Monster by Walter Dean Myers

The book is a powerful exploration of the American juvenile justice system through the eyes of a 16-year-old African-American boy who is on trial for his alleged involvement in a robbery-turned-murder. As he faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, the protagonist grapples with his identity, the perceptions of others, and the harsh realities of a system that is quick to label him a monster. The narrative is uniquely presented through a mix of screenplay format and diary entries, offering an introspective and multifaceted look at the protagonist's experiences and the complexities of morality, truth, and humanity within the confines of a legal battle for his future.

The 6268th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 102

Since this book was first published in 1999, there is a penalty of 40.0%. The age adjusted score is 61.2.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.