Monster
By Walter Dean Myers
"While on trial as an accomplice to a murder, sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon records his experiences in prison and in the courtroom in the form of a film script as he tries to come to terms with the course his life has taken." - HELM
Why was this book challenged?
Banned book element tile
Reasons: Profanity, Violence, Sexual Content
In 2020, a teacher removed two books, including Monster, from her school reading list. Local3News quoted an email from the teacher where she told parents she pulled the books because they contain "mature content that not every student would be comfortable reading." The other book she pulled from the reading list is All American Boys, which is also included in our Periodic Table of Banned Books.
See our Frequently Asked Questions webpage for more information about why books written by Black authors that address systemic racism are frequently targeted for censorship.
Ways to read this book at STCC!
Members of the STCC community have full borrowing privileges at the STCC Library, located in Building 19, 2nd Floor, provided they are actively registered in the college system and their records are in good standing.
Database access and e-content is available to all students, faculty, and staff using the following credentials:
Username: STCC ID number
Password: Last name in capital letters.
Print Book
eBook
eBook not available at STCC, please see other options below
Additional Resources and Accessibility
If you prefer to listen to your books, or if the print or eBook versions of this book are checked out at STCC, you have additional checkout options through Massachusetts public libraries. CW/MARS and Boston Public Library eCards will give you access to eBook and Audiobook versions of this book. You can also download the Libby app to listen to audiobooks on your smartphone. These resources are outside of STCC Library, please consult your local public library for any questions regarding these outside resources.
Check public libraries in Western Massachusetts via CW/MARS:
Residents of Massachusetts can sign up for a Boston Public Library eCard, to access their digital materials such as eBooks and downloadable audiobooks. Follow the instructions on the BPL's website: