34 pages • 1 hour read
Walter Dean MyersShooter
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2004A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
First published in 2004, Shooter is a young adult novel by Walter Dean Myers about a school shooting that explores the perpetrator’s psychological profile and the cultural forces driving the violence. Told through official interviews, police reports, newspaper clippings, and a diary, the story examines US gun culture, bullying, drug abuse, and dysfunctional family dynamics. The book contains descriptions of gun violence, domestic abuse, racist incidents, suicide, anti-gay language, and discussions of sexual assault.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Shooter by Walter Dean Myers delves into the psyche of teens involved in a school shooting. The narrative, presented through interviews, police files, and journal entries, captivates with its realistic portrayal and emotional depth. While praised for its compelling structure and authentic dialogue, some find it disturbingly intense and complex for younger readers. Overall, it's viewed as a powerful, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Shooter?
Readers who would enjoy Walter Dean Myers's Shooter are typically teens and young adults interested in psychological dramas and complex, character-driven narratives. Comparable to books like Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher and We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver, Shooter delves into the minds of troubled youth and their motivations.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
690LBook Details
Bullying
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Mental Illness
Emotions/Behavior: Guilt
Identity: Mental Health
Life/Time: Childhood & Youth
Realistic Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Education