with a partner or the group. • Would you believe that you were innocent until proven guilty?

• Have students discuss how the situation might relate to The

Exchange question and then write a brief summary of their
discussion in the Student Journal.

Connect to The Exchange Question Discuss how this situation could

relate to The Exchange Question: Is everyone considered innocent
until proven guilty? Summarize your discussion.

Teacher’s Guide page 2 of 14 © Hampton-Brown

Monster

Introduction Student Journal, page 3

Monster

Have students read the book Introduction. Check their Introduction

comprehension with the three follow-up questions on Student Read the Introduction on pages 7–9 in Monster. The Introduction will help

Journal, page 3. you understand key concepts in the book. Knowing them will help you
discuss and write about the book.

The Introduction includes information about

• the research the author did in order to write Monster
• the screenplay format of the book
• how the judicial system works

After you read the Introduction, answer these questions to check your
understanding.

1. Why did Walter Dean Myers write Monster in a screenplay format?

From his research, Myers learned that many prisoners

separate themselves from their crimes. They talk about
themselves on trial as if they were another person or
a person in a movie. A screenplay is what writers and
filmmakers use to make movies.
2. What is the guiding principle of the United States legal system?

A person is considered innocent until proven guilty.

3. How does a trial work?

On one side of the trial is a prosecutor. An accused person

like Steve also has a lawyer called a defense lawyer. The
lawyers argue the case before a judge and jury. A jury of
twelve citizens decides if a person is guilty or innocent.

Introduction: Key Concepts Student Journal, page 4

Monster
Have students study the first Key Concept with the help of the Introduction: Key Concepts
graphic organizer on Student Journal, page 4. After studying the
Word Web
example, they should create similar graphic organizers to focus Key Concepts
Study the Word Web for screenplay. What words does screenplay
their understanding of the remaining Key Concepts. make you think of? Write a sentence using the word screenplay. defense
________________________________________________________________ judicial
________________________________________________________________ legal
prosecutor
screenplay
Word Web

filmmakers movie

Key Concept
screenplay

directions script

On a separate sheet of paper, create a similar Word Web for each of the
Key Concept words. Then write a sentence for each one.

Teacher’s Guide page 3 of 14 © Hampton-Brown

Monster
Pages 11–52 Answers for Before You Move On
Pages 11– 52 Student Journal, page 5
Monster
PAGE 25
Respond to Pages 11– 52
1. Comparisons How is the diary different from the screenplay? 1. Personal Response O’Brien tells Steve that he has to believe in
himself if he is going to convince a jury of his innocence. Do you agree
Compare how they look, how they tell the story, and how that people have to believe in themselves in order for others to believe
in them?
they make you feel.
The diary looks handwritten and is about Steve’s personal
feelings. The screenplay looks professional and serious.
There are no personal feelings, just an observation of the trial. 2. Conclusions Why do the prosecutors want Sal Zinzi and Wendell
Bolden to testify? Use the word prosecutor in your response.

The prosecutors want them to testify because they may

have information against Steve and the other defendants
2. Inference Reread pages 20–21. What do people think of that could help them win their case.
Steve? How do you know?
The guard implies that Steve is guilty and the judge will just 3. Analogy How does Steve draw the analogy between the viewers of a
film and the jury of a court trial?

go through the motions and lock him up. So people are He includes a flashback scene of something Mr. Sawicki
said to him about films. Viewers judge the quality of a film
already assuming he’s guilty. just like a jury judges the person on trial.

PAGE 42 4. Generate Questions Write a question about this section for someone
else reading this book. Exchange questions with them. Do you agree

1. Assumption What does Steve assume that makes him write with their answer?

the word “monster” over and over again in his notebook?

Steve assumes that Petrocelli thinks he is a monster even
though he has not been convicted of a crime.

2. Flashback Steve recalls how his friend was blamed for

throwing a rock that Steve threw. Why do you think the Student Journal, page 6
author included this? Monster

To make the reader question whether Steve takes Respond to Pages 11– 52, continued

responsibility for any of his actions. 5. Character’s Point of View The trial begins by the lawyers giving their
opening statements. Think about the main ideas of each statement.
List the differences and similarities between the opening statements.

PAGE 52 Venn Diagram

1. Conflict Reread pages 46–47. Why does Steve stay quiet

while his neighbors are making plans to steal money? Petrocelli’s Statement Both O’Brien’s Statement
Some people The quilty Laws also
Even though Steve understands how bad it is to not have are monsters must be protect the
who break the punished. accused.
enough money to live, he is not sure that stealing is the laws. Laws protect Steve is
James King and citizens. innocent
solution. Steve Harmon until proven
must be found guilty.
guilty.
2. Character Reread page 52. What does this flashback show
about Steve?
In this flashback, Steve is a caring older brother. It shows that
he is a good person who had a fun childhood. If you were Steve, how would you feel about the opening statements?
Why?

Even though Steve’s lawyer’s opening statement said that

everyone is innocent until proven guilty, the prosecutor’s
opening statement is more powerful. Students may respond
that they would also feel like a monster after hearing the
prosecutor’s opening statement.

Teacher’s Guide page 4 of 14 © Hampton-Brown

Monster
Pages 53–98 Answers for Before You Move On
Pages 53 – 98 Student Journal, page 7
Monster
PAGE 64
Respond to Pages 53–98
1. Inference On page 53 Steve says he does not feel like he 1. Personal Response Steve does not feel as if anyone knows who he
really is as a person. Have you ever felt misunderstood?
is involved in his own trial. Why? He has not been granted
permission to talk. He also intentionally distances himself.

2. Conclusions Why does Briggs object to the way Detective 2. Mood What is the mood in prison like? How does it make Steve feel

Karyl gets witnesses to give information? He objects to the about what is going to happen to him? How is Steve depending on the
judicial system? Use the word judicial in your response.

The mood in prison is harsh and dangerous. Steve

deals Karyl makes with prisoners because they could be constantly feels scared and self-conscious. He is
getting false information. depending on the judicial system to give him a fair trial
so he does not have to go to prison.

PAGE 73 3. Text Features What do the Close Ups (CU) and other screenplay
directions reveal about how Mr. Harmon feels about Steve’s situation?

1. Paraphrase O’Brien says, “You’re young, you’re Black, and Steve’s father sees his son on trial for murder. The Close
Ups reveal that he is in pain and not completely convinced
you’re on trial. What else do they need to know?” What does of his son’s innocence. He has started to believe the same
stereotypes as everyone else involved with the trial.
she mean? The jury may assume Steve is guilty because he
4. Generate Questions Write a question about this section for someone
fits the stereotypical description of a young criminal. else reading this book. Exchange questions with them. Do you agree
with their answer?

2. Comparisons Compare how Osvaldo acts on the streets to

how he acts in court. What does this show? Instead of being
intimidated, Osvaldo often acted tough, so maybe he is lying.
PAGE 87
1. Character’s Point of View Reread pages 77–78. Why does Student Journal, page 8
Steve see King in a different way now? He used to want to
Monster
be tough like King but now he realizes that nobody can scare Respond to Pages 53–98, continued
him the way prison can. 5. Cause and Effect On pages 53–98 we see what happens when the
trial continues. List the events of the trial and how Steve reacts to
these events in his journal.

2. Summarize How does O’Brien show that Osvaldo could be T Chart

lying about being afraid? She shows that he was not afraid Events of the Trial Steve’s Reaction
to be in a gang or of cutting a stranger’s face or beating up Petrocelli uses Bolden’s Steve thinks Bolden’s
testimony as a trail to Steve testimony makes the
his girlfriend. and King. jury think that he is no
different than Bolden.
Osvaldo Cruz says he was Steve thinks about how
PAGE 98 forced into the crime. Osvaldo acted tough and
unafraid on the streets.
1. Inference Reread pages 89–91. What is the hardest part for Junior high kids watch the
trial.
Steve can easily see
himself as one of those
Steve as he watches his father cry? Steve can see that his students afraid to look at
a prisoner.
father is starting to doubt his innocence. O’Brien says the trial is not Steve wonders if anyone
making Steve look innocent. cares about who he
really is.
2. Symbolism On page 92, Steve is holding a basketball.
How does being able to read Steve’s journal entries affect the way the
What could it mean when his basketball is in the gutter on reader thinks about the trial?

The reader is able to get to know Steve through his

page 94? Loss of innocence. Realization that he is involved in thoughts and feelings and that allows the reader to know
and have sympathy for Steve. The reader learns that Steve
something serious. is a good person even though everyone involved in the trial
thinks he is a monster.

Teacher’s Guide page 5 of 14 © Hampton-Brown

Monster
Pages 99–149 Answers for Before You Move On
Pages 99 – 149 Student Journal, page 9
Monster
PAGE 114
Respond to Pages 99–149
1. Connotation What does Steve mean when he says, “I 1. Personal Response Steve’s mother is the only person who believes
he is innocent. Have you ever been in a situation where there was only
felt embarrassed that a smile should mean so much” on one person who believed in you? How did that person make things
better for you?

page 107?
Steve means that he has not experienced kindness from
anybody in a long time. It means a lot that Miss O’Brien was
being friendly to him. 2. Dialogue How do the inmates in prison talk to each other about their
cases and the legal system? What does this suggest to you about the
type of person Steve might turn into if he is found guilty? Use the word
legal in your response.

2. Character’s Point of View Steve’s mother believes he is The other inmates admit to committing crimes. They talk
casually about their long sentences and about how the
innocent. Why does Steve think he is fooling himself into legal system works. Steve may become hardened in order
to survive in prison.
thinking he is innocent?
3. Character’s Point of View How does Steve feel after his family visits
All of the other prisoners try to convince themselves that they him in prison and his brother is not allowed inside?

Steve feels like he does not belong in prison and he is

are innocent when they are clearly guilty. He probably thinks desperate to go back to the life he once knew. Steve thinks
it is ironic that if he were not in prison himself, he wouldn’t
that he is just like them when he tells himself he is innocent. be allowed inside as a visitor because he is too young.

4. Generate Questions Write a question about this section for someone

PAGE 129 else reading this book. Exchange questions with them. Do you agree
with their answer?
1. Inference On page 116, King asks Steve to be the lookout
for the robbery. What could Steve’s response mean?
Steve did not give a reply; he simply looked away. This
flashback shows that Steve had known about the robbery,
but that he was not sure if he should agree to be the lookout.
Student Journal, page 10
2. Conclusions On page 121, Steve says the State will call Monster

their star witnesses. Why is Lorelle Henry a star witness? Respond to Pages 99–149, continued

As a local librarian, others view her as a good and 5. Conclusions On pages 99–149, we get a better idea of what
happened on the day of the robbery. List what Steve, King, and
Bobo reveal about the robbery and what this shows about Steve’s
trustworthy citizen. She was also in the store at the time of involvement.

the robbery and is able to identify King. Character Description Chart

What the What This Shows

PAGE 149 Character
Character Does About Steve’s Involvement

1. Character Bobo comes to court wearing his prison clothes Steve admits that he he could have been
walked into the involved in the robbery
and looking very messy. What does this say about Bobo? drugstore but did
not do anything
Bobo does not care what he looks like or the impression he King acts like he does King is not upset
not care about the about the murder;
makes on the people in the court. Briggs thinks it is a tactic murder he is probably more
involved than Steve
to connect Bobo to King and make King look bad. Bobo does not mention maybe Steve was not
Steve much in his very involved in the
2. Inference Bobo hardly knows Steve. He says that he never description of the
crime
crime

spoke to Steve when planning the robbery. How could this

affect Steve’s trial? From what the characters reveal, what can you conclude about Steve’s
involvement in the robbery?

It is possible that Steve had nothing to do with the robbery He was not involved with the planning or the actual murder.
Bobo does say that Steve was the lookout person, so it is
based on the way Bobo acts toward Steve. Maybe the jury still unclear whether or not Steve agreed to be involved. The
readers know that Steve was in the drugstore so he lied
will consider Steve innocent. which makes his innocence questionable.

Teacher’s Guide page 6 of 14 © Hampton-Brown

Monster
Pages 150–209 Answers for Before You Move On
Pages 150 – 209 Student Journal, page 11
Monster
PAGE 162
Respond to Pages 150–209
1. Summarize Reread pages 150–152. Bobo’s testimony was 1. Personal Response Steve experiments with making films to try to
learn more about himself and who he is. What is something you enjoy
not good for Steve. Why not? If King’s lawyer can connect doing? Why?

King and Steve, it will make Steve look bad. Bobo showed
that Steve was involved.
2. Judgments Even though we know that Steve was in the drugstore
during the crime, the author never states whether he is guilty or not.
2. Conclusions How could the testimonies of Moore and Do you think Steve is guilty of a crime? Use the word defense in your
response.

Nipping help King? Moore said that King was with her during
the robbery. Nipping said that King was not the shooter
because King is left-handed. 3. Cause and Effect How has Steve’s life changed because of his
experience in prison and the trial?

Steve has had to question whether or not he is a good

PAGE 175 person. He has seen how horrible prison is and he wants
to improve himself because of it. He will always struggle to
1. Character Reread what Steve wrote in his diary on page gain his parents trust and respect.
91. His testimony on page 165 seems to be a lie. Why does What If?
Steve lie in court? Steve might have taken the advice of the 4. Connect Look at your notes on Student Journal, page 2. Think about what would
happen if you were not considered innocent until proven guilty. Compare this to
inmates when they said you need to do whatever it takes to Monster. Was Steve judged unfairly?

not go to jail.

2. Paraphrase On page 175, what does Mr. Sawicki mean

when he says that only an honest person can make an
honest film? He means that Steve’s films honestly portray
life in his neighborhood. Student Journal, page 12
Monster
PAGE 196
Respond to Pages 150–209, continued
1. Summarize On pages 176–180, how does Briggs try to 5. Perspectives On pages 150–209, the lawyers give their closing
statements. Write 2 important points that Petrocelli, Briggs, and
persuade the jury that King is not guilty? He argues that the O’Brien make. Use the Cluster to answer the question.

testimonies of the people who accused King are unreliable Cluster

Bobo’s only at the trial because Steve is
because they are criminals looking for a deal. the police offered him a deal. honest.

2. Comparisons How are the closing arguments that O’Brien Briggs O’Brien

and Petrocelli give different from each other? O’Brien wants

to convince the jury that there is no evidence against Steve The State has
not produced
Steve did
not signal
and that he is a good person. Petrocelli says that there is one witness. anything.
Closing Statements
evidence and that character does not matter—the facts
matter.
Steve let himself This trial is
PAGE 209 be part of a plan Petrocelli not about
that resulted in a character.
1. Conclusions On page 207, O’Brien is not friendly to Steve man’s death.
when the trial is over even though he is found innocent. Why
If you were a member of the jury, would you find Steve innocent or
not? Perhaps she feels Steve is guilty. guilty based on the closing statements? Why?

Students may find him innocent because there is not

enough evidence against him. Students may find him guilty
2. Character Reread pages 208–209. How has Steve changed because Bobo was a witness and said Steve was involved.
because of the trial? Steve is more aware of the kind of
person he is and the kind of person he wants to be.

Teacher’s Guide page 7 of 14 © Hampton-Brown

Monster

Monster, inside back cover

Exchange Discussion
THE QUESTION

Is everyone considered innocent until proven guilty? Review the work you did in your Student Journal. Take
your book and your Journal with you to The Exchange
book discussion.

EXCHANGE IDEAS
• In what ways does it seem like Steve is guilty? • Tell the group why you would recommend or not
Everyone, except his mother, treats him like he is a bad person. recommend this book.
• Compare this book to something it reminded you
Detectives Karyl and Williams handcuff Steve when they claim they of, such as another book, a movie, a TV show, or a
personal experience.
are only taking him in for questioning. The jury assumes he is like • Why do you think the author wrote this book?
other prisoners because he looks like them. Even Steve’s lawyer THE QUESTION
doubts his innocence. Is everyone considered innocent until
proven guilty?
• If you were one of the jurors, would you have found Steve to be • In what ways does it seem like Steve is guilty?
• If you were one of the jurors, would you have found
guilty or innocent? How would you have made your decision? Steve to be guilty or innocent? How would you have
made your decision?
• Think of an example in the news in which a person
• Think of an example in the news in which a person was treated was treated unfairly because of their age, gender, or
unfairly because of their age, gender, or ethnicity. Share the ethnicity. Share the story with your Exchange group.

story with your Exchange Group. REFLECT

Summarize your Exchange. How did this book change the
way you see something? What questions do you still have?
How will you answer them?

Discussion Rubric
Evaluate the Discussion Evaluate the Discussion
Use the reproducible master from page 9 of this Teacher’s Guide Excellent Good Fair

to evaluate The Exchange discussion. The form may also be used Everyone participated. Most people participated. Only a few people
participated.
by students for group assessment. Everyone spoke clearly. Most people spoke clearly. Some people did not speak
clearly.

Everyone listened carefully. Most people listened Some people did not listen
carefully. carefully.

We stayed on the topic We stayed on the topic We did not stay on the
throughout the discussion. most of the time. topic all the time.

We responded to each We commented on each We did not make many

other’s thoughts and ideas other’s thoughts and ideas comments on each other’s
often. sometimes. thoughts and ideas.

Most people used examples Many people used Only a few people used
from the book to support examples from the book examples from the book
their points. to support their points. to support their points.

Most people gave detailed Many people gave detailed Only a few people gave
answers using their answers using their detailed answers.
experiences and even other experiences.
texts.

Notes:

Teacher’s Guide page 8 of 14 © Hampton-Brown

Book Title Date

Evaluate the Discussion

Excellent Good Fair

Everyone participated. Most people participated. Only a few people

participated.

Everyone spoke clearly. Most people spoke clearly. Some people did not speak
clearly.

Everyone listened carefully. Most people listened Some people did not listen
carefully. carefully.

We stayed on the topic We stayed on the topic We did not stay on the
throughout the discussion. most of the time. topic all the time.

We responded to each We commented on each We did not make many

other’s thoughts and ideas other’s thoughts and ideas comments on each other’s
often. sometimes. thoughts and ideas.

Most people used examples Many people used Only a few people used
from the book to support examples from the book examples from the book
their points. to support their points. to support their points.

Most people gave detailed Many people gave detailed Only a few people gave
answers using their answers using their detailed answers.
experiences and even other experiences.
texts.

Notes:

© Hampton-Brown
Monster

Assessment Assessment Part I

Monster Name:

Assess students’ understanding of Monster by administering the

Assessment Part I
multiple-choice test and essay questions. (Teacher’s Guide,
pages 11–13) Circle the best answer.

1. Which of the following is the best plot 2. Petrocelli is the attorney representing the State
summary for Monster? of New York. She is also known as the—
How you administer the Assessment depends on your objective. A Steve Harmon is on trial for a murder that A prosecutor
happened during a drugstore robbery.
You may choose to use the test as: Steve believes that the prosecutor thinks B judge
he is a monster. And he worries that his C defendant
parents don’t believe he is innocent. He
D witness
• an open-book test to allow students to continue practicing decides to record the events of the trial
as a movie. Ultimately, Steve is found
3. Why does O’Brien call George Sawicki to
innocent and released from prison.
reading strategies and/or become familiar with a typical B Steve Harmon’s mother is shocked when
the stand?
A To prove that Steve lives in a rough and
standardized test format the police come to her house one day and
take Steve away. There is a robbery and
violent neighborhood
Steve is suspected as being part of it. One B To help the prosecutor make a stronger
of the accused, James King, wears a brown case against King
• a closed-book test to check students’ comprehension of the suit to trial. But another accused, Bobo,
comes to the trial in a wrinkled prison outfit. C Because Mr. Sawicki is the only friend
that Steve has
book and their abilities in various reading skills Most of the prisoners think they are not
considered innocent until proven guility. D To allow the jury to listen to someone who
C Steve Harmon loves making movies. He is in
knows Steve’s character
prison and writes a screenplay about being 4. Which sentence suggests that O’Brien is not
• a take-home test to allow students to practice reading strategies on trial for murder. When Steve’s prosecutor
calls him a “monster,” he decides this is
convinced that Steve is innocent?

as well as test-taking skills a good name for his film. His film teacher
comes to his trial one day and talks about
A She smiled at me, and I felt embarrassed
that a smile should mean so much. We
how honest Steve’s films are. After Steve talked awhile longer and I realized that I
is released from prison, he sometimes sets did not want her to go.
Suggested point values are as follows: up a camera and films himself.
B And that’s all I ask of you: to reach into
D Steve Harmon is accused of robbing a your hearts and minds and bring forth that

Assessment Part I: 5 points per question for a total of 50 points drugstore. During the robbery the owner is
shot and killed. Steve is really scared and
measure of justice.
C Is your stomach still upset?
doesn’t think his lawyer believes that he is
innocent. He used to look up to King and D Before she left, Miss O’Brien warned me
Assessment Part II: 40 points possible (see Scoring Guide, Bobo who planned the crime. He thought not to write anything in my notebook that I
they were tough. Osvaldo was also involved did not want the prosecutor to see.
page 14) in the crime. When they ask Steve to be the
lookout, he shrugs, so we’re not really sure
if he wanted to be part of the crime or not.

Assessment Part II Assessment Part I, continued

Monster Monster Name:

Guidelines for Short Essay Assessment Part I, continued

Have students write a short essay in response to one of the writing prompts
Circle the best answer.
below. Use the Scoring Guide to assist in your evaluation of their essays.
5. O’Brien is the attorney representing Steve. 8. The journal passages in the story are
A. Pretend you are a reporter. What questions would you ask Steve before and
She is also known as the attorney. important because they—
after the trial? Write an article about the results of the trial. Include details
from the case, and make the questions focus on the trial. A judicial A describe what happens in court
Responses should include questions like, “Who do you think will be called to testify in this
B prosecuting B explain the robbery
case?”, “How does it feel to be so young and on trial for murder?”, “Do you feel that the
jury was fair?”, or “What will you do now that you are free?” Students should write an article C defense C give information about Steve’s character,
based on answers from the questions. It should include opinions about whether Steve was
truly innocent or not.
feelings, and fears
D court
D include directions for the cameramen
6. From Osvaldo’s testimony on the stand, the
B. This book is written as a screenplay and diary entries. What purpose do the
reader can conclude that Osvaldo— 9. Osvaldo Cruz, Sal Zinzi, and Bobo Evans
diary entries have? How might this book have been different if the people
each have something to gain by testifying for
involved in the trial had access to Steve’s diary entries? A plans to admit that he participated in
the prosecution. Because of this, the reader
Responses should include a statement that says the diary entries allowed the reader to the crime and is willing to accept the
can conclude that—
know Steve as a person rather than as a stereotype. If the people involved in the trial had consequences
access to Steve’s thoughts and feelings, they might have treated him more like a human A the testimony of a criminal with something
being instead of judging him based on a stereotype. B wants to make a deal to avoid going to
to gain might not be truthful
prison for his participation in the crime
B lawyers do not investigate the background
C helped plan the crime but is not willing to
of their witnesses very well
admit he had any part in the crime
Scoring Guide C if a prisoner testifies, the prosecution will
D is innocent and wants whoever was
lose the case
involved in the crime to be punished
Description of the response:
D if a prisoner testifies, the person on trial
7. Which of these statements best reflects
4 • Interpretation is accurate and thoughtful must be guilty
• Explanation is fully developed Mrs. Harmon’s attitude at the end of the
• Support includes specific and relevant text evidence story? 10. On the stand, Steve does not admit to being
• All parts of the question are clearly addressed in the drugstore during the crime. From
A She does not understand why Steve
3 • Interpretation is adequate Steve’s testimony, the reader can conclude
studies himself on film, and she is no
• Explanation is developed but may lack some insight that—
• Support includes most specific and relevant text evidence
longer positive that Steve is innocent.
• All parts of the question are addressed to some degree A Steve was making a film when the crime
B She does not understand why Steve
was committed
2 • Interpretation is literal or limited studies himself on film, but she is happy
• Explanation is incomplete to have him home. B the prosecutor’s witnesses lied when they
• Support includes some specific and relevant text evidence
testified
• Only parts of the question are addressed and mostly in a limited way C She believes that Steve is guilty, and she
• Interpretation is weak no longer wants Steve around his brother. C Steve lied on the stand and was more
1
• Explanation is vague involved in the crime than he admitted
• Support includes few, if any, relevant details from the text
D She is terrified that King will be released
• Only one part of the question is minimally addressed from prison and that Steve will be involved D the jurors disregarded the facts when they
in another crime. decided Steve is innocent
0 Response is totally incorrect or irrelevant

Teacher’s Guide page 10 of 14 © Hampton-Brown

Monster Name:

Assessment Part I
Circle the best answer.

1. Which of the following is the best plot 2. Petrocelli is the attorney representing the State
summary for Monster? of New York. She is also known as the—
A Steve Harmon is on trial for a murder that A prosecutor
happened during a drugstore robbery.
B judge
Steve believes that the prosecutor thinks
he is a monster. And he worries that his C defendant
parents don’t believe he is innocent. He
decides to record the events of the trial D witness
as a movie. Ultimately, Steve is found
3. Why does O’Brien call George Sawicki to
innocent and released from prison.
the stand?
B Steve Harmon’s mother is shocked when
A To prove that Steve lives in a rough and
the police come to her house one day and
violent neighborhood
take Steve away. There is a robbery and
Steve is suspected as being part of it. One B To help the prosecutor make a stronger
of the accused, James King, wears a brown case against King
suit to trial. But another accused, Bobo,
C Because Mr. Sawicki is the only friend
comes to the trial in a wrinkled prison outfit.
Most of the prisoners think they are not that Steve has
considered innocent until proven guility. D To allow the jury to listen to someone who
C Steve Harmon loves making movies. He is in
knows Steve’s character
prison and writes a screenplay about being 4. Which sentence suggests that O’Brien is not
on trial for murder. When Steve’s prosecutor convinced that Steve is innocent?
calls him a “monster,” he decides this is
a good name for his film. His film teacher A She smiled at me, and I felt embarrassed
comes to his trial one day and talks about that a smile should mean so much. We
how honest Steve’s films are. After Steve talked awhile longer and I realized that I
is released from prison, he sometimes sets did not want her to go.
up a camera and films himself.
B And that’s all I ask of you: to reach into
D Steve Harmon is accused of robbing a your hearts and minds and bring forth that
drugstore. During the robbery the owner is measure of justice.
shot and killed. Steve is really scared and
C Is your stomach still upset?
doesn’t think his lawyer believes that he is
innocent. He used to look up to King and D Before she left, Miss O’Brien warned me
Bobo who planned the crime. He thought not to write anything in my notebook that I
they were tough. Osvaldo was also involved did not want the prosecutor to see.
in the crime. When they ask Steve to be the
lookout, he shrugs, so we’re not really sure
if he wanted to be part of the crime or not.
© Hampton-Brown
Monster Name:

Assessment Part I, continued

Circle the best answer.

5. O’Brien is the attorney representing Steve. 8. The journal passages in the story are
She is also known as the attorney. important because they—
A judicial A describe what happens in court

B prosecuting B explain the robbery

C defense C give information about Steve’s character,

feelings, and fears
D court
D include directions for the cameramen
6. From Osvaldo’s testimony on the stand, the
reader can conclude that Osvaldo— 9. Osvaldo Cruz, Sal Zinzi, and Bobo Evans
each have something to gain by testifying for
A plans to admit that he participated in
the prosecution. Because of this, the reader
the crime and is willing to accept the
can conclude that—
consequences
A the testimony of a criminal with something
B wants to make a deal to avoid going to
to gain might not be truthful
prison for his participation in the crime
B lawyers do not investigate the background
C helped plan the crime but is not willing to
of their witnesses very well
admit he had any part in the crime
C if a prisoner testifies, the prosecution will
D is innocent and wants whoever was
lose the case
involved in the crime to be punished
D if a prisoner testifies, the person on trial
7. Which of these statements best reflects
must be guilty
Mrs. Harmon’s attitude at the end of the
story? 10. On the stand, Steve does not admit to being
in the drugstore during the crime. From
A She does not understand why Steve
Steve’s testimony, the reader can conclude
studies himself on film, and she is no
that—
longer positive that Steve is innocent.
A Steve was making a film when the crime
B She does not understand why Steve
was committed
studies himself on film, but she is happy
to have him home. B the prosecutor’s witnesses lied when they
testified
C She believes that Steve is guilty, and she
no longer wants Steve around his brother. C Steve lied on the stand and was more
involved in the crime than he admitted
D She is terrified that King will be released
from prison and that Steve will be involved D the jurors disregarded the facts when they
in another crime. decided Steve is innocent

© Hampton-Brown
Monster Name:

Assessment Part II
Choose one question to answer. Write 3–4 paragraphs. Use
3 examples from the text to support your answer. Continue
your essay on a separate sheet of paper if necessary.

A. Pretend you are a reporter. What questions would you ask Steve before
and after the trial? Write an article about the results of the trial. Include
details from the case, and make the questions focus on the trial.

B. This book is written as a screenplay and diary entries. What purpose

do the diary entries have? How might this book have been different if
the people involved in the trial had access to Steve’s diary entries?
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© Hampton-Brown
Monster

Guidelines for Short Essay

Have students write a short essay in response to one of the writing prompts
below. Use the Scoring Guide to assist in your evaluation of their essays.

A. Pretend you are a reporter. What questions would you ask Steve before and
after the trial? Write an article about the results of the trial. Include details
from the case, and make the questions focus on the trial.
Responses should include questions like, “Who do you think will be called to testify in this
case?”, “How does it feel to be so young and on trial for murder?”, “Do you feel that the
jury was fair?”, or “What will you do now that you are free?” Students should write an article
based on answers from the questions. It should include opinions about whether Steve was
truly innocent or not.

B. This book is written as a screenplay and diary entries. What purpose do the
diary entries have? How might this book have been different if the people
involved in the trial had access to Steve’s diary entries?
Responses should include a statement that says the diary entries allowed the reader to
know Steve as a person rather than as a stereotype. If the people involved in the trial had
access to Steve’s thoughts and feelings, they might have treated him more like a human
being instead of judging him based on a stereotype.

Scoring Guide
Description of the response:
4 • Interpretation is accurate and thoughtful
• Explanation is fully developed
• Support includes specific and relevant text evidence
• All parts of the question are clearly addressed

3 • Interpretation is adequate
• Explanation is developed but may lack some insight
• Support includes most specific and relevant text evidence
• All parts of the question are addressed to some degree

2 • Interpretation is literal or limited

• Explanation is incomplete
• Support includes some specific and relevant text evidence
• Only parts of the question are addressed and mostly in a limited way

1 • Interpretation is weak
• Explanation is vague
• Support includes few, if any, relevant details from the text
• Only one part of the question is minimally addressed

0 Response is totally incorrect or irrelevant

Teacher’s Guide page 14 of 14 © Hampton-Brown