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lostinfrance's review against another edition
2.0
This is a book that my former high school has in the book room for classes to read. I had never heard of the book, so I added it to my list almost 9 years ago because I wanted to be in the know....but now that I am not teaching I haven't really cared.
This is the screenplay for a movie that is going on in the main character's head. He has been accused of assisting in a robbery that ended in murder-- and he is on trial.
I did not like this book. I found it confusing (already red flags for reading with English Language Learners) and didn't understand if it was the real account or how Steven viewed the trial. (Does this mean I am daft!?) I had a hard time getting emotionally involved with this book--- and didn't really see how Steve could be on trial based on the evidence that was presented.
I will not teach this book if I ever find myself in the classroom again.
Read- if you enjoy older YA books.
This is the screenplay for a movie that is going on in the main character's head. He has been accused of assisting in a robbery that ended in murder-- and he is on trial.
I did not like this book. I found it confusing (already red flags for reading with English Language Learners) and didn't understand if it was the real account or how Steven viewed the trial. (Does this mean I am daft!?) I had a hard time getting emotionally involved with this book--- and didn't really see how Steve could be on trial based on the evidence that was presented.
I will not teach this book if I ever find myself in the classroom again.
Read- if you enjoy older YA books.
alisarae's review against another edition
4.0
A teenage boy from Harlem is on trial for a robbery turned murder. He writes his experience like a movie script, and the book bounces between reading the script, his diary, and scenes from his life outside of jail. I'm guessing this book is pretty accurate (but succinct). The audiobook was done with a full cast, so that really helped with the script reading parts.
conerosity's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
An exceptional and accessible look into the dehumanizing operations of the prison-industrial complex. Easy to read, but full of interpretive possibility; suitable for helping readers learn to read between the lines.
I do wish certain character explorations had been expanded on.
I do wish certain character explorations had been expanded on.
thebookkeepers's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This story follows the trial of a young black teen who is being tried for his alleged participation in a robbery that ended with someone dying. The story was nuanced and very emotionally gripping. The ending has my mind whirling and I’m eager to discuss this more in depth with friends that have or will read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Drug use, Forced institutionalization, and Murder
carltocs's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0