Compelling Reasons to Teach Monster

 

A few years back, I found myself stepping into a dream role: teaching an 8th grade reading class. As an avid lover of literature, it felt like the perfect fit. At this time, I was teaching on-level students and had a range of abilities in each class and a vast array of reading interests.  So, I began my quest to find the perfect novel that would allow me to teach important literary concepts to meet the standards while also captivating interest and sparking insightful discussions. After much searching and deliberation, I stumbled upon Walter Dean Myers' Monster.  Then, I read it.  I knew I had found “the one.”

There are so many reasons that I chose to teach this novel to my middle school students.  First,  Monster offers an immersive experience that captivates readers on multiple levels.  From its compelling narrative structure to its relatable (and thought-provoking) themes, Monster has a powerful impact on students.  As an educator, I firmly believe that literature holds the power to be transformative.  Monster is one of those books that moves students, challenges their perspectives and encourages them to critically examine their own beliefs.  

Second, Monster “speaks” to the complexities of the human experience. Through the eyes of its protagonist, Steve Harmon, readers are forced to confront questions of identity, morality, and the pursuit of justice.  It also makes students really think about their preconceived notions of guilt and innocence and offers them the opportunity to explore the often blurred lines between the two.  Throughout the novel, this line is "grainy," continuously shifting as the narrative unfolds.  Monster also prompts readers to contemplate how societal influences shape our perceptions of others.  This is especially important in our world today where many rely heavily on social media for news, commentary, and interpersonal connections.

Which leads me to my next reason - Monster provides a lens through which to examine important social issues such as racial inequality, the juvenile justice system, and the dynamics at play in our criminal justice system.  I'm passionate about integrating current topics into our discussions and am constantly seeking recent articles to enrich our exploration.  What’s really powerful is allowing students to bring current topics (like this case on felony murder) to our discussion.  By delving into these topics, my students are not only honing their reading and critical thinking skills, but they're also gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them and their place within it.

Finally, all of these reasons lead to this final one:  Monster is engaging for students and sparks conversations that matter!  The novel offers SO MANY opportunities for rich discussions.  Watching my students grapple with complex moral dilemmas, wrestle with conflicting emotions, and engage in respectful debate is what teaching is all about. It's these moments of connection and discovery that remind me why I became an educator in the first place.

Today, I teach an honors-level 8th grade class.  All of the literature has changed – except Monster!  The wonderful thing about this novel is that it appeals to people of all ages and students of all ability levels.  (side note: due to some references to mature subject matter, I would recommend teaching this novel 8th graders and up).  As I prepare to embark on another journey with a new group of students, I do so with Monster in hand, eager to introduce them to a story that I hope will leave a lasting impression on their hearts and minds. 

*Take a look at some of the engaging activities I've used with my students while teaching this novel!