Banned Books Monster by Walter Dean Myers

We continue our series highlighting episodes that feature books that have been banned or challenged. This week, it’s Walter Dean Myers’ tale of a kid on trial for murder “Monster.” 

 In 2021, parents in Signal Mountain Middle/High School in Tennessee complained about mature language and sexual content in some 7th grade reading club selections. In response, a teacher told parents she was removing “Monster” from the reading list. 

Myers reacted to the book ban by saying,”I think that most often the people wanting to censor books are well-meaning and concerned about the welfare of their children. But I suggest that children will be exposed to the world in spite of their efforts, and that exposure is best handled in a school setting. I write to establish the humanity of the children I identify as my major audience. I’m not trying to push any boundaries.”

 Give a listen as a group of readers from Washington,DC discuss the book and make up your own mind.