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Prisoner 88
Bricks on the floor, three stone walls, and that too-tight-wove metal door. A cage. I stood up and walked the length of my cage. Six not-angry steps long and then 'bout four wide.
What if you were ten years old and thrown into prison with hardened criminals? That's just what happens to Jake Oliver Evans. Inspired by a true account of a prisoner in the Idaho Territorial Penitentiary in 1885, Jake's story is as affecting as it is shocking.
Convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years, Jake is taken under the wing of a young guard and the kindly warden, as well as a few fellow prisoners. He is taught to read and given a job tending hogs at a nearby farm. In prison, Jake finds a home he has never had in a place most people are desperate to leave. But when he has to make a choice about right and wrong during an explosive escape attempt, Jake jeopardizes his friendships and his security.
Selected as one of the Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts for 2014.
What if you were ten years old and thrown into prison with hardened criminals? That's just what happens to Jake Oliver Evans. Inspired by a true account of a prisoner in the Idaho Territorial Penitentiary in 1885, Jake's story is as affecting as it is shocking.
Convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years, Jake is taken under the wing of a young guard and the kindly warden, as well as a few fellow prisoners. He is taught to read and given a job tending hogs at a nearby farm. In prison, Jake finds a home he has never had in a place most people are desperate to leave. But when he has to make a choice about right and wrong during an explosive escape attempt, Jake jeopardizes his friendships and his security.
Selected as one of the Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts for 2014.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
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425 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
May 6, 2014
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
Inspired the by the real life imprisonment of a minor in America’s Old West, author Leah Pileggi’s Prisoner 88 is a fictional account of ten year old Jake Oliver Evans’ incarceration in the Idaho Territorial Penitentiary in 1885. Confined behind bars, Jake grows up quickly, learning value life lessons from his interactions with fellow inmates and prison staff.
I have no problem admitting this piece caught me off guard. Aimed for readers in the fifth grade, Prisoner 88 is not something I’d usually pick up so I was ill-prepared when it proved impossible to put down. Simply written from the colloquial perspective of an endearing adolescent, Pileggi creates a poignantly honest and revealing rendering of America’s early prison system within these pages.
Well-researched and detailed, Prisoner 88 is a pragmatic and engaging tale that will appeal to children and parents alike.
Inspired the by the real life imprisonment of a minor in America’s Old West, author Leah Pileggi’s Prisoner 88 is a fictional account of ten year old Jake Oliver Evans’ incarceration in the Idaho Territorial Penitentiary in 1885. Confined behind bars, Jake grows up quickly, learning value life lessons from his interactions with fellow inmates and prison staff.
I have no problem admitting this piece caught me off guard. Aimed for readers in the fifth grade, Prisoner 88 is not something I’d usually pick up so I was ill-prepared when it proved impossible to put down. Simply written from the colloquial perspective of an endearing adolescent, Pileggi creates a poignantly honest and revealing rendering of America’s early prison system within these pages.
Well-researched and detailed, Prisoner 88 is a pragmatic and engaging tale that will appeal to children and parents alike.
September 11, 2014
Actual rating: 2.75 stars. Inspired by an true story, although interesting and quite readable, it just didn't have the oomph to justify a three star rating. Perhaps if it had been fleshed out a little more.
January 16, 2016
For an older kid's book ( I am guessing 9-13 yrs old) this was a really good book. This is based on the true story of a real 10 year old boy prisoner 88 that spent time in an adult prison for manslaughter.
July 28, 2015
The book is very interesting and well-written, but the bad language and graphic scenes are not for children. Perhaps, seventh grade and beyond.
May 20, 2017
This is a wonderful little middle grade historical fiction novel. Based on true facts found by the author of a 10 year old boy convicted falsely for manslaughter and imprisoned with grown men back in 1885. The author does a wonderful job of conveying this overwhelming and harsh world from the point of view of this uneducated, naïve, and impoverished little boy. A boy who finds jail preferable to real life because he gets to eat regularly and reading lessons, a place where he makes friends and is given responsibilities. A place where some men are dangerous but others are more kindly then his father ever was. I loved it. The story comes out carefully, the author being quite aware of what Jake does and doesn't know about his situation. I was impressed by this skill of writing - choosing what to include and what not to include. That said, there is a part of me that kind of wishes it had been told in the 3rd person, though, just because I would have liked to have read what the other characters around him were feeling and how their take on the situation was. A great read for kids as young as 8 and on up.
May 30, 2019
This is about a 10 year old boy who was sent to jail because of manslaughter.
I don't even remember putting this on my to-read list, so it surprised me that it was there.
Anyway, Jake, the main character, shot a man because he was trying to protect his dad. He kept saying how he didn't even remember shooting the man, he just did.
I feel like the writing was more directed towards a younger audience, which made me wonder why there was swearing in it. One usage of the s word, talking about poop, and lots of d*rns and d*mns.
Then also there was a jailbreak.
Overall it was fine. Just like, sure, yeah, read it.
I don't even remember putting this on my to-read list, so it surprised me that it was there.
Anyway, Jake, the main character, shot a man because he was trying to protect his dad. He kept saying how he didn't even remember shooting the man, he just did.
I feel like the writing was more directed towards a younger audience, which made me wonder why there was swearing in it. One usage of the s word, talking about poop, and lots of d*rns and d*mns.
Then also there was a jailbreak.
Overall it was fine. Just like, sure, yeah, read it.
October 17, 2017
The book was good because it really talked about the boys life.The main character was a ten year old that was in jail.
I would recommend to anybody that dose not like reading.I would not read again but I would read other books by Leah Pileggi.
I would recommend to anybody that dose not like reading.I would not read again but I would read other books by Leah Pileggi.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2015
Category/Genre: YA/Historical Fiction
Age Level: 5th-8th Grade
Reading Level: 3.8 (grade)
“Prisoner 88” tells the story of ten year old Jake Oliver Evans’ stint as an inmate at the Idaho Territorial Penitentiary in 1885. He is an orphan accused of killing a man in defense of his father—the youngest prisoner on record. Author Leah Pileggi made this story up based on a visit to and subsequent research on this prison and its youngest recorded inmate. Written in Jake’s view, the reader goes on an incredible journey as he battles confusion, loneliness, odd friendships and his own naivete among hardened grown men of the “Old West.” Ultimately, Jake is released to the care of a large, hard-scrabble family who expects him to pull his weight. Jake leaves his reader while he is sitting in a big window on the second floor of the house, looking out on a bright moon, grateful for shelter and food, and a bit wistful about his small place in this vast, western landscape. In sum, a great read if one wants a glimpse into the Old West from a vantage point not touched in literature, perhaps ever, until the writing of this book.
Characteristics that make this a quality piece of Young Adult Historical Fiction:
-“Setting should be steeped in accurate details of place and time.” (Chance)
“Prisoner 88” is based on the author’s visit to and research on the prison where the story takes place. The book includes a detailed photograph of a bank of cells, along with an interesting write-up by the author of her experience there, at its end. This placement of historical and anecdotal fact gives the reader a bit more to ponder after reading the story.
-“Significant events establish a story in a particular time and place.” (Chance)
The main character of this story is accused of shooting a man in a saloon tussle. Based on her research of the actual newspaper article depicting this event, the author paints a vivid portrait of the “Wild West,” with both description of the landscape, the prison and the people who inhabit them. The reader feels clearly how isolated this prison in the Idaho Territory is—far from East Coast law and order, and gritty. Imagining this young child, all alone, navigating his way through this kind of reality sparks the reader’s imagination and asks him/her to experience all kinds of emotions.
“Prisoner 88” is an appropriate read for young adults on a variety of levels. It is based on some historical fact and therefore a bit of a history lesson. Instead of telling students what the Wild West was like before the United States was completely delineated and governed, let them experience this very specific character’s life in a setting that is both uncomfortable and fascinating—bingo—isn’t that the Wild West in a nutshell?! This book also showcases good writing, full character realization and leaves the reader feeling awed and a bit lonely at its end. Young people experiencing emotions through books like these learn about themselves and the depths of the human psyche. The book is relatively short—142 pages divided into short, to-the-point chapters. It would fit in well with a multi-discipline class, where there is a variety of reading expected so rich discussions and projects can occur.
Awards: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Nominee (VT), 2014-2015
Find published review here: http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=1...
Age Level: 5th-8th Grade
Reading Level: 3.8 (grade)
“Prisoner 88” tells the story of ten year old Jake Oliver Evans’ stint as an inmate at the Idaho Territorial Penitentiary in 1885. He is an orphan accused of killing a man in defense of his father—the youngest prisoner on record. Author Leah Pileggi made this story up based on a visit to and subsequent research on this prison and its youngest recorded inmate. Written in Jake’s view, the reader goes on an incredible journey as he battles confusion, loneliness, odd friendships and his own naivete among hardened grown men of the “Old West.” Ultimately, Jake is released to the care of a large, hard-scrabble family who expects him to pull his weight. Jake leaves his reader while he is sitting in a big window on the second floor of the house, looking out on a bright moon, grateful for shelter and food, and a bit wistful about his small place in this vast, western landscape. In sum, a great read if one wants a glimpse into the Old West from a vantage point not touched in literature, perhaps ever, until the writing of this book.
Characteristics that make this a quality piece of Young Adult Historical Fiction:
-“Setting should be steeped in accurate details of place and time.” (Chance)
“Prisoner 88” is based on the author’s visit to and research on the prison where the story takes place. The book includes a detailed photograph of a bank of cells, along with an interesting write-up by the author of her experience there, at its end. This placement of historical and anecdotal fact gives the reader a bit more to ponder after reading the story.
-“Significant events establish a story in a particular time and place.” (Chance)
The main character of this story is accused of shooting a man in a saloon tussle. Based on her research of the actual newspaper article depicting this event, the author paints a vivid portrait of the “Wild West,” with both description of the landscape, the prison and the people who inhabit them. The reader feels clearly how isolated this prison in the Idaho Territory is—far from East Coast law and order, and gritty. Imagining this young child, all alone, navigating his way through this kind of reality sparks the reader’s imagination and asks him/her to experience all kinds of emotions.
“Prisoner 88” is an appropriate read for young adults on a variety of levels. It is based on some historical fact and therefore a bit of a history lesson. Instead of telling students what the Wild West was like before the United States was completely delineated and governed, let them experience this very specific character’s life in a setting that is both uncomfortable and fascinating—bingo—isn’t that the Wild West in a nutshell?! This book also showcases good writing, full character realization and leaves the reader feeling awed and a bit lonely at its end. Young people experiencing emotions through books like these learn about themselves and the depths of the human psyche. The book is relatively short—142 pages divided into short, to-the-point chapters. It would fit in well with a multi-discipline class, where there is a variety of reading expected so rich discussions and projects can occur.
Awards: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Nominee (VT), 2014-2015
Find published review here: http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=1...
July 31, 2013
Based on the true story of a 10 year old boy sentenced to 5 years for manslaughter to the Idaho State Penitentiary in the 1800s, this sparse and slim novel tells Jake's story with authenticity. The story starts as Jake finds himself on his first train ride ever, riding out to serve his sentence at "the pen". His first impressions are our first impressions, and while he receives some special treatment on account of his age, he is nevertheless locked up and treated like all the other prisoners. Well, almost. He is meets Brother Norton, in the next cell over, who begins to teach Jake how to read. And Jake is given a special assignment to help a local pig farmer with his sows, where he begins to dream of a life out from behind bars. But before he can even begin to imagine a life of freedom, he needs to get to the bottom of his crime, of which the details are foggy to him and whether or not his own father will be waiting for him when he is released.
Told in a vernacular style of the wild, wild West, the story would be a delight to read aloud. Just when youngin's think their own lives are filled with hardships, have them meet Jake, a strong-willed and determined young lad with much to prove, and all the time in the world on his hands.
Told in a vernacular style of the wild, wild West, the story would be a delight to read aloud. Just when youngin's think their own lives are filled with hardships, have them meet Jake, a strong-willed and determined young lad with much to prove, and all the time in the world on his hands.
July 10, 2015
This book was based on a true 10-year-old, not a true story. The writing was excellent, easy to read, great flow...but be warned that this book is written in 1st person, using the dialect of an uneducated child from 1885.
I couldn't help but hear the hero's voice in my head sounding a LITTLE like Forrest Gump:
**For practice, read OUT LOUD the following sentence in your best Forrest Gump voice:
"I hadn't never been on a real train before."
The only part I didn't like was [SPOILER ALERT!!!] when Jake aids in stopping a prison break, and ends up being hated by everyone. It just makes you feel bad for him, and that this story could take a left turn and allow 10-year-old Jake to get REALLY depressed,when up until that point the hero had been so full of hope despite being the only child in prison. However, if you decide to give this book a shot, by that point in the story you are too invested to care that his best friend(s) are all mad at him, merely for trying to help.
Good job, Ms. Pileggi. I look forward to talking to you at the Norfolk, NE book conference in two weeks!
I couldn't help but hear the hero's voice in my head sounding a LITTLE like Forrest Gump:
**For practice, read OUT LOUD the following sentence in your best Forrest Gump voice:
"I hadn't never been on a real train before."
The only part I didn't like was [SPOILER ALERT!!!] when Jake aids in stopping a prison break, and ends up being hated by everyone. It just makes you feel bad for him, and that this story could take a left turn and allow 10-year-old Jake to get REALLY depressed,when up until that point the hero had been so full of hope despite being the only child in prison. However, if you decide to give this book a shot, by that point in the story you are too invested to care that his best friend(s) are all mad at him, merely for trying to help.
Good job, Ms. Pileggi. I look forward to talking to you at the Norfolk, NE book conference in two weeks!
April 12, 2013
This is a good historical fiction book for younger readers. Jake Evans is convicted of manslaughter at age ten. He is sent to the Idaho Territorial Penitentiary to serve his 5 year sentence. But the prison is not equipt to handle having such a young inmate. Jake meets a variety of characters during his incarceration and he learns how to survive in the prison setting. But he also is allowed to take a job, and have a couple more privledges than most of the other inmates, including having his own pet.
These types of fringe benefits also breed irritation with the other inmates so Jake has another obstacle to overcome. He must figure out how to survive, and be viewed as not a threat from either inmate or guard, so he can last out his 5 years. The allows for you to think about what life was like for this boy and really allows you to get inside his head.
These types of fringe benefits also breed irritation with the other inmates so Jake has another obstacle to overcome. He must figure out how to survive, and be viewed as not a threat from either inmate or guard, so he can last out his 5 years. The allows for you to think about what life was like for this boy and really allows you to get inside his head.
October 16, 2018
I think this one was well-written and interesting. The author is friends with the only professor i have this semester who doesn't make me want to slam my head against a desk repeatedly. If you look at the dedication of the book, "Shel" is my prof. She came to our class and she signed my book. Yay!
Anyway, i enjoyed it. It's interesting to imagine what this experience might have been like for a 10-year-old.
Oh, and i also read this one (in addition to Because of Winn-Dixie ) entirely while i was "babysitting" (the child was asleep). I'm pretty excited about reading two entire books in 2.5-3 hours even though they aren't really of an impressive length.
Anyway, i enjoyed it. It's interesting to imagine what this experience might have been like for a 10-year-old.
Oh, and i also read this one (in addition to Because of Winn-Dixie ) entirely while i was "babysitting" (the child was asleep). I'm pretty excited about reading two entire books in 2.5-3 hours even though they aren't really of an impressive length.
July 26, 2013
I was intrigued by the back story of this book, which the author discovered during a tour of the Old Idaho Penitentiary in 2007. The story moves along at a pace that will keep dormant readers wanting to know what happens to 10 year Jake. While the ending wasn't exactly what I, as an adult reader, would have wanted, I think middle grade readers will be satisfied with it. Strong characters, authentic dialogue, and well developed setting all combine to make this title a great addition to classroom library, or as a class read aloud.
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you or order PRISONER 88 on IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978158...
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you or order PRISONER 88 on IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978158...
October 27, 2015
This is an interesting, amazing and eye-opening book. You will get into the character's life and you will go through every painful moment he goes through. You will love it, hate it, admire it but at the end, you will incredibly want to read more. Nice work of art Leah Pileggi, 100% recommended to my Goodreads friends.
January 24, 2013
Interesting debut novel about a ten-year-old boy sentenced to 5 years in prison for manslaughter in late 19th century Idaho. Based on actual events. Good period details.
January 9, 2015
I thought this book was well written but the end I felt like it wasn't that good for the ending.
April 1, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is based on a true story of a 10 year old that was sent to the Old Idaho Penitentiary for Manslaughter in the 1880's.
April 26, 2021
Written by Leah Pileggi, Prisoner 88 is the story of ten-year-old Jake who is sent to the Idaho Penitentiary in 1885. Convicted of manslaughter, there is no other place for a child to go. Jale is assaulted by grown men, sent to work on a farm, and dealt with the hardships that come with a prison cell with no heat or electricity. He also makes friends with other prisoners and guards alike. Learning to read seems to be the worst thing to happen to him out of all this.
The book is interesting and well written from the perspective of an uneducated boy in that time and place. Every time a lawyer visits or the warden wants to see Jake, you want to hope he is about to be released. The boys all liked it as well (9-16). One day, I just looked at my 9yo and tried to compare him to Jake. What a terrible life that kid had!
Prisoner 88 is fictional, but based on a real case in Idaho in the 1800s. The real ten-year-old was named James. Some of the details of the event which landed him in the Pen are a bit altered. His family life, while probably one of hardship, was also very different. Definitely read the author's note at the end of the book to find out a bit about the real life "Jake."
Reading age : 10 - 13 years
Lexile measure : 620L
Grade level : 5 - 6
The book is interesting and well written from the perspective of an uneducated boy in that time and place. Every time a lawyer visits or the warden wants to see Jake, you want to hope he is about to be released. The boys all liked it as well (9-16). One day, I just looked at my 9yo and tried to compare him to Jake. What a terrible life that kid had!
Prisoner 88 is fictional, but based on a real case in Idaho in the 1800s. The real ten-year-old was named James. Some of the details of the event which landed him in the Pen are a bit altered. His family life, while probably one of hardship, was also very different. Definitely read the author's note at the end of the book to find out a bit about the real life "Jake."
Reading age : 10 - 13 years
Lexile measure : 620L
Grade level : 5 - 6
November 2, 2025
I've been carrying this one around for about a month, and decided today was the day to sit down and read it. It sits on the library shelf next to Rodman Philbrick's books, and I've always been a little curious about it.
I liked the fast pace, I started and finished in about 2 hours. It is certainly compelling, if also sad and harsh. This would be a great class read for older students, who might not be bothered as much by the language and violence. It could lead to some great conversations about the justice system, historic prison conditions, etc. Nothing says "Wild West" like a 10 year old prisoner who pled guilty to manslaughter.
It seems a little mature for younger readers, despite the relatively "low" 3.9 AR book level. This is another great example of why books should not be chosen or evaluated based solely on book level! But as an adult reader, I quite liked it.
Language: Maybe a half dozen mild curse words (d***, h***) and one instance of sh**, literally referring to pig manure.
Violence: Jake gets pushed and punched; there are descriptions of other bloody fights between inmates. Two inmates try to break out of the fenced yard and it ends in gunfire, with 2 people killed and several others injured.
I liked the fast pace, I started and finished in about 2 hours. It is certainly compelling, if also sad and harsh. This would be a great class read for older students, who might not be bothered as much by the language and violence. It could lead to some great conversations about the justice system, historic prison conditions, etc. Nothing says "Wild West" like a 10 year old prisoner who pled guilty to manslaughter.
It seems a little mature for younger readers, despite the relatively "low" 3.9 AR book level. This is another great example of why books should not be chosen or evaluated based solely on book level! But as an adult reader, I quite liked it.
Language: Maybe a half dozen mild curse words (d***, h***) and one instance of sh**, literally referring to pig manure.
Violence: Jake gets pushed and punched; there are descriptions of other bloody fights between inmates. Two inmates try to break out of the fenced yard and it ends in gunfire, with 2 people killed and several others injured.
August 24, 2018
I see by the blurb that this book actually was intended for school children. I know they hear worse language every day, particularly if they have TV and Internet access...but I don't know how I feel about a "children's book" that is written entirely in such ungrammatical language. OK, so the kid is unable to read, but still, I'd rather feed growing minds on language that made sense. But that's just me.
This book just didn't really work for me. One minute everybody in the prison just loves Jake and they're singing happy birthday to him, the next they're calling him names and pushing him around. The authoress suddenly realises how very predictable her plotline was, so she yells "Hold it! Hold everything!" and throws in a twist that lets all the air out of what story development there is. A most unsatisfying read. It felt like a first draft; shame they decided to publish it as-was.
This book just didn't really work for me. One minute everybody in the prison just loves Jake and they're singing happy birthday to him, the next they're calling him names and pushing him around. The authoress suddenly realises how very predictable her plotline was, so she yells "Hold it! Hold everything!" and throws in a twist that lets all the air out of what story development there is. A most unsatisfying read. It felt like a first draft; shame they decided to publish it as-was.
August 30, 2020
Inspired by the true incident of a ten year old boy sent to Idaho’s “Old Pen” for manslaughter, the author takes this bare scrap of a fact and develops a story of how a young boy managed to eke out an existence in such a rough environment.
Pileggi develops Jake’s story from a first person point of view which helps the reader understands his feelings about his situation. She presents his character as being neglected by his father, being thankful he gets fed daily, even if it costs him his freedom. Jake is definitely rough around the edges. He fights, he swears, yet there is still a child within, as he has a tenderness towards animals and often shows respect and kindness when appropriate.
While the story is engaging, its overall tone is somewhere between for adults and children, and yet that might be how Jake’s world appeared: a child caught in a man’s world.
Pileggi develops Jake’s story from a first person point of view which helps the reader understands his feelings about his situation. She presents his character as being neglected by his father, being thankful he gets fed daily, even if it costs him his freedom. Jake is definitely rough around the edges. He fights, he swears, yet there is still a child within, as he has a tenderness towards animals and often shows respect and kindness when appropriate.
While the story is engaging, its overall tone is somewhere between for adults and children, and yet that might be how Jake’s world appeared: a child caught in a man’s world.
January 27, 2024
2.5 stars, deducted from 3 due to content.
Prisoner 88 is a fascinating and tragic novel inspired by the true story of James Baker, a 10 year old inmate at the Old Idaho Pen in the late 1800s.
This is a Middle Grade novel (ages 8-12)...and as such should be relatively free of language. I was pretty shocked to encounter so much language in this novel - and the vast majority of it was spoken by the child protagonist, not the adult prisoners. That unfortunate fact is why I'm only leaving a 2 star rating. For older teens and adults interested in this part of history, consider the rating higher.
Content:
Frequent language. A death is discussed. Some violence. A scene where a pig gives birth, and another scene where pigs are butchered. A parent relinquishes their rights.
Ages 14+ (Note language considerations)
Prisoner 88 is a fascinating and tragic novel inspired by the true story of James Baker, a 10 year old inmate at the Old Idaho Pen in the late 1800s.
This is a Middle Grade novel (ages 8-12)...and as such should be relatively free of language. I was pretty shocked to encounter so much language in this novel - and the vast majority of it was spoken by the child protagonist, not the adult prisoners. That unfortunate fact is why I'm only leaving a 2 star rating. For older teens and adults interested in this part of history, consider the rating higher.
Content:
Frequent language. A death is discussed. Some violence. A scene where a pig gives birth, and another scene where pigs are butchered. A parent relinquishes their rights.
Ages 14+ (Note language considerations)
March 11, 2020
I really liked this book but I felt it was very short for ya. Based on a true story about a 10 year old boy who shot a man who was about to shoot his father. The young man was pretty much railroaded into prison and sentenced to 5 years in the Idaho Territorial Penitentiary.
I felt sorry for Jake, the young man in the story, he saw bad things and had to grow up very quickly. Of course, back in that time, 1885, young men had to. The story was heart-breaking and the ending was kind of sad. But he had hope and found a small bit of happiness.
This was a book I found as I was straightening out the ya section of the library where I work. It just called out to me to check it out and read it. I'm so glad I did.
I felt sorry for Jake, the young man in the story, he saw bad things and had to grow up very quickly. Of course, back in that time, 1885, young men had to. The story was heart-breaking and the ending was kind of sad. But he had hope and found a small bit of happiness.
This was a book I found as I was straightening out the ya section of the library where I work. It just called out to me to check it out and read it. I'm so glad I did.
February 18, 2022
Enjoyed reading Prisoner 88 at the insistence of a good friend. The book is intended for mid-grade or YA readers but as an adult, I really enjoyed the piece. The story takes you through the life of a 10-year old jailed kid in Idaho (at the turn of the last century) and is a quick life/times behind bars, seen through the eyes of a child.
Chilling, stirring and poignant. I would have remembered this if I would have read it as a 10 year old and I certainly will remember it now. No spoilers here, but it is based on some true events and Pileggi hits a home run by documenting it.
Well, well done and would recommend for anyone looking for a quick read. Book for any age.
Chilling, stirring and poignant. I would have remembered this if I would have read it as a 10 year old and I certainly will remember it now. No spoilers here, but it is based on some true events and Pileggi hits a home run by documenting it.
Well, well done and would recommend for anyone looking for a quick read. Book for any age.
February 16, 2021
I read this book thinking I would read it with my middle school students. I enjoyed it and think they will, too. While the book is fiction, it was inspired by a ten-year-old who went to prison for manslaughter in the 1800s. The fictional character's relationships with his family, fellow inmates, and others at the prison show insight into who the character is and what he thinks. The book was thought-provoking and interesting. It will be excellent for critical thinking and wonderful classroom discussions.
January 16, 2022
It's not long and moves with alacrity. I stayed up to finish it. It's almost shockingly optimistic, which maybe I needed after two years of COVID wrapped in the agonizing end of our flawed American democracy. Unrealistic, but as one of those very few foster kids who found love and safety and a launch into the world, I'll allow it. If these things didn't happen, there would be no real bootstraps stories. There are so few, so I'm into reflecting how big an impact a little good and love and satisfying work can have on a kid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2018
Historical fiction based on a boy who was incarcerated in the Idaho penitentiary for murder in the late 1880's. The book is mostly about the relationships he builds with those in prison-- which are all made up. I did read it in one sitting as the characters were well developed. I did want to read on to see how things ended up for the main character. It is not a salacious read by any means. Quick read.
July 17, 2019
A quick read, this book was inspired by the true events of a 10 year old boy incarcerated in Idaho in 1885. When Jake shoots a man to protect his father, he gets sent to adult prison for a 5 year sentence. He quickly makes friends and enemies and faces many traumatic experiences as a young boy living in a cage with men who have committed heinous acts. This story is written in first person, which makes it tug on your heart strings even more!
August 4, 2019
As a historian for the Old Idaho Penitentiary I was curious about how this story would be told. There were some historical errors but I assumed the author would embellish the story. I believe this is geared towards kids, but I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone younger than 13 or 14. Prison is hard and I thought Jake came across as much more mature than a 10 year old would be. Interesting, but not the best intro to the Old Pen.
February 18, 2020
Wonderful historical fiction about a 10 year old prisoner in Idaho in the late 1800's. The prison system was small enough back then for there not to be separate facility for a young person who got convicted of a murder so the Prison took him in and did the best they could for Jake (Prisoner 88).
I love historical fiction. It brings the past to life and children's fiction most always ends with a positive outcome.
I love historical fiction. It brings the past to life and children's fiction most always ends with a positive outcome.
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