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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
I love Leslie Connor's writing style. It is linear enough for young readers, but compelling enough for adults. Through some magic she writes in that Bugs Bunny style of layered meanings. Adults can understand the complexities of the situation more than the children may, and because of that both adults and children can have a complete narrative experience. Adults can fill in some of the implied issues that may elude children, without losing any narrative strength for the kids. Katherine Erskine has the same talent. In fact, I would say most of the best children's novels do this layering of complex issues: Palacio, Lowry, Bradley, DiCamillo to just brush the tip of the iceberg of great authors with this talent.
In Perry T Cook, Connor explores the meaning of family, loyalty, and friendship through the eyes of a a 6th grade boy (an age that was very intentional I'm sure to show the burgeoning awareness of adult issues) who was raised in a minimum security prison until he is removed. Who is right? The DA who has him removed, but opens his home and family to him, or the warden, who allowed Perry to be raised by his mother. There are no villains in this story, just many perspectives, deftly explored by Leslie Connor and her readers.
In Perry T Cook, Connor explores the meaning of family, loyalty, and friendship through the eyes of a a 6th grade boy (an age that was very intentional I'm sure to show the burgeoning awareness of adult issues) who was raised in a minimum security prison until he is removed. Who is right? The DA who has him removed, but opens his home and family to him, or the warden, who allowed Perry to be raised by his mother. There are no villains in this story, just many perspectives, deftly explored by Leslie Connor and her readers.
Perry Cook's only home in his eleven years of life has been at the Blue River Co-ed Correctional Facility in Surprise, Nebraska. Yes, prison. Thanks to the vision of a forward-thinking warden, Perry has been able to stay with his mom and has come to know the inmates like family. The warden sees Perry's presence, the presence of young innocence, as a beacon of hope to for the residents at Blue River.
But when Thomas VanLeer, the new district attorney in Surprise, Nebraska, hears that a child is living at Blue River, he forces Perry from the only home he's ever known and puts him into a foster home -- his home. Which also happens to be the home of Perry's best friend Zoe because VanLeer is also Zoe's stepfather.
Not only is VanLeer keeping Perry from his mother, he is also (somewhat questionably) holding up her parole hearing due to his desire to conduct an investigation into any wrongdoing by the warden and the prisoners in allowing Perry to live at the prison.
While Perry is incredibly upset and resentful toward VanLeer for keeping him from his mother, he still manages to conduct himself with grace, dignity, and savviness beyond his years.
All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook is a wonderful, heartfelt middle grade novel full of memorable, lovable characters. The story is meant to make you stop and think what it really means to be part of a community and how we view people who are incarcerated. Because this book brings forth those questions of community, Perry's story would be one worth reading aloud to a classroom full of upper elementary students to get kids thinking about what makes communities thrive -- even ones you wouldn't expect, like a prison community.
Review originally posted on my blog.
But when Thomas VanLeer, the new district attorney in Surprise, Nebraska, hears that a child is living at Blue River, he forces Perry from the only home he's ever known and puts him into a foster home -- his home. Which also happens to be the home of Perry's best friend Zoe because VanLeer is also Zoe's stepfather.
Not only is VanLeer keeping Perry from his mother, he is also (somewhat questionably) holding up her parole hearing due to his desire to conduct an investigation into any wrongdoing by the warden and the prisoners in allowing Perry to live at the prison.
While Perry is incredibly upset and resentful toward VanLeer for keeping him from his mother, he still manages to conduct himself with grace, dignity, and savviness beyond his years.
All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook is a wonderful, heartfelt middle grade novel full of memorable, lovable characters. The story is meant to make you stop and think what it really means to be part of a community and how we view people who are incarcerated. Because this book brings forth those questions of community, Perry's story would be one worth reading aloud to a classroom full of upper elementary students to get kids thinking about what makes communities thrive -- even ones you wouldn't expect, like a prison community.
Review originally posted on my blog.
I've had lots of success booktalking this one at schools. The kids are super interested to find out why Perry lives in a prison, and even more why he LIKES it and is upset when he moves into a normal house.
My favorite part of this book was the description of the mindset one develops in prison. Big Ed's rules and tips for serving time are also applicable to life on the outside and I think a big part of what makes Perry such a good person.
Speaking of Perry being a good person, my big criticism of this book is that Perry and Jessica are a little too perfect to feel real. On top of that, the whole setup is idealized in a way that might make kids who have incarcerated loved ones in real life roll their eyes. The warden is a humanitarian with a heart of gold. There are no mean guards. There are some prisoners that Perry keeps his distance from, but there's no drama around that. A little too good to feel true. But this is a children's book and I certainly don't think the author meant to convey the experience of an average child with an incarcerated parent. I mean, come on. Perry lives in the prison until he's 12 and he's basically a perfect human child. This might as well be named Pollyanna Prison.
I think this is a Newbery contender because of the interesting plot, the exploration of themes around being incarcerated, and the depiction of the villain Mr. Thomas Van Leer. I'm always cheering authors who give us villains with real character besides being evil. Van Leer is a great example of someone who's a bad guy *because* he's well meaning and can't see past the end of his own nose. Very realistic.
My favorite part of this book was the description of the mindset one develops in prison. Big Ed's rules and tips for serving time are also applicable to life on the outside and I think a big part of what makes Perry such a good person.
Speaking of Perry being a good person, my big criticism of this book is that Perry and Jessica are a little too perfect to feel real. On top of that, the whole setup is idealized in a way that might make kids who have incarcerated loved ones in real life roll their eyes. The warden is a humanitarian with a heart of gold. There are no mean guards. There are some prisoners that Perry keeps his distance from, but there's no drama around that. A little too good to feel true. But this is a children's book and I certainly don't think the author meant to convey the experience of an average child with an incarcerated parent. I mean, come on. Perry lives in the prison until he's 12 and he's basically a perfect human child. This might as well be named Pollyanna Prison.
I think this is a Newbery contender because of the interesting plot, the exploration of themes around being incarcerated, and the depiction of the villain Mr. Thomas Van Leer. I'm always cheering authors who give us villains with real character besides being evil. Van Leer is a great example of someone who's a bad guy *because* he's well meaning and can't see past the end of his own nose. Very realistic.
I loved this one so much I almost want to cry. So sweet. So fun. I love a good middle-grade read and it's all because of books like this one.
I went through a full roller coaster of emotion with this book! There were definitely characters you either hated or loved, and I think the story itself had many pieces to it that worked together. I have always been fascinated with this subject matter, so it was a good read for me. Potential read aloud for next school year I'm thinking!
I loved this book. The story had so many great friendships and I had such empathy for the main character. Truly one of the best young adult novels I've read in a long time. I'm going to read more by this author.
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I can't express how much I love Perry T. Cook! In All Rise For the Honorable Perry T. Cook, Perry is an eleven year old boy who has spent his entire life living in a prison. He was born there, and through the help of a progressive warden, has been allowed to stay with his mother who was incarcerated shortly before his birth. Perry goes to a regular school, has rules, completes chores, and has a family within the prison walls. When the DA discovers the set up at Blue River Prison, he doesn't like it and takes Perry out of there immediately--to live with him and his family. Although the DA, Tom, has promised to help Perry in any way he can, it doesn't take Perry long to figure out that if he wants to be back with his mom, he'll have to rely on himself.
The characters in this book are amazingly well written. Not only is Perry a thoughtful, inquisitive kid, but he's learning how to stand up for himself. He has many people who are on his side and willing to help. But he needs to learn how to speak out now, speak up for what is right.
We also get hear from his mother's perspective throughout. Her chapters are short and spread out. They allow us to see Blue River Prison from the inside, even when Perry isn't there anymore. We see the loving mother of a boy. A mother who does everything she possibly can to protect and fight for her boy.
One character who really intrigued me was the DA, Tom. Although he is painted as the villain, he's not truly one. He's a man who really believes that he is doing the right thing and trying to correct a wrong. Only he is very misguided in his attempts.
I strongly urge you to read this book. It has made its way onto my Book Club list for next year and will also be book talked!
The characters in this book are amazingly well written. Not only is Perry a thoughtful, inquisitive kid, but he's learning how to stand up for himself. He has many people who are on his side and willing to help. But he needs to learn how to speak out now, speak up for what is right.
We also get hear from his mother's perspective throughout. Her chapters are short and spread out. They allow us to see Blue River Prison from the inside, even when Perry isn't there anymore. We see the loving mother of a boy. A mother who does everything she possibly can to protect and fight for her boy.
One character who really intrigued me was the DA, Tom. Although he is painted as the villain, he's not truly one. He's a man who really believes that he is doing the right thing and trying to correct a wrong. Only he is very misguided in his attempts.
I strongly urge you to read this book. It has made its way onto my Book Club list for next year and will also be book talked!
This book is Awesome, all of the characters have a lot of feelings and emotions. And that made me want to read this book. It is a must read!! Perry's mom, Jessica lives in prison because of a mistake she made a long time ago. But when a new warden steps up Jessica is separated from her beloved son Perry. And Perry goes to live at the new Warden's house. But when a school project comes up Perry wants to do it on Blue river ( the prison he lived at) to show that Blue River is not dangerous. But when he realises that the story his mom told him about her getting into jail has some holes in it. Perry becomes determined to find out more. And with his mom's parole coming up will the information Perry finds possibly threaten their chance of getting out of jail?? This moving fantastic story will tell you why.
great story! I highly recommend this one. it provides a unique perspective.