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All Rise for The Honorable Perry T. Cook

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All Rise for The Honorable Perry T. Cook

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Connor, L. (2017). All rise for the honorable Perry T. Cook. New York, NY: Katherine Tegen Books
Type of Book: Middle Grade Fiction
Reading Level: 10-12 Years

DESCRIPTION:
Perry is forced into the foster system after having been raised by his mom inside a correctional facility in Nebraska. Desperate to be back with his mom, and away from the challenges from the "outside world," he begins a quest to find out the truth of her past conviction.

This book is for younger middle grade readers, and deals with heavy topics. However, it has moments of levity and is a good choice for readers learning about incarceration. I also  think it is noteworthy that it features a white family, which is less common for books about incarcerated family members.

NOTEWORTHY:

Junior Library Guild Selection

Kids’ Indie Next List Pick

Kirkus Starred Review

School Library Journal Starred Review

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Marks, J. (2021). From the desk of Zoe Washington. New York, NY: Katherine Tegen Books
Type of Book: Middle Grade Fiction
Reading Level: 10-12 years

DESCRIPTION:
Everyone thinks Zoe is busy preparing for Food Network's Kids Can Bake challenge - but in reality, she is investigating her father's incarceration, and whether he is really guilty of the crime he has been accused of. Zoe has never met her father, because he has been incarcerated for her entire life. Despite this, she is determined to uncover the truth behind her father's past.

This book is for younger middle grade readers, and deals with heavy topics. However, it has moments of humor and the "everyday" aspects of Zoe's life will be relatable to many readers. It is a good choice for readers learning about incarceration.

NOTEWORTHY:

#1 Kids Indie Next List

Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book of the Year

SLJ Best Book of the Year

Kirkus Best Book of the Year

Junior Library Guild Selection

Edgar Award Nominee

Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Salazar, A. (2020). Land of the cranes. New York, NY: Scholastic Books
Type of Book: Middle Grade Fiction
Reading Level: 10-12 years

DESCRIPTION:
This novel in verse tells the story of a young girl who is clinging to hope while living in a family detention center for migrants. Weaving aspects of Aztec folklore in with the realities of family separation, the story follows nine-year old Betita through the challenges of living in a cruel, inhumane system.

This book would be appropriate for younger, and older middle grade readers. It's theme, and plotline are very heavy. However, the language is beautiful and the verse makes it a good choice for discussing immigration, and family separation from a different perspective. The migrant experience is also adjacent to incarceration, but will require a different conversation.

NOTEWORTHY:

2020 Americas Award Winner

Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor Book

New York Public Library's Best Books of 2020

Northern California Book Award Finalist

California Library Association - Beatty Award Winner

Charlotte Huck Award Honor Book

Rise: A Feminist Book Project List

Scholastic Gold Book

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SOURCE DESCRIPTION:
Spinelli, J. (2018). The Warden's Daughter. New York, NY: Yearling Books
Type of Book: Middle Grade Fiction
Reading Level: 10-12 years

DESCRIPTION:
Cammie lives on prison grounds with her father - the warden of Hancock County Prison. Her life is anything but normal, as she spends most of her days hanging out with women who have been incarcerated for things like arson, and shoplifting. Throughout the book, Cammie deals with the loss of her mother - who died when she was just a baby.

This book would be appropriate for both younger, and older middle grade readers. I appreciate that the perspective is one of a child who is living in the prison system, but from an alternate perspective (her parent is not incarcerated). It has moments of humor, and also humanizes the incarcerated women who Cammie associates with daily. The theme of loss may also resonate with certain readers.

NOTEWORTHY:

Kirkus Starred Review

Newbery Medalist author

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Venkatraman, P. (2021). Born behind bars. New York, NY: Nancy Paulsen Books
Type of Book: Middle Grade Fiction
Reading Level: 10-14 years

DESCRIPTION:
This book takes place in Chennai, India. Rani (the book's young protagonist) is suddenly released into society after spending his entire life incarcerated with his mother. He must then make his way on the streets, highlighting a sad reality of India's lower castes.

This book would be appropriate for both younger, and older middle grade readers. It has moments that are quite frightening, but the quick pace will appeal to readers who appreciate adventurous, realistic fiction. I appreciate that the perspective is one of an international prison system. It will provide readers with information on this alternate prison experience, as well as the Indian caste system.

NOTEWORTHY:

Kirkus Starred Review

Booklist Starred Review

School Library Journal Starred Review

Award-winning author

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Beaty, D. & Collier, B. (2013). Knock knock: My daddy's dream for me. New York, NY: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Type of Book: Picture Story Book
Reading Level: Grades K-3

DESCRIPTION:
Every morning, a young boy plays "Knock Knock" with his father - his father knocks on the door while the boy is sleeping, and the young boy jumps out of bed. But one day, the knock doesn't come, because the boy's father has been sent to prison. The realities of grief, fear, and the challenges of growing up in a single parent household follow.

This is a distinguished  picture book with serious content that would be a good readaloud choice for a young child, with time for discussion.

NOTEWORTHY:

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Medal

Boston Horn Book Award

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
de Anda, D. & Cornelison, S. (2019). Mango Moon. Park Ridge, IL: Albert Whitman & Company
Type of Book: Picture Story Book
Reading Level: Grades K-3

DESCRIPTION:
This picture book depicts the reality of a child, and family whose father has been incarcerated while awaiting deportation. A few of the challenges Maricela and her brother Manuel face include having to move; missing important events at school, and fun milestones, and facing uncertainty about what their future holds.

This picture book has serious content, and while a young child may understand it, this would be a good readaloud choice for a young child, with time for discussion about immigration & detention. It would also be a good picture book choice for older readers who are learning about migrants, and/or family separation.

NOTEWORTHY:

First Book's 2nd Annual Title Raves

2020 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People

2020 Skipping Stones Honor Award

2020 Alma Flor Ada Best Latino Focused Children's Picture Book, Second Place

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
de la Peña, M. & Robinson, C. (Illustrator). (2021). Milo imagines the world. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Type of Book: Picture Story Book
Reading Level: Grades K-3

DESCRIPTION:
In this picture book, Milo is riding the subway with his older sister. On Milo's journey, he uses his imagination to envision things about the lives of other passengers on the train. At the end of the book, you learn that Milo is visiting his mother, who is incarcerated.

This is a distinguished  picture book that would be a good readaloud choice for a young child, with time for discussion. Conversations can be around passing judgment, making assumptions, as well as incarceration.

NOTEWORTHY:

A New York Times Bestseller

A #1 Indie Bestseller

A Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year

A Kirkus Best Book of the Year

A Horn Book Fanfare List Selection

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

A Shelf Awareness Best Children’s Book of the Year

A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year

A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year

A BCCB Blue Ribbon List Selection

An ALA Notable Children’s Book

A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year

Longlisted for the 2022 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal

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Source Information:
Testa, M. & Schaffer, A. (Illustrator). (1996). Nine candles. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books
Type of Book: Picture Story Book
Reading Level: Grades K-3

DESCRIPTION:
Raymond usually does not like to walk past the prison sign, because he knows his mom is incarcerated within the building and it makes him very sad. But today's weekly visit to the prison is different, because Raymond is celebrating his birthday and his mother gets to join the festivities.

This is a distinguished, award-winning picture book with heavy content that would be a good readaloud choice for a young child, with time for discussion. It would also be a good picture book choice for older readers who are learning about incarceration, and/or family separation.

NOTEWORTHY:
• International Reading Association/Children’s Book Council Children’s Choices
• Society of School Librarians International Honor Book in the Language Arts
• Barbara Karlin Grant for a Picture Book Writer (SCBWI)

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Woodson, J. & Ransome, J.E. (Illustrator). (2015). Visiting day. New York, NY: Nancy Paulsen Books
Type of Book: Picture Story Book
Reading Level: Grades K-3

DESCRIPTION:
This picture book describes the excitement of visiting day - the one time per month that the young main character gets to visit her father, who is incarcerated. Special moments of the day include both happy ones like the delicious food her grandmother makes for the bus ride, and also sad descriptions like the feeling of "missing daddy" on the bus ride home.

This is a  picture book with serious content that would be a good readaloud choice for a young child, with time for discussion. It would also be a good picture book choice for older readers who are learning about incarceration, and/or family separation.

NOTEWORTHY:

Skipping Stones Honor Award

CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center) Selection

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Flying Kites: A Story of the 2013 California Prison Strike

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Flying Kites: A Story of the 2013 California Prison Strike

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Project Novel Graphic Stanford. (2021). Flying kites: A story of the 2013 California prison strike. Chicago, IL: Haymarket Books
Type of Book: Graphic Novel
Reading Level: 13 years and up

DESCRIPTION:
After Rodrigo is sentenced to solitary confinement, he struggles to maintain a connection with his daughter by writing her letters. Meanwhile, a statewide prison hunger strike has begun, which unifies communities both inside and outside of prison.

This book is not technically for teens, but the graphic format makes it accessible for older middle grade readers. The graphic novel aspect also offers a unique perspective into prison system, and is a good choice for readers who want to know more about mass incarceration, and a specific experience in American history relating to incarceration.

NOTEWORTHY:

The Stanford Graphic Novel Project is a twenty-week course at Stanford designed to teach nonfiction research, visual storytelling, and long-form narrative structure to undergraduates through the collaborative creation of a graphic novel

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Ramos, N. (2018). The disturbed girl's dictionary. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books
Type of Book: Young Adult Fiction
Reading Level: 13 years and up

DESCRIPTION:

Macy is dealing with several major issues at home - her mom is depressed, her dad is in prison, and her brother has been taken by Child Protective Services. She has been labeled "disturbed" at school, and by other people who don't understand her situation. Written in the format of a dictionary, Macy explains her life, and challenges in her own words.

This book is very heavy, and should only be given to older middle grade students who are prepared for serious, and mature content. Topics range from self-harm, mental health, incarceration, and family separation. I think it will appeal to readers who are interested in realistic fiction with dark themes and content.

NOTEWORTHY:

A 2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection

A 2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Shabazz, I. & Jackson, T.D. (2021). The awakening of Malcolm X. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Type of Book: Young Adult Novel
Reading Level: 12 years and up

DESCRIPTION:
This is a historical work of fiction co-written by Malcolm X's daughter that tells the story of the Black activist's adolescent years in prison. The book includes pivotal moments in Malcolm's life - including reading books in the prison library; joining the Debate team, and his introduction to the Nation of Islam.

This book would be appropriate for older middle grade readers. It is a distinguished, accessible, fictionalized perspective of Malcolm X's younger years, and will appeal to readers who are interested in this important activist, and civil rights figure. It is worth noting that one of the co-authors is Malcolm X's own daughter, and what this perspective might mean for how the story is being told.

NOTEWORTHY:

Cosmopolitan Magazine Recommended Winter Read

School Library Journal Top 10 Audiobook

CSS Notable Book

YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Title

Publishers Weekly Starred Review

School Library Journal Starred Review

Kirkus Starred Review

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Thomas, A. (2021). Concrete rose. New York, NY: Balzer & Bray
Type of Book: Young Adult Fiction
Reading Level: 13 years and up

DESCRIPTION:
17-year old Mav is the son of an incarcerated gang leader. He knows that the only way to take care of his family is by joining the gang himself. But everything is turned upside down when he realizes he is going to be a father, and responsible for a child's well-being too.

This book would be appropriate for  older middle grade readers. It is technically for teens, but with the popularity of Thomas' The Hate U Give, older middle school students are bound to pick it up.  It definitely contains mature content (including teen parenting, and gang-related behavior) but readers who are already reading YA content will enjoy it. Both the book, and the author have several distinctions.

NOTEWORTHY:

Printz Honor Book

Publishers Weekly Starred Review

Horn Book Starred Review

School Library Journal Starred Review

Kirkus Starred Review

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Zoboi, I. & Salaam, Y. (2020). Punching the air. New York, NY: Balzer & Bray
Type of Book: Young Adult Novel
Reading Level: 13 Years and up

DESCRIPTION:
Co-written by previously incarcerated prison reform activist Yusef Salaam, this novel in verse tell the story of a young boy who has been wrongly convicted of a crime. At just 16 years old, poet and artist Amal must fight to maintain his humanity while being forced into a violent, unjust carceral system.

This distinguished, award-winning book would be appropriate for  older middle grade readers. It is an accessible, fictionalized perspective of the co-author's (Salaam's) prison experience, and will appeal to readers who are interested in his story. It will appeal to readers who enjoy novels in verse, or who are interested in incarceration from a more personal/first-hand perspective.

NOTEWORTHY:

New York Times and USA Today bestseller

Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor

Walter Award Winner

Goodreads Finalist for Best Teen Book of the Year

Time Magazine Best Book of the Year

Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Kirkus Best Book of the Year

New York Public Library Best Book of the Year

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Friedman, A., & Danziger, D. (Eds). (2021). Dream Catchers: Pops the club anthology. Out of the Woods Press.
Type of Book: Poetry Anthology
Reading Level: 12 years and up

DESCRIPTION:
The POPS (Pain of the Prison System) club is a nationwide support group for young people who have been directly affected by incarceration. This is an anthology of  poetry and artwork created by the group's members.

This book would be appropriate for older middle grade readers. The firsthand accounts of youth, and others who have been affected by incarceration provide a very valuable, and unique perspective on the content. It is all creative nonfiction, but often reads like a fictional anthology. The artwork, prose, and poetry is personal, and young readers will relate to much of the content.

NOTEWORTHY:

This is the 7th published Pops Club anthology

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The Prison Alphabet: An Educational Picture Book for Children of Incarcerated Parents

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The Prison Alphabet: An Educational Picture Book for Children of Incarcerated Parents

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Muhammad, B. & Muhammad, M. (2014). The prison alphabet: An educational picture book for children of incarcerated parents. Goldest Karat Publishing
Type of Book: Nonfiction Picture Book/Activity Book
Reading Level: Kindergarten and up

DESCRIPTION:
This book is divided into two parts. The first part is a coloring book that uses each letter of the alphabet to introduce children to terms relating to incarceration.

In the form of an "activity" book, it provides very useful information about incarceration in an alternate format. Both children, and adults will gain a lot of information while looking through the book, as well as coloring the alphabet pages. The youngest readers/users of this book should be guided through the content. The second part of the book is a helpful informational guide aimed toward caretakers, with tips on how to discuss incarceration with a child.

NOTEWORTHY:

The authors of this book are published scholars on criminology, specializing in children of the incarcerated

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Race to Incarcerate: A Graphic Retelling

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Race to Incarcerate: A Graphic Retelling

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Jones, S. & Mauer, M. (2013). Race to incarcerate: A graphic retelling. Washington, DC: The Zinn Education Project
Type of Book: Graphic Nonfiction
Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

DESCRIPTION:
This is a graphic novel retelling for young readers of the adult book by the same name. In an accessible format, facts and history of the criminal injustice system are conveyed for a middle grade and up audience.

The graphic novel aspect also offers a unique perspective into prison system, and is a good choice for readers who want to know more about mass incarceration, and a specific experience in American history relating to incarceration. Educators who are familiar with The Zinn Project, or Zinn's adaptations for young readers will want to add this book to their collections. It puts a magnifying glass on the issue of mass incarceration.

NOTEWORTHY:

Young Adult Library Services Association's 2014 Great Graphic Novels for Teens List

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My Story Starts Here: Voices of Young Offenders

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My Story Starts Here: Voices of Young Offenders

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Ellis, D. (Editor). (2019). My story starts here. Ontario, CA: Groundwood Books
Type of Book: Nonfiction - Collection of Interviews
Reading Level: 12 Years and up

DESCRIPTION:
This is a collection of interviews featuring the stories of young people who have been affected by incarceration. The interviews range from young people who were currently  incarcerated at the time of publication, to adults who were previously incarcercated and are looking back at their younger selves.

This book would be appropriate for older middle grade readers. The firsthand accounts of youth, and others who have been affected by incarceration provide a very valuable, and unique perspective on the content. It is non-fiction, but often reads like a fictional anthology. The author is well-regarded, and distinguished for many of her written works for young readers.

NOTEWORTHY:

Award-winning, bestselling author

Includes a teacher's guide

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Peterson, J.B. Jennings, J. (Illustrator) & Robinson, S. (Illustrator). (2016). Prison industrial complex for beginners . Danbury, CT: For Beginners
Type of Book: Graphic Nonfiction
Reading Level: 13 Years and up

DESCRIPTION:
This book is not technically for teens, but the graphic format makes it accessible for older middle grade readers. The graphic novel aspect also offers a unique perspective into prison system, and is a good choice for readers who want to know more about mass incarceration, and a specific experience in American history relating to incarceration. It will appeal to readers who absorb information more easily in a graphic format. It is also a good "overall" introduction to the American carceral system.

NOTEWORTHY:

Part of the well-regarded For Beginners graphic nonfiction series

The author of this book is a distinguished scholar, and radio host - often touching on topics relating to incarceration

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Books:

Alexander, M. The new Jim Crow: Mass incarceration in the age of color blindness (10th ed.). New York, NY: The New Press

Laura, C.T. (2014). Being bad: My baby brother and the school-to-prison pipeline. New York, NY: Teachers College Press

Stevenson, B. (2014). Just mercy: A story of justice and redemption. New York, NY: Penguin Random House

Online Resources:

Sesame Street in Communities. Coping with incarceration. Accessed July 2022 from https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/incarceration/

Social Worker's Toolbox. How to explain jails and prisons to children (caregivers guide). Accessed July 2022 from http://www.socialworkerstoolbox.com/how-to-explain-jails-and-prisons-to-children-caregivers-guide/

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Far Apart, Close in Heart: Being a Family When a Loved One is Incarcerated

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Far Apart, Close in Heart: Being a Family When a Loved One is Incarcerated

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SOURCE INFORMATION:
Birtha, B. & Kastelic, M. (Illustrator). (2017). Far apart, close in heart: Being a family when a loved one is incarcerated. Park Ridge, IL: Albert Whitman & Co.
Type of Book: Nonfiction Picture Book
Reading Level: K-3

DESCRIPTION:
This book provides resources, ideas, and tips for families that are affected by incarceration. It includes coping strategies for the emotions one might be feeling, as well as actionable steps children and families can take, such as sending letters, talking to a trusted adult, and visiting loved ones inside a carceral facility.

This is a distinguished, nonfiction picture book with heavy content that would be a good readaloud choice for a young child who is experiencing family separation. Or, for adults who would like to start a conversation about this issue with  young children. It would also be a good picture book choice for older readers who are learning about incarceration, and/or family separation.

NOTEWORTHY:

Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2017 - Best Picture Books to Give Readers Strength

Kirkus Starred Review

School Library Journal Starred Review