Summary Of Monster By Walter Dean Meyers

Monster, a novel written by Walter Dean Meyers, tells of a young black kid named Steve Harmon and his experiences and feelings he encounters during his stay in jail. Steve is on trial for being “the lookout” of a robbery gone wrong, which resulted in the death of the storeowner, Mr. Nesbitt. The man responsible for the death of Mr. Nesbitt was James King who actually pulled the trigger to end Mr. Nesbitt’s life. Yet, Steve is on trial for felony murder for being the so-called “look out”. Steve should not be held responsible for a crime he did not commit. First, Steve who was said to be the lookout was supposed to give King and “Bobo” Evans (the two robbers) “a signal”. However no signal was given. Second there is no evidence Steve had any

The signal was supposed to give King and Evans the all clear sign so there would be no witnesses to the robbery. Despite the fact Steve did not give them a signal the store was not “all clear”. There was a woman inside of the store at the same time Steve was apparently scoping out the store to make sure the coast was clear. A lookouts one and only job is to make sure the store is empty, if Steve was the apparent “lookout” wouldn’t he have gave King and Evans some signal to tell them the coast was not clear? Also Steve received no sort of payment for being the “lookout”. King and Evans both got a cut of the stolen goods in fact everyone but Steve got a cut. That leaves the only explanation to be King and Evans simply needed someone to take down with them and Steve happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong

Steve admits to having casual conversations with King when he saw him around. King, a violent criminal with a record, tries to say the he and Steve spoke of the robbery and Steve agreed to participate. However, Steve, a kind hearted, scared young boy with no record, denies ever speaking with King about the robbery. Steve is a good kid who hardly gets into trouble; Steve’s film teacher George Sawicki backs up this fact. Mr. Sawicki defends Steve and Steve’s character on the stand, which helped the jury realize Steve’s innocence. Mr. Sawicki refers to Steve as “talented, bright, and compassionate”. Throughout the book you learn a lot about Steve and one thing you learn is how Steve is just like any other 16 year old. He just wants to grow up regularly and follow his passion, which is making