Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
Another amazing children's book. Very original premise and thought provoking.
I definitely agree with other reviewers who have said that this book presents a highly idealized view of prison life - one where prisoners (residents) are treated with much more respect and served much better justice than the typical prisoner in the real world. And I definitely agree that we need more fiction that highlights how broken our current justice system is, and how hellish life can be even at minimum security prisons. However, I didn’t get the feeling that this particular book was meant to realistically represent today’s justice system - and I think there’s still plenty of room in fiction to explore "this isn’t how things are… but wouldn’t it be great if it was?"
Another great read from this writer. Refreshing story and heartwarming. When you start this book you can't stop loving Perry Cook. And how his life has been with these wonderful people around him.
This is definitely a book that adults can enjoy as well as middle grade readers. It made me a bit heartsick to read as it was a good parallel to similar historic events, like with Native American children taken from their parents without consent and put in white homes. The portrayal of one character’s prejudice, assumption of general bad-ness of anyone who’s been convicted of a crime, and the acceptance from the other characters was simple and effective. And even though it was a middle grade book, it had such a multi-faceted portrayal of the DA, which I loved. It was truly interesting as an adult to read about how he seemed to be a good romantic husband, but controlling father, but really striving to love his step-daughter, but not being willing to really listen to the needs of others. It was all actually fairly complex and fascinating.
Although the court system in the US truly is not a justice system and things like this do happen all the time, there was one legal thing that I thought was misrepresented. Everyone kept talking about how Jessica had “done her time” or phrases like that, and talking as if she were due parole, but parole is releasing someone early from a prison sentence; not when they’ve served their time and they’re due to leave. That’s why you have to apply for it.
Overall, it‘a basically the essence of the Brandie Carlisle song Stay Gentle and is a heartwarming, inspiring story for all ages.
Although the court system in the US truly is not a justice system and things like this do happen all the time, there was one legal thing that I thought was misrepresented. Everyone kept talking about how Jessica had “done her time” or phrases like that, and talking as if she were due parole, but parole is releasing someone early from a prison sentence; not when they’ve served their time and they’re due to leave. That’s why you have to apply for it.
Overall, it‘a basically the essence of the Brandie Carlisle song Stay Gentle and is a heartwarming, inspiring story for all ages.
I loved reading this unique story about an extraordinary boy
I loved this book and was not really expecting I would. Honestly, the cover threw me off as I was expecting something a bit more juvenile. This book is heartfelt and teaches such important lessons--lessons that aren't in the least juvenile, like giving second chances and unfairly judging people based on assumption. There's even an unexpected element of mystery/unresolved crime. There are a few plot holes, but the story is engaging and sweet and perfect for middle schoolers (though, offering myself as evidence, I think all ages would enjoy this gem).
Just as powerful and moving the second time around. Grab the tissues!
Not sure what to write of this book...
I loved Perry; loved that he had many responsible adults in his life, who still made mistakes and owned up to them; loved many of the similies, descriptions, and touching moments - and yet, there was a part of me that felt some wrongs were made to look right here and some important plot questions were left unaswered.
Still debating if/to whom I would recommend this.
I loved Perry; loved that he had many responsible adults in his life, who still made mistakes and owned up to them; loved many of the similies, descriptions, and touching moments - and yet, there was a part of me that felt some wrongs were made to look right here and some important plot questions were left unaswered.
Still debating if/to whom I would recommend this.
Read for a school competition. Cute story, cute kid. Good lesson on not losing hope and choosing kindness.
Definitely more of a 4.5, but this book was just great! It opened my eyes to say the least and had me rooting for Perry and his mom the entire time. I'm a little disappointed with one aspect of the story, but that's what makes it feel authentic. The ending is happy, but true.