The Trial

The Trial

3.88 of 5 stars 3.88  ·  rating details  ·  152 ratings  ·  31 reviews
Imagine you are Bruno Richard Hauptmann, accused of murdering the son of the most famous man in America.

In a compelling, immediate voice, 12-year-old Katie Leigh Flynn takes us inside the courtroom of the most widely publicized criminal case of the 20th century: the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh’s baby son. And in doing so, she reveals the real-life figures of...more
Paperback, 176 pages
Published September 13th 2005 by Yearling (first published February 24th 2004)
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David
Literature David Miller
December Book Review 1-13-13
The Trial by Jennifer Fisher Bryant
Imagine nothing ever exciting happening in your town. Imagine having only three exciting things in your life every year. You known everyone and everything. But, suddenly something bad happens... Its bad, but exciting at the same time. Then you find out that the exciting thing is going to take place here. Your uncle wants you to participate in it. Your so happy but at the same time you know other are suffering....more
Michael Young
Genre:Poetry, Historical Fiction

Rating: ****
The historical context of the Lindbergh family tragedy is captured beautifully through the lens of a teenage girl.

Summary:
After the Lindbergh baby is kidnapped, the trial for the man suspected of the crime is set to take place in a nearby town. When Katie Leigh Flynn is given the chance to help a reporter cover the trial, we learn a great deal about the case as Katie learns a great deal about herself.

Main Characters:

Katie Leigh Flynn: a girl living in...more
Ariana
Katie Leigh Flynn is a young girl living in Flemington, New Jersey. It is a small, quiet town until the trial of the century is held there: the trial that would decide whether Richard Bruno Hauptmann was guilty of kidnapping and murdering Charles Lindbergh's baby boy.

I like the author's style. The entire story is told through poems, and each is full of feeling and insight. The book is well researched and thought provoking. Jen Bryant covers the doubt inherent in such a trial and the disgusting...more
Daria
My former boss often made reference to the kidnapping of Lucky Lindy's son, so it was interesting to read a novel centered around the trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, his alleged kidnapper and murderer. Probably the thing that surprised me most is how much of a role the news media of the day and the public's fascination with celebrity played in the trial and its outcome. It wouldn't surprise me in today's world with the constant access we have to news, but for some reason I wasn't expecting it...more
Patty
Jun 13, 2008 Patty rated it 4 of 5 stars  ·  review of another edition Recommends it for: those who like history.
I got the book for a workshop I will attend, but amongst the multitude of books in my to read pile, this one caught my attention. The Trial is a highly readable book. I sat down and read it all in one hour. First of all, it talks about Charles Lindbergh, and I love historical fic probably more than any other genre. Second, I open it up, and it is written in free verse. Plus, it is broken into sections with quotes from people living at the time. I hope they are genuine. In one way, it was a shock...more
Kyra
This is a book where all the chapters where poems. At first this style was kinda unusual, but it gets more normal as you read it.
This book is an event by event unfolding of the Lindbergh case, told from the perspective of Katie Leigh Flynn.
This wasn't the most amazing book I've ever read, but I do like a book about trials, and the story gets very captive towards the middle.
Chris
A wonderful work of historical free-verse fiction told from the POV of a girl who is working as a reporter's assistant at the Bruno Hauptmann trial (the accused kidnapper/killer of the Lindberg baby). The historical detail is sharp, the lines have some memorably well-crafted figurative devices, and the story has depth beyond the story of the trial. Way to go Jen!
Martha
This historical fiction about a young girl who works as a journalist at the Lindbergh trial is a good introduction to historical fiction, the law and writing for people who are 8 or a bit older. It is written in an interesting poetical form that is easy to read and interesting. Try it, Eva!
Sue
This is the second book I've read by Jen Bryant. I think younger readers would like this book better than Ringside because the point of view is from one character's perspective rather than numerous characters, but I liked Ringside better for that very reason.
Catherine
Jen Bryant often combines local history in her books. This one tells the story in poetry form, of the trial surrounding the missing Lindbergh baby.
Trish
this was a subtle book about the Lindberg trial. I learned a few things that I was unaware of, and I believe this might spark an interest in that time period/trial, for kids who may read it. I recommend it-it is easy and quick, but worth it.
Laura
I read this book in my fifth grade reading class, but it's still one of my favorites to this day. Quite uniquely written!
Karen
I am a big fan of Jen Bryant's novels in free verse and this one was no exception - I really enjoyed it. Fascinating historical fiction about the Lindbergh kidnapping case, told from the point of view of a young girl attending the trial in her home town of Flemington, NJ. Free verse reads quickly but is powerful and effective.

My next Jen Bryant read will be Ringside 1925, her other historical fiction novel in free verse about a different trial.
Sarah
Liked the structure and content of this one. Interesting point of view.
Anna
read in ~45 minutes. the poetry format was surprisingly nice.
Amber
Verse novel + Historical fiction = great combo for me!
Rizqie
awalnya gw kira nih kumpulan puisi, soalnya liat dalemnya bentuknya kayak puisi gitu. terus gw liat sampulnya, ada tulisan "A NOVEL". bah bingung kan lu? tapi setelah gw baca sampe part 2 mulai terlihat kesamaan pembahasan dan kronologisnya. yah intinya gw mulai ngerti lah nih buku arahnya kemana. gw ngerasa nih buku bagus mungkin karena ada pembaharuan dalam gaya penulisannya kali yeah. baru nemu sih buku yang isinya, bentuk penceritaanya kayak gini. selamat menikmati. gw punya buku aslinya loh...more
Amy
It was a good book.
Kirsten Murphy
An excellent example of how successfully a verse novel can draw the reader into the story and move the plot along in a good, solid direction. After reading this book, I was fascinated to learn more about the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby and the trial upon which this book is based.
Samar
the book is really good and fun to read. its written in a poem design but its not a poem.
Sarah
As a courtroom observer, a twelve-year-old girl provides an inside look at the trial of the Charles Lingbergh's baby kidnapping and murder through a review of the witnesses, the defendant, the lawyers, and other related parties involved in this historic case.
Tammy Smith
A close friend recommended that I read The Trial after being introduced to it herself while teaching the 8th grade this year. I was pleasantly surprised of how Jen Bryant was able to turn factual truths of the Lindbergh baby kidnapping/murder into poems.
Meredith
While I enjoyed many elements of this book, I am not entirely clear on why the author chose to write it as poetry rather than as a short story. The verse did not seem to lend much to the book, with rare exceptions.
Jess
Dec 22, 2007 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars  ·  review of another edition Recommends it for: Carly and anyone who is interested in the Charles Lindbergh baby kidnapping
Written in poem format, this is the story of the trial of the guy who was accused of kidnapping and killing Charles Lindbergh's baby, so I guess it's historical fiction... a quick read and interesting.
Rae Hittinger
Oct 04, 2007 Rae Hittinger rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: all
A child's perspective on a trial that actually took place. Historical fiction that uses first source documetns to recreate the trial of the kidnap/murder of the Lindbergh baby. Fascinating. A quick read.
Elizabeth
OOOh oooh oooh -- I loved this! THis novel in verse is a speedy read about a girl who writes about the trial of Bruno Hauptman.

Accurate history, creative delivery.
Lana Krumwiede
I thought the trial of the Lindberg baby's accused kidnapper was a fascinating setting. I also liked the Katie, the main character in this book.
Krista the Krazy Kataloguer
Novel in verse told from the point of view of a girl hired by her town newspaper to write stories about the Lindbergh baby kidnapping trial.
Autumn
Mar 09, 2011 Autumn rated it 4 of 5 stars  ·  review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone who loves a good book
I thought this book was pretty good for a murder trial. Not scary at all, not even the closest bit! A very quick read, too.
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The Trial (Hardcover)
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Jen Bryant writes picture books, novels and poems for readers of all ages. Her biographical picture book: A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams, illustrated by Melissa Sweet,received a Caldecott Honor award and her historical novel in verse RINGSIDE 1925: Views from the Scopes Trial is an Oprah Recommended Book for ages 12 & up. Other titles include Pieces of Georgia (IRA Youn...more
More about Jennifer Fisher Bryant...
A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams Pieces of Georgia Kaleidoscope Eyes Ringside, 1925: Views from the Scopes Trial The Fortune of Carmen Navarro

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