Exploring Outsiders and Outcasts: A Classroom Journey with Monster
Help me give my students 26 copies of Monster by Walter Dean Myers so they can explore themes of identity, justice, and societal perceptions in a unit focused on Outsiders and Outcasts.
$372 goal
This project expired on July 9, 2025.
This project expired on July 9, 2025.
My Project
In our classroom, we explore the complex themes of identity, justice, and societal perceptions through the lens of "Outsiders and Outcasts." To deepen our understanding, I am requesting 26 copies of Monster by Walter Dean Myers, a compelling novel that follows the life of Steve Harmon, a young man on trial for his involvement in a robbery-turned-murder. As we explore the intersection of race, the legal system, and the idea of being judged by others, Monster offers a powerful narrative for students to engage with critical questions about bias, personal integrity, and what it means to be an outsider in society.
The book’s format, written as a screenplay interspersed with Steve's journal entries, will engage my students, encouraging them to think critically and express their ideas about the themes of justice, identity, and belonging.
This unit will encourage thoughtful class discussions, creative projects, and personal reflections as we draw parallels between the story and the broader context of societal expectations and personal experiences.
With 26 copies, all my students will have the opportunity to read, discuss, and engage with the text in meaningful ways. By connecting this novel to a unit on Outsiders and Outcasts, I hope to foster empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those who feel marginalized or misunderstood. Your generous support will help ensure that each student has access to this powerful resource, enabling them to reflect on their own identity and the world around them. Thank you for helping us bring Monster into our classroom!
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
26 students impacted
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Crabtree and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
