Teacher’s Guide
Monster
Reading Level
Genre/Length
Language Register
Content Load
Selected Awards
Lexile 670
Contemporary Fiction; 209 pages
Technical, Legal, and Movie Terms; Slang
Criminal Trial, Teen Issues, Discrimination
Michael L. Printz Award
National Book Award Finalist
THE EXCHANGE QUESTION
Is everyone considered innocent
until proven guilty?
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
Journal pages, have a class discussion. At the end of the book,
the class meets for The Exchange.
• Small Groups Read the book Introduction with the group.
Group members then read an agreed-upon number of pages,
complete the corresponding Student Journal pages, and meet
to discuss. When they finish the book, they meet again for The
Exchange. Use the planner on Student Journal, page 1 to
establish meeting times.
Monster
by Walter Dean Myers
Reading Schedule
Group members:
Monster
Student Journal
Introduction
Pages 2–4
Pages 11–52
Pages 5–6
Pages 53–98
Pages 7–8
Pages 99–149
Pages 9–10
Pages 150–209
Pages 11–12
Due Date
Discussion Date
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,
page 2 and monitor their discussion of the What If? scenario.
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
The Exchange and record it on the planner.
Is everyone
considered
innocent until
proven guilty?
Student Journal, page 2
Monster
Getting Started
Getting Started
What If?
Have students read What If? on Student Journal, page 2
and discuss the scenario. Encourage students to describe the
similarities and differences between the scenario and their lives and
imagine how the situation would affect them.
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
the same person. Everybody thinks you are a troublemaker, too.
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
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.
Make notes about how this would affect you.
• Have students write their responses to the three questions below
the scenario and compare answers with a partner or the group.
• What would you do?
• Is it possible to be judged fairly in this situation?
• 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
comprehension with the three follow-up questions on Student
Journal, page 3.
Introduction
Read the Introduction on pages 7–9 in Monster. The Introduction will help
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
graphic organizer on Student Journal, page 4. After studying the
example, they should create similar graphic organizers to focus
their understanding of the remaining Key Concepts.
Introduction: Key Concepts
Word Web
Key Concepts
Study the Word Web for screenplay. What words does screenplay
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
1. Comparisons How is the diary different from the screenplay?
Compare how they look, how they tell the story, and how
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. Inference Reread pages 20–21. What do people think of
Steve? How do you know?
The guard implies that Steve is guilty and the judge will just
go through the motions and lock him up. So people are
already assuming he’s guilty.
PAGE 42
1. Assumption What does Steve assume that makes him write
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
author included this?
To make the reader question whether Steve takes
responsibility for any of his actions.
PAGE 52
Respond to Pages 11– 52
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
that people have to believe in themselves in order for others to believe
in them?
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
that could help them win their case.
3. Analogy How does Steve draw the analogy between the viewers of a
film and the jury of a court trial?
He includes a flashback scene of something Mr. Sawicki
said to him about films. Viewers judge the quality of a film
just like a jury judges the person on trial.
4. Generate Questions Write a question about this section for someone
else reading this book. Exchange questions with them. Do you agree
with their answer?
Student Journal, page 6
Monster
Respond to Pages 11– 52, continued
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.
Venn Diagram
1. Conflict Reread pages 46–47. Why does Steve stay quiet
while his neighbors are making plans to steal money?
Even though Steve understands how bad it is to not have
enough money to live, he is not sure that stealing is the
solution.
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.
Petrocelli’s Statement
Some people
are monsters
who break the
laws.
James King and
Steve Harmon
must be found
guilty.
Both
O’Brien’s Statement
Laws also
The quilty
protect the
must be
accused.
punished.
Steve is
Laws protect
innocent
citizens.
until proven
guilty.
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
1. Inference On page 53 Steve says he does not feel like he
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
Karyl gets witnesses to give information? He objects to the
deals Karyl makes with prisoners because they could be
getting false information.
PAGE 73
Respond to Pages 53–98
1. Personal Response Steve does not feel as if anyone knows who he
really is as a person. Have you ever felt misunderstood?
2. Mood What is the mood in prison like? How does it make Steve feel
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
constantly feels scared and self-conscious. He is
depending on the judicial system to give him a fair trial
so he does not have to go to prison.
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
you’re on trial. What else do they need to know?” What does
she mean? The jury may assume Steve is guilty because he
fits the stereotypical description of a young criminal.
Steve’s father sees his son on trial for murder. The Close
Ups reveal that he is in pain and not completely convinced
of his son’s innocence. He has started to believe the same
stereotypes as everyone else involved with the trial.
4. Generate Questions Write a question about this section for someone
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
Steve see King in a different way now? He used to want to
be tough like King but now he realizes that nobody can scare
him the way prison can.
2. Summarize How does O’Brien show that Osvaldo could be
lying about being afraid? She shows that he was not afraid
to be in a gang or of cutting a stranger’s face or beating up
his girlfriend.
PAGE 98
1. Inference Reread pages 89–91. What is the hardest part for
Steve as he watches his father cry? Steve can see that his
father is starting to doubt his innocence.
2. Symbolism On page 92, Steve is holding a basketball.
What could it mean when his basketball is in the gutter on
page 94? Loss of innocence. Realization that he is involved in
something serious.
Teacher’s Guide
page
5 of 14
Student Journal, page 8
Monster
Respond to Pages 53–98, continued
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.
T Chart
Events of the Trial
Steve’s Reaction
Petrocelli uses Bolden’s
testimony as a trail to Steve
and King.
Steve thinks Bolden’s
testimony makes the
jury think that he is no
different than Bolden.
Osvaldo Cruz says he was
Steve thinks about how
forced into the crime.
Osvaldo acted tough and
unafraid on the streets.
Junior high kids watch the
Steve can easily see
trial.
himself as one of those
students afraid to look at
a prisoner.
O’Brien says the trial is not Steve wonders if anyone
making Steve look innocent. cares about who he
really is.
How does being able to read Steve’s journal entries affect the way the
reader thinks about the trial?
The reader is able to get to know Steve through his
thoughts and feelings and that allows the reader to know
and have sympathy for Steve. The reader learns that Steve
is a good person even though everyone involved in the trial
thinks he is a monster.
© Hampton-Brown
Monster
Pages 99–149
Answers for Before You Move On
Pages 99 – 149
Student Journal, page 9
Monster
PAGE 114
1. Connotation What does Steve mean when he says, “I
felt embarrassed that a smile should mean so much” on
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. Character’s Point of View Steve’s mother believes he is
innocent. Why does Steve think he is fooling himself into
thinking he is innocent?
All of the other prisoners try to convince themselves that they
are innocent when they are clearly guilty. He probably thinks
that he is just like them when he tells himself he is innocent.
PAGE 129
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.
2. Conclusions On page 121, Steve says the State will call
their star witnesses. Why is Lorelle Henry a star witness?
As a local librarian, others view her as a good and
trustworthy citizen. She was also in the store at the time of
the robbery and is able to identify King.
Respond to Pages 99–149
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
one person who believed in you? How did that person make things
better for you?
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.
The other inmates admit to committing crimes. They talk
casually about their long sentences and about how the
legal system works. Steve may become hardened in order
to survive in prison.
3. Character’s Point of View How does Steve feel after his family visits
him in prison and his brother is not allowed inside?
Steve feels like he does not belong in prison and he is
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
be allowed inside as a visitor because he is too young.
4. Generate Questions Write a question about this section for someone
else reading this book. Exchange questions with them. Do you agree
with their answer?
Student Journal, page 10
Monster
Respond to Pages 99–149, continued
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
involvement.
Character Description Chart
PAGE 149
Character
1. Character Bobo comes to court wearing his prison clothes
and looking very messy. What does this say about Bobo?
Bobo does not care what he looks like or the impression he
makes on the people in the court. Briggs thinks it is a tactic
to connect Bobo to King and make King look bad.
2. Inference Bobo hardly knows Steve. He says that he never
spoke to Steve when planning the robbery. How could this
affect Steve’s trial?
It is possible that Steve had nothing to do with the robbery
based on the way Bobo acts toward Steve. Maybe the jury
will consider Steve innocent.
Teacher’s Guide
page
6 of 14
Steve
King
Bobo
What the
Character Does
What This Shows
About Steve’s Involvement
admits that he
walked into the
drugstore but did
not do anything
acts like he does
not care about the
murder
he could have been
involved in the robbery
does not mention
Steve much in his
description of the
crime
King is not upset
about the murder;
he is probably more
involved than Steve
maybe Steve was not
very involved in the
crime
From what the characters reveal, what can you conclude about Steve’s
involvement in 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
still unclear whether or not Steve agreed to be involved. The
readers know that Steve was in the drugstore so he lied
which makes his innocence questionable.
© Hampton-Brown
Monster
Pages 150–209
Answers for Before You Move On
Pages 150 – 209
Student Journal, page 11
Monster
PAGE 162
1. Summarize Reread pages 150–152. Bobo’s testimony was
not good for Steve. Why not? If King’s lawyer can connect
King and Steve, it will make Steve look bad. Bobo showed
that Steve was involved.
2. Conclusions How could the testimonies of Moore and
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.
PAGE 175
1. Character Reread what Steve wrote in his diary on page
91. His testimony on page 165 seems to be a lie. Why does
Steve lie in court? Steve might have taken the advice of the
inmates when they said you need to do whatever it takes to
not go to jail.
Respond to Pages 150–209
1. Personal Response Steve experiments with making films to try to
learn more about himself and who he is. What is something you enjoy
doing? Why?
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.
Do you think Steve is guilty of a crime? Use the word defense in your
response.
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
person. He has seen how horrible prison is and he wants
to improve himself because of it. He will always struggle to
gain his parents trust and respect.
What If?
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
Monster. Was Steve judged unfairly?
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.
Monster
PAGE 196
1. Summarize On pages 176–180, how does Briggs try to
persuade the jury that King is not guilty? He argues that the
testimonies of the people who accused King are unreliable
because they are criminals looking for a deal.
2. Comparisons How are the closing arguments that O’Brien
and Petrocelli give different from each other? O’Brien wants
to convince the jury that there is no evidence against Steve
and that he is a good person. Petrocelli says that there is
evidence and that character does not matter—the facts
matter.
PAGE 209
1. Conclusions On page 207, O’Brien is not friendly to Steve
when the trial is over even though he is found innocent. Why
not? Perhaps she feels Steve is guilty.
2. Character Reread pages 208–209. How has Steve changed
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
Student Journal, page 12
page
7 of 14
Respond to Pages 150–209, continued
5. Perspectives On pages 150–209, the lawyers give their closing
statements. Write 2 important points that Petrocelli, Briggs, and
O’Brien make. Use the Cluster to answer the question.
Cluster
Steve is
honest.
Bobo’s only at the trial because
the police offered him a deal.
Briggs
O’Brien
Steve did
not signal
anything.
The State has
not produced
one witness.
Closing Statements
Steve let himself
be part of a plan
that resulted in a
man’s death.
Petrocelli
This trial is
not about
character.
If you were a member of the jury, would you find Steve innocent or
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
because Bobo was a witness and said Steve was involved.
© 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?
Everyone, except his mother, treats him like he is a bad person.
Detectives Karyl and Williams handcuff Steve when they claim they
are only taking him in for questioning. The jury assumes he is like
other prisoners because he looks like them. Even Steve’s lawyer
doubts his innocence.
• Tell the group why you would recommend or not
recommend this book.
• Compare this book to something it reminded you
of, such as another book, a movie, a TV show, or a
personal experience.
• Why do you think the author wrote this book?
THE QUESTION
Is everyone considered innocent until
proven guilty?
• If you were one of the jurors, would you have found Steve to be
guilty or innocent? How would you have made your decision?
• In what ways does it seem like Steve is guilty?
• If you were one of the jurors, would you have found
Steve to be guilty or innocent? How would you have
made your decision?
• Think of an example in the news in which a person
was treated unfairly because of their age, gender, or
ethnicity. Share the story with your Exchange group.
• Think of an example in the news in which a person was treated
unfairly because of their age, gender, or ethnicity. Share the
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
to evaluate The Exchange discussion. The form may also be used
by students for group assessment.
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
carefully.
Some people did not listen
carefully.
We stayed on the topic
throughout the discussion.
We stayed on the topic
most of the time.
We did not stay on the
topic all the time.
We responded to each
other’s thoughts and ideas
often.
We commented on each
other’s thoughts and ideas
sometimes.
We did not make many
comments on each other’s
thoughts and ideas.
Most people used examples
from the book to support
their points.
Many people used
examples from the book
to support their points.
Only a few people used
examples from the book
to support their points.
Most people gave detailed
answers using their
experiences and even other
texts.
Many people gave detailed
answers using their
experiences.
Only a few people gave
detailed answers.
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
carefully.
Some people did not listen
carefully.
We stayed on the topic
throughout the discussion.
We stayed on the topic
most of the time.
We did not stay on the
topic all the time.
We responded to each
other’s thoughts and ideas
often.
We commented on each
other’s thoughts and ideas
sometimes.
We did not make many
comments on each other’s
thoughts and ideas.
Most people used examples
from the book to support
their points.
Many people used
examples from the book
to support their points.
Only a few people used
examples from the book
to support their points.
Most people gave detailed
answers using their
experiences and even other
texts.
Many people gave detailed
answers using their
experiences.
Only a few people gave
detailed answers.
Notes:
© Hampton-Brown
Monster
Assessment
Assessment Part I
Name:
Monster
Assess students’ understanding of Monster by administering the
multiple-choice test and essay questions. (Teacher’s Guide,
pages 11–13)
Assessment Part I
Circle the best answer.
1. Which of the following is the best plot
How you administer the Assessment depends on your objective.
You may choose to use the test as:
• an open-book test to allow students to continue practicing
reading strategies and/or become familiar with a typical
standardized test format
• a closed-book test to check students’ comprehension of the
book and their abilities in various reading skills
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.
Steve believes that the prosecutor thinks
he is a monster. And he worries that his
parents don’t believe he is innocent. He
decides to record the events of the trial
as a movie. Ultimately, Steve is found
innocent and released from prison.
B Steve Harmon’s mother is shocked when
the police come to her house one day and
take Steve away. There is a robbery and
Steve is suspected as being part of it. One
of the accused, James King, wears a brown
suit to trial. But another accused, Bobo,
comes to the trial in a wrinkled prison outfit.
Most of the prisoners think they are not
considered innocent until proven guility.
C Steve Harmon loves making movies. He is in
• a take-home test to allow students to practice reading strategies
as well as test-taking skills
Suggested point values are as follows:
prison and writes a screenplay about being
on trial for murder. When Steve’s prosecutor
calls him a “monster,” he decides this is
a good name for his film. His film teacher
comes to his trial one day and talks about
how honest Steve’s films are. After Steve
is released from prison, he sometimes sets
up a camera and films himself.
D Steve Harmon is accused of robbing a
Assessment Part I: 5 points per question for a total of 50 points
Assessment Part II: 40 points possible (see Scoring Guide,
page 14)
drugstore. During the robbery the owner is
shot and killed. Steve is really scared and
doesn’t think his lawyer believes that he is
innocent. He used to look up to King and
Bobo who planned the crime. He thought
they were tough. Osvaldo was also involved
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.
Monster
Guidelines for Short Essay
Assessment Part I, continued
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.
Circle the best answer.
5. O’Brien is the attorney representing Steve.
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.
She is also known as the
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.
attorney.
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
the crime and is willing to accept the
consequences
B wants to make a deal to avoid going to
admit he had any part in the crime
D is innocent and wants whoever was
involved in the crime to be punished
•
•
•
•
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
7. Which of these statements best reflects
Mrs. Harmon’s attitude at the end of the
story?
A She does not understand why Steve
1
0
studies himself on film, and she is no
longer positive that Steve is innocent.
B She does not understand why Steve
studies himself on film, but she is happy
to have him home.
C She believes that Steve is guilty, and she
no longer wants Steve around his brother.
D She is terrified that King will be released
from prison and that Steve will be involved
in another crime.
Response is totally incorrect or irrelevant
Teacher’s Guide
that Steve has
D To allow the jury to listen to someone who
knows Steve’s character
4. Which sentence suggests that O’Brien is not
convinced that Steve is innocent?
A She smiled at me, and I felt embarrassed
that a smile should mean so much. We
talked awhile longer and I realized that I
did not want her to go.
B And that’s all I ask of you: to reach into
your hearts and minds and bring forth that
measure of justice.
C Is your stomach still upset?
D Before she left, Miss O’Brien warned me
not to write anything in my notebook that I
did not want the prosecutor to see.
page
10 of 14
8. The journal passages in the story are
important because they—
C give information about Steve’s character,
A plans to admit that he participated in
Description of the response:
•
•
•
•
case against King
C Because Mr. Sawicki is the only friend
B explain the robbery
reader can conclude that Osvaldo—
Scoring Guide
2
violent neighborhood
B To help the prosecutor make a stronger
C defense
C helped plan the crime but is not willing to
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
A To prove that Steve lives in a rough and
A describe what happens in court
prison for his participation in the crime
•
•
•
•
the stand?
B prosecuting
6. From Osvaldo’s testimony on the stand, the
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.
3
D witness
3. Why does O’Brien call George Sawicki to
A judicial
D court
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?
Interpretation is accurate and thoughtful
Explanation is fully developed
Support includes specific and relevant text evidence
All parts of the question are clearly addressed
C defendant
Name:
Monster
•
•
•
•
B judge
Assessment Part I, continued
Assessment Part II
4
2. Petrocelli is the attorney representing the State
summary for Monster?
feelings, and fears
D include directions for the cameramen
9. Osvaldo Cruz, Sal Zinzi, and Bobo Evans
each have something to gain by testifying for
the prosecution. Because of this, the reader
can conclude that—
A the testimony of a criminal with something
to gain might not be truthful
B lawyers do not investigate the background
of their witnesses very well
C if a prisoner testifies, the prosecution will
lose the case
D if a prisoner testifies, the person on trial
must be guilty
10. On the stand, Steve does not admit to being
in the drugstore during the crime. From
Steve’s testimony, the reader can conclude
that—
A Steve was making a film when the crime
was committed
B the prosecutor’s witnesses lied when they
testified
C Steve lied on the stand and was more
involved in the crime than he admitted
D the jurors disregarded the facts when they
decided Steve is innocent
© Hampton-Brown
Name:
Monster
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.
Steve believes that the prosecutor thinks
he is a monster. And he worries that his
parents don’t believe he is innocent. He
decides to record the events of the trial
as a movie. Ultimately, Steve is found
innocent and released from prison.
B Steve Harmon’s mother is shocked when
the police come to her house one day and
take Steve away. There is a robbery and
Steve is suspected as being part of it. One
of the accused, James King, wears a brown
suit to trial. But another accused, Bobo,
comes to the trial in a wrinkled prison outfit.
Most of the prisoners think they are not
considered innocent until proven guility.
C Steve Harmon loves making movies. He is in
prison and writes a screenplay about being
on trial for murder. When Steve’s prosecutor
calls him a “monster,” he decides this is
a good name for his film. His film teacher
comes to his trial one day and talks about
how honest Steve’s films are. After Steve
is released from prison, he sometimes sets
up a camera and films himself.
D Steve Harmon is accused of robbing a
drugstore. During the robbery the owner is
shot and killed. Steve is really scared and
doesn’t think his lawyer believes that he is
innocent. He used to look up to King and
Bobo who planned the crime. He thought
they were tough. Osvaldo was also involved
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.
B judge
C defendant
D witness
3. Why does O’Brien call George Sawicki to
the stand?
A To prove that Steve lives in a rough and
violent neighborhood
B To help the prosecutor make a stronger
case against King
C Because Mr. Sawicki is the only friend
that Steve has
D To allow the jury to listen to someone who
knows Steve’s character
4. Which sentence suggests that O’Brien is not
convinced that Steve is innocent?
A She smiled at me, and I felt embarrassed
that a smile should mean so much. We
talked awhile longer and I realized that I
did not want her to go.
B And that’s all I ask of you: to reach into
your hearts and minds and bring forth that
measure of justice.
C Is your stomach still upset?
D Before she left, Miss O’Brien warned me
not to write anything in my notebook that I
did not want the prosecutor to see.
© Hampton-Brown
Name:
Monster
Assessment Part I, continued
Circle the best answer.
5. O’Brien is the attorney representing Steve.
She is also known as the
attorney.
8. The journal passages in the story are
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,
D court
6. From Osvaldo’s testimony on the stand, the
reader can conclude that Osvaldo—
A plans to admit that he participated in
the crime and is willing to accept the
consequences
B wants to make a deal to avoid going to
prison for his participation in the crime
C helped plan the crime but is not willing to
admit he had any part in the crime
D is innocent and wants whoever was
involved in the crime to be punished
7. Which of these statements best reflects
Mrs. Harmon’s attitude at the end of the
story?
A She does not understand why Steve
studies himself on film, and she is no
longer positive that Steve is innocent.
B She does not understand why Steve
studies himself on film, but she is happy
to have him home.
C She believes that Steve is guilty, and she
no longer wants Steve around his brother.
D She is terrified that King will be released
from prison and that Steve will be involved
in another crime.
feelings, and fears
D include directions for the cameramen
9. Osvaldo Cruz, Sal Zinzi, and Bobo Evans
each have something to gain by testifying for
the prosecution. Because of this, the reader
can conclude that—
A the testimony of a criminal with something
to gain might not be truthful
B lawyers do not investigate the background
of their witnesses very well
C if a prisoner testifies, the prosecution will
lose the case
D if a prisoner testifies, the person on trial
must be guilty
10. On the stand, Steve does not admit to being
in the drugstore during the crime. From
Steve’s testimony, the reader can conclude
that—
A Steve was making a film when the crime
was committed
B the prosecutor’s witnesses lied when they
testified
C Steve lied on the stand and was more
involved in the crime than he admitted
D the jurors disregarded the facts when they
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