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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
Reading 2019
Book 32: All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by Leslie Connor
This was the second book by this author I have read. Last month I read The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle. Waiting for Normal is another Leslie Connor book that looks interesting, so may also read that book.
I enjoyed Perry Cook more than Mason Buttle. The characters seemed more developed, and the voice from the protagonist seemed stronger. The book was not one where you have had an experience when you are finished. Like "WOW" that was an amazing read, or that was "awful", it was enjoyable.
Perry is born and raised in a minimum security prison. His mom has been in jail for 10 years, and as the book begins Perry is going into the 6th grade. Then someone in power finds out he has been living in the prison and feels that many wrongs have been done and sets out to right those wrongs. Has Perry's mom really served time while being able to raise her son in prison? Why has the warden allowed this to happen? Who is going to get Perry out of prison?
I recommend Perry as a 5th grade and up book. Younger kids could read it, but some of the themes in a prison might not be something they should read.
Book 32: All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by Leslie Connor
This was the second book by this author I have read. Last month I read The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle. Waiting for Normal is another Leslie Connor book that looks interesting, so may also read that book.
I enjoyed Perry Cook more than Mason Buttle. The characters seemed more developed, and the voice from the protagonist seemed stronger. The book was not one where you have had an experience when you are finished. Like "WOW" that was an amazing read, or that was "awful", it was enjoyable.
Perry is born and raised in a minimum security prison. His mom has been in jail for 10 years, and as the book begins Perry is going into the 6th grade. Then someone in power finds out he has been living in the prison and feels that many wrongs have been done and sets out to right those wrongs. Has Perry's mom really served time while being able to raise her son in prison? Why has the warden allowed this to happen? Who is going to get Perry out of prison?
I recommend Perry as a 5th grade and up book. Younger kids could read it, but some of the themes in a prison might not be something they should read.
This is a fantastic middle grade book about a boy raised in a correctional facility — a plot I’ve never ever seen explored.
Ultimately, a wonderful examination of what family really means and the importance of seeing inmates as more than just wrongdoers. Would recommend!
Ultimately, a wonderful examination of what family really means and the importance of seeing inmates as more than just wrongdoers. Would recommend!
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
Loved this book so much, could barely put it down. It's well-written and it seems to be very compassionately written. It's a very good book to introduce children and adults to the idea of prison reform.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting
Moderate: Bullying, Car accident, Abandonment, Alcohol
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Pregnancy
Foster Care, Parent/Child Separation, and Abuse of Foster Care System
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I believe innoncence and family are the two pillars of this story. Perry is such a relatable character. Kids will love to put themselves in Perry's shoes and wonder what it would be like to live in a prison. The Life of a prison inmate is dealt with humor and finesse, and kids will find the inmates more relatable than you may realize.
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read through abolition lens — so interesting!!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
excellent read. Loved Perry despite the fact that I can't imagine an 11 yo behaving that way. It was just a wonderful book with lots of great life lessons for all ages - even though this book is meant for middle grade kids. Highly recommend.