Ibrahim's Very Long Podcast

·22 min·2 clips

Zach details how 'Monster' explores a teenager's murder trial through a movie script format and racial stereotypes.

The episode features Ibrahim interviewing four students from the American Community School of Abu Dhabi about their book club selections. First, Zaina explains 'Monster' by Walter Dean Myers, focusing on the protagonist Steve Harmon, who is on trial for murder and copes by writing his experiences in a script format. She highlights themes of identity and public perception, noting how Steve feels labeled as a monster. Next, Yusuf discusses 'The New Kid,' describing it as a comic book about a new student named Jordan who faces racism and bullying at school, with characters like Liam and Margaret. Then, Nicholas provides a more detailed take on 'The New Kid,' emphasizing microaggressions and racial dynamics in a private school setting, mentioning characters like Drew and incidents of teacher bias. Finally, Zach offers an in-depth summary of 'Monster,' covering Steve's background in Harlem, the robbery plot with James King and Bobo, and the racial stereotypes affecting his trial. The episode concludes with Ibrahim thanking the guests, wrapping up the series of interviews. Throughout, the format is casual and conversational, with students sharing personal insights and avoiding spoilers while discussing key elements of the books.

As heard by us

A student-made book discussion that stays clear, loose, and genuinely candid about two very different novels.

The episode moves from Monster to New Kid, and its strongest quality is the plain way the students present each book. One focuses on a teenager on trial for murder who treats his thoughts like a script, while the other follows Jordan Banks as he starts at a rich private school…

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Why you'd press play

Press play for a student-led book talk that keeps circling back to the microphone.

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