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The Dozier School for Boys: Forensics, Survivors, and a Painful Past
Some true crimes reveal themselves in bits and pieces over time. One such case is the Florida School for Boys, a.k.a. the Dozier School, a place where―rather than reforming the children in their care―school officials tortured, raped, and killed them. Opened in 1900, the school closed in 2011 after a Department of Justice investigation substantiated allegations of routine beatings and killings made by about 100 survivors. Thus far, forensic anthropologist Dr. Erin Kimmerle and her team from the University of South Florida have uncovered fifty-five sets of human remains. Follow this story of institutional abuse, the brave survivors who spoke their truth, and the scientists and others who brought it to light.
120 pages, Library Binding
First published September 3, 2019
133 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth A. Murray
17 books25 followersDr. Elizabeth A. Murray is a forensic anthropologist and also Professor of Biology at Mount St. Joseph University, where she teaches doctoral-level human gross anatomy and undergraduate-level anatomy and physiology, as well as forensic science.
"With nearly 30 years in the field, I guess I was 'forensic' before it was cool! I find forensic science to be a fascinating subject that incorporates law, ethics, psychology, history, and technology, as it aids our global community."
Qualifications & career
"With nearly 30 years in the field, I guess I was 'forensic' before it was cool! I find forensic science to be a fascinating subject that incorporates law, ethics, psychology, history, and technology, as it aids our global community."
Qualifications & career
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
March 1, 2024
My gosh, the incredible lack of human decency never ceases to amaze me. I cannot believe so many adults employed by this school and in the neighboring community allowed these atrocities to happen and continue for so many years. Unbelievable. A short read, but not an easy one.
December 29, 2019
I wanted to read something factual about the Dozier School after reading Coulson Whitehead's novel, The Nickel Boys, and this book targeted at younger readers was what my local libraries had on hand. The prose is a bit dry, but there are photos and interesting sidebars throughout to break things up. And it did what I wanted, sating my curiosity on this ghastly topic.
Side note: Thanks to the one-armed school employee who participated in the student beatings, this is now the 16th book I've read this year -- the third this month -- to prominently feature an amputee. The unexpected trend continues.
Side note: Thanks to the one-armed school employee who participated in the student beatings, this is now the 16th book I've read this year -- the third this month -- to prominently feature an amputee. The unexpected trend continues.
August 3, 2019
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of THE DOZIER SCHOOL FOR BOYS by Elizabeth A Murray in exchange for my honest review.***
60 Minutes devoted a segment to the Dozier school years ago, so when I saw Dr Elizabeth Murray’s book, I knew I had to read it. Dozier was one of the first reform schools in the USA, beforehand juvenile and adult criminals had been housed together. The lofty theory of Dozier, educating and training wayward boys (and some girls in the beginning) never came to fruition. What developed over the years is the stuff of nightmares: beatings, sexual abuse, forced labor, malnutrition, lack of education and medical care among other horrors including murder. Murray takes readers through the opening in 1900 to the closing in 2011 and the investigations that continued afterward.
THE DOZIER SCHOOL FOR BOYS was a tough read for me, an adult who has read a number of graphic stories of abuse fact and fiction. While Murray’s writing sticks to factual and doesn’t attempt to evoke emotion, the descriptions may be a little much for sensitive readers. I’m glad Murray included the real life accounts of the brutality, anything less would have minimized the horrors at Dozier.
The reason I didn’t give THE DOZIER SCHOOL FOR BOYS five stars is because I’m not certain who the audience is. Clearly written for young adults with explanations that wouldn’t be found in adult nonfiction, I’m unsure which young adults would seek out this book unless as research for a paper. I don’t see many teens reading THE DOZIER SCHOOL FOR BOYS for pleasure but can imagine it as a history subtext for advanced students.
60 Minutes devoted a segment to the Dozier school years ago, so when I saw Dr Elizabeth Murray’s book, I knew I had to read it. Dozier was one of the first reform schools in the USA, beforehand juvenile and adult criminals had been housed together. The lofty theory of Dozier, educating and training wayward boys (and some girls in the beginning) never came to fruition. What developed over the years is the stuff of nightmares: beatings, sexual abuse, forced labor, malnutrition, lack of education and medical care among other horrors including murder. Murray takes readers through the opening in 1900 to the closing in 2011 and the investigations that continued afterward.
THE DOZIER SCHOOL FOR BOYS was a tough read for me, an adult who has read a number of graphic stories of abuse fact and fiction. While Murray’s writing sticks to factual and doesn’t attempt to evoke emotion, the descriptions may be a little much for sensitive readers. I’m glad Murray included the real life accounts of the brutality, anything less would have minimized the horrors at Dozier.
The reason I didn’t give THE DOZIER SCHOOL FOR BOYS five stars is because I’m not certain who the audience is. Clearly written for young adults with explanations that wouldn’t be found in adult nonfiction, I’m unsure which young adults would seek out this book unless as research for a paper. I don’t see many teens reading THE DOZIER SCHOOL FOR BOYS for pleasure but can imagine it as a history subtext for advanced students.
June 23, 2020
I recently read The Nickel Boys and learned about the Dozier School for Boys. After reading that historical novel I was currently to read a factual account about the school. This is a book with the historical and forensic accounts related to the horrific incidents that occurred at that school during 100+ years. The book provided a good factual account, but I was sorry to learn that much of the forensics was unable to provide definitive evidence of the abuse recounted by the boys incarcerated there. It's written for a youth audience but provided good information.
August 6, 2019
A tragic and heartbreaking exposé on the abuse young boys suffered at a school for juvenile reform for over 100 years until it's closing. Interviews with the survivors, as well as some men who worked at the school, help to flesh out the author's rather hurried timeline. I would have loved to hear more about the daily lives of the boys at the school or the history of juvenile reform in America or about how Dozier changed from decade to decade, but as evidenced by the novel's short length (120 pages including all the references) it felt like there just wasn't enough time to sit with the survivor's stories and really learn from this tragedy.
A special thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
A special thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 12, 2020
Read Harder Challenge 2020 by BookRiot
Task: Read a YA Non-Fiction book.
After reading up on the Tennessee Children's Home Society a quick Google search led me to The Dozier School for Boys in Florida that was in operation for over 100 years. Just over 100 pages about the "living" conditions, discipline, cover-ups, and modern forensic truths detail horrific sentences for the inmates/child prisoners who resided inside. Not a pleasant read by any means, but content aside reads more like a thesis or what I would expect from the desk of Bones on TV, dry narrative full of information but not much fluffy filling. To be expected and not a topic worthy of sugar coating anyway. Mortified how long the school was in operation.
Task: Read a YA Non-Fiction book.
After reading up on the Tennessee Children's Home Society a quick Google search led me to The Dozier School for Boys in Florida that was in operation for over 100 years. Just over 100 pages about the "living" conditions, discipline, cover-ups, and modern forensic truths detail horrific sentences for the inmates/child prisoners who resided inside. Not a pleasant read by any means, but content aside reads more like a thesis or what I would expect from the desk of Bones on TV, dry narrative full of information but not much fluffy filling. To be expected and not a topic worthy of sugar coating anyway. Mortified how long the school was in operation.
September 23, 2025
Set in Marianna, FL. 120 pp. This was a really tough book to read, learning of all the abuse those children suffered in this supposed reform school. Incredibly informative.
The Dozier School for Boys: Forensics, Survivors, and a Painful Past by Elizabeth A. Murray
The Dozier School for Boys: Forensics, Survivors, and a Painful Past by Elizabeth A. Murray
November 18, 2019
I found this to be a solid introduction to the heartbreak and horror that was The Dozier School for Boys. For those looking for more information, there is an extensive bibliography at the end. My heart goes out to the brave men who came forward, and I hope the lessons learned will prevent other corrupt institutions from continuing to operate.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
August 6, 2019
I had never heard of this horrific event in our history. So many children and teens brutalized unimaginably by those whose care they had been entrusted to. So many who are still alive and must live with these heinous memories. Difficult to read.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley.
February 5, 2020
Pair with The Nickel Boys
July 22, 2025
A brief narration recounting the neglect, abuse, and possible murder of young boys at Florida's Dozier School for Boys. I remembered hearing accounts of the investigation into the horrors that occurred in this facility, but I hadn't paid much attention. Operating from 1900 to 2011 in the small town of Marianna, Florida, the "school's" quaint and polished exterior hid for years the trauma the young boys endured.
March 10, 2021
I actually read this book a while ago, but I'm reviewing it now because it's the real story behind Colson Whitehead's incredible book The Nickel Boys. The Dozier School for Boys operated for 111 years, and so far archeologists have uncovered fifty-one bodies on the grounds, and that's just the boys who died. The White House Boys, as they call themselves, are the survivors of the school that have come forward with horrific stories.
Murray traces the history of the school from its founding in 1900 to its closing in 2011 (!!), using testimony from survivors and the progress of the archeological digs at the site to fill in the holes of the official records. Children died here in the hundreds, and many, many more were horribly and routinely abused. This book is directed at a young adult audience, so Murray tries to ease back on the details, but it's still plenty awful enough to give me, an adult, nightmares. I think it's important and it was necessary for me to read (especially in light of later reading The Nickel Boys, so I could know that Whitehead, if anything, toned it down), but it's a hard read.
Murray traces the history of the school from its founding in 1900 to its closing in 2011 (!!), using testimony from survivors and the progress of the archeological digs at the site to fill in the holes of the official records. Children died here in the hundreds, and many, many more were horribly and routinely abused. This book is directed at a young adult audience, so Murray tries to ease back on the details, but it's still plenty awful enough to give me, an adult, nightmares. I think it's important and it was necessary for me to read (especially in light of later reading The Nickel Boys, so I could know that Whitehead, if anything, toned it down), but it's a hard read.
November 28, 2024
This is about a far-too-late investigation into atrocities that took place at a reform school in Marianna, Florida that was open for 100+ years and finally closed in 2011. Initially, the “school” housed and “educated” boys and girls that committed “crimes”. However, for the majority of its existence, Dozier (under several names over the years) was a boys only reform “school” with considerably more black boys than white. Many were admitted due to truancy, parents simply unable to care for them and/or because they did not want them. Most boys left illiterate, damaged and traumatized.
It’s only in the early 2000’s that a serious investigation into allegations of abuse and murder came to fruition with brave survivors publicly sharing their personal stories. Over 50 bodies/remains were initially exhumed from unmarked grave in the forest (primarily boys of color). Through science and DNA from relatives, only a few positive identifications could be made due to lack of record keeping, poor burial conditions, the passage of time and no gravesite maintenance. Findings were not conclusive to hold anyone accountable for any crimes. Even if there was something to pursue, the alleged named offenders are deceased.
The accounts of the few survivors who shared their stories is heartbreaking. In addition to “education” largely through slave labor in dangerous conditions, many boys were severely beaten, tortured, raped and forced to hold other boys down during beatings in the “White House”. The White House is a white building with rooms with beds the boys were made to hold onto while face down and biting on a filthy pillow during beatings. Since the investigation, this house has been turned into a memorial with statues: one of 4 boys in line to go in and a second with only 3 boys that came out.
I angrily the found the town of Marianna quite reminiscent of towns that turned a blind eye to the atrocities in nearby concentration and labor camps during WWII. In fact, many of the Dozier boys were unpaid laborers at surrounding farms and residents were incentivized to report/return escapees if spotted. To know this school only closed in 2013 is baffling. How many times must history repeat itself in yet another iteration of the same abuses?!
I didn’t rate this higher because of the format bouncing around amongst the history of the school, survivors’ personal stories, and the investigation’s science and findings sprinkled throughout. For me, it was distracting and seemed disjointed and reminiscent of a textbook.
It’s only in the early 2000’s that a serious investigation into allegations of abuse and murder came to fruition with brave survivors publicly sharing their personal stories. Over 50 bodies/remains were initially exhumed from unmarked grave in the forest (primarily boys of color). Through science and DNA from relatives, only a few positive identifications could be made due to lack of record keeping, poor burial conditions, the passage of time and no gravesite maintenance. Findings were not conclusive to hold anyone accountable for any crimes. Even if there was something to pursue, the alleged named offenders are deceased.
The accounts of the few survivors who shared their stories is heartbreaking. In addition to “education” largely through slave labor in dangerous conditions, many boys were severely beaten, tortured, raped and forced to hold other boys down during beatings in the “White House”. The White House is a white building with rooms with beds the boys were made to hold onto while face down and biting on a filthy pillow during beatings. Since the investigation, this house has been turned into a memorial with statues: one of 4 boys in line to go in and a second with only 3 boys that came out.
I angrily the found the town of Marianna quite reminiscent of towns that turned a blind eye to the atrocities in nearby concentration and labor camps during WWII. In fact, many of the Dozier boys were unpaid laborers at surrounding farms and residents were incentivized to report/return escapees if spotted. To know this school only closed in 2013 is baffling. How many times must history repeat itself in yet another iteration of the same abuses?!
I didn’t rate this higher because of the format bouncing around amongst the history of the school, survivors’ personal stories, and the investigation’s science and findings sprinkled throughout. For me, it was distracting and seemed disjointed and reminiscent of a textbook.
June 11, 2020
SYNOPSIS
The Dozier School for Boys, by Dr. Elizabeth A. Murray Ph.D., is a dispassionate and analytical examination of the disturbing events that transpired at the reform school during its 111 years. The institution was in operation between 1900-2011. With the investigation regarding claims of sinister activities continuing beyond its closure. Perhaps we should begin with the context relating to the institution. Prior to the establishment of the Dozier School for Boys, also known as The North Florida Youth Development Center (“NYFDC”). it was common place for children, found guilty of some misdemeanor or crime would be housed alongside adult men in penal institutions under the same harsh regimes. It was not unheard of for the juvenile inmate to become victims of the adult male prison population. There was little prospect of rehabilitation for the children as they lacked basic education, or of the opportunity to learn a trade. The school was created to reduce the negative outcomes of housing children with potential predators. Also with a view to reduce the recidivist rates and to reduce public expenditure through the creation of a reformatory.
Sadly, as Dr. Murray explains the initial high expectations quickly fell short. What began as an inspirational attempt at improving outcomes and reducing crime descended into Institutionalized, systematic abuse. Every horror occurred at the correctional institution from sexual exploitation, physical abuse, forced labor, and starvation of the inmates.
CONCLUSION
The Dozier School for Boys is a concise and scholarly work. It made for disturbing reading at times. There was some repetition and read as condescending at times. Dr. Murray’s writing style may suggest to some that she lacks empathy for her subject. I however suggest that she is being dispassionate by design, avoiding the natural reaction to make subjective assessments about the horrific events and abuses of the children. Eloquently written, supported by graphic eyewitness accounts; provide a view on the Reform School experiment that failed all of its goals.
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3 out of 5.
ACKNOLWEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Elizabeth A. Murray , NetGalley and Twenty-First Century Books TM (September 3, 2019) for affording me the opportunity to review The Dozier School for Boys: Forensics, Survivors,
and a Painful Past.
The Dozier School for Boys, by Dr. Elizabeth A. Murray Ph.D., is a dispassionate and analytical examination of the disturbing events that transpired at the reform school during its 111 years. The institution was in operation between 1900-2011. With the investigation regarding claims of sinister activities continuing beyond its closure. Perhaps we should begin with the context relating to the institution. Prior to the establishment of the Dozier School for Boys, also known as The North Florida Youth Development Center (“NYFDC”). it was common place for children, found guilty of some misdemeanor or crime would be housed alongside adult men in penal institutions under the same harsh regimes. It was not unheard of for the juvenile inmate to become victims of the adult male prison population. There was little prospect of rehabilitation for the children as they lacked basic education, or of the opportunity to learn a trade. The school was created to reduce the negative outcomes of housing children with potential predators. Also with a view to reduce the recidivist rates and to reduce public expenditure through the creation of a reformatory.
Sadly, as Dr. Murray explains the initial high expectations quickly fell short. What began as an inspirational attempt at improving outcomes and reducing crime descended into Institutionalized, systematic abuse. Every horror occurred at the correctional institution from sexual exploitation, physical abuse, forced labor, and starvation of the inmates.
CONCLUSION
The Dozier School for Boys is a concise and scholarly work. It made for disturbing reading at times. There was some repetition and read as condescending at times. Dr. Murray’s writing style may suggest to some that she lacks empathy for her subject. I however suggest that she is being dispassionate by design, avoiding the natural reaction to make subjective assessments about the horrific events and abuses of the children. Eloquently written, supported by graphic eyewitness accounts; provide a view on the Reform School experiment that failed all of its goals.
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3 out of 5.
ACKNOLWEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Elizabeth A. Murray , NetGalley and Twenty-First Century Books TM (September 3, 2019) for affording me the opportunity to review The Dozier School for Boys: Forensics, Survivors,
and a Painful Past.
November 7, 2019
Beginning with the fire that destroyed a dormitory in 1914, Murray takes the reader through a brief history of what came to be known as The Dozier School for Boys. Over the hundred plus years of its existence, thousands of boys and at times girls attended the school. Built to be a reform school, it was intended to educate and create adults of reformed character. But from the beginning students were mistreated. This mistreatment took many forms. The education offered was poor and sometimes non-existent. When combined with the hard labor the students were required to perform, one wonders about the mental, emotional, and physical health of the children who attended the school.
After describing the problems inherent in the way the school was run, the author presents information and survivor testimony revolving around the torture and rape that occurred at the school. Admittedly this was the hardest part of the book to read. The next chapter presents the stories of a handful of survivors who have chosen to speak out about their experiences. It was hard to read about the abuse they experienced at the hands of those who should have been helping them.
The rest of the book focuses on the survivors efforts to reveal the secrets the school had been keeping for so long and the results of their efforts. The investigations that were made, the reunions that were held, and the forensic work conducted around the school's cemetery. While informative, this section of the book is ultimately unsatisfying. By the time these investigations took place, there wasn't much to find. Out of the fifty or so bodies found in the cemetery only a handful were identifiable. And none of the remains were in good enough shape to provide any definitive answers. Still the survivors continue to speak out and their efforts did help lead to the closure of the school in 2011.
An informative book on a difficult topic, The Dozier School for Boys, gives the reader a glimpse into a modern day tragedy that stretches back into the past. I didn't look at a physical copy of the book so I can't speak to the effectiveness of the book's design, but as far as the content goes, it's a well-written and solid account.
After describing the problems inherent in the way the school was run, the author presents information and survivor testimony revolving around the torture and rape that occurred at the school. Admittedly this was the hardest part of the book to read. The next chapter presents the stories of a handful of survivors who have chosen to speak out about their experiences. It was hard to read about the abuse they experienced at the hands of those who should have been helping them.
The rest of the book focuses on the survivors efforts to reveal the secrets the school had been keeping for so long and the results of their efforts. The investigations that were made, the reunions that were held, and the forensic work conducted around the school's cemetery. While informative, this section of the book is ultimately unsatisfying. By the time these investigations took place, there wasn't much to find. Out of the fifty or so bodies found in the cemetery only a handful were identifiable. And none of the remains were in good enough shape to provide any definitive answers. Still the survivors continue to speak out and their efforts did help lead to the closure of the school in 2011.
An informative book on a difficult topic, The Dozier School for Boys, gives the reader a glimpse into a modern day tragedy that stretches back into the past. I didn't look at a physical copy of the book so I can't speak to the effectiveness of the book's design, but as far as the content goes, it's a well-written and solid account.
May 17, 2020
Prior to this book, I had read a bit about the Dozier School for Boys on the Internet. It was after reading
The Nickel Boys
by Colson Whitehead, a fictionalized account of two boys at a school based on Dozier, that I wanted to go a bit deeper. This book was just what I needed at this point in time. This is relatively short (only 102 pages before source notes, glossary, bibliography, and further information recommendations), and yet still covers a lot. There was information about the school (which operated from 1900 - 2011 in Florida), the atrocious and devastating abuse that took place there (including beatings, rapes, and murder), several personal accounts of boys who attended, and the investigations that occured once these former students started speaking out.
I am very glad that the allegations were taken seriously and investigated once they started coming to light ~2008-2010. Unfortunately, the investigations revealed credible, consistent reports of midconduct by the staff (particularly in the 1950s-1960s) but too much time had passed for there to be enough evidence to stand up in a court of law. It would have been impossible to prove criminal charges against the staff who had abused the boys who had been in their care. The state of Florida issued a formal apology to the students and their families in 2017 but, as of 2020, proposed memorials and restitutions have not come to pass.
I think this book had the right amount of information for someone who is not familiar with the Dozier story and there are plenty of recommended resources for further learning (books, audio and video, and articles). I read this during the time of COVID-19 in 2020 and do not know if I could have handled a typical, in-depth, true crime, 300-400 pages kind of book at this time. It may have been too much to process while the whole world was going through the COVID crisis. This short book was perfect and I do plan to make note of some of the further resources to check out as I feel ready.
I am very glad that the allegations were taken seriously and investigated once they started coming to light ~2008-2010. Unfortunately, the investigations revealed credible, consistent reports of midconduct by the staff (particularly in the 1950s-1960s) but too much time had passed for there to be enough evidence to stand up in a court of law. It would have been impossible to prove criminal charges against the staff who had abused the boys who had been in their care. The state of Florida issued a formal apology to the students and their families in 2017 but, as of 2020, proposed memorials and restitutions have not come to pass.
I think this book had the right amount of information for someone who is not familiar with the Dozier story and there are plenty of recommended resources for further learning (books, audio and video, and articles). I read this during the time of COVID-19 in 2020 and do not know if I could have handled a typical, in-depth, true crime, 300-400 pages kind of book at this time. It may have been too much to process while the whole world was going through the COVID crisis. This short book was perfect and I do plan to make note of some of the further resources to check out as I feel ready.
August 16, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Dozier School for Boys: Forensics, Survivors, and a Painful Past by Elizabeth A. Murray, PhD for an honest review.
Like many, I am very into the "new" trend of True Crime stories. However, nay of the ways I heard these stories were through television shows and podcasts, never books. So when I saw The Dozier School for Boys in the list of books on NetGalley, I knew that I had to give it a go. It was pretty much right up my alley, The Dozier School being the first of its kind, a reform school for juveniles. Previously, juveniles who committed crimes were housed with those of adults charged for the same thing, but The Dozier School changed that. The school allowed its boys to get an education, learn trades, and get them more prepared for life outside of their home. At least, that was what its creators intended it to be and shared with the State of Flordia. Though the boys did work, the hidden life of child labor, physical and psychological abuse among other horrible things were happening while those who lived by the school and heard rumors of what was actually happening turned a blind eye.
It took an hour for me to complete the book and I was no disappointed with the information provided about the history, the short memory retelling, and the investigation made to find out the truth. Though, for someone who has read many books of the horrors of 19th and 20th century Psychiatric Hospitals of the Northeast, the horrors Elizabeth A. Murray, PhD writes about in her books leaves one emotional and questioning of how such a reformatory could be open for the 111 years that it was. Its sensitive information can and will trigger those who have been through similar things outside of the Dozier School for Boys and I don't really believe that it should be considered a "Young Adult Novel." I cannot give this a 5 star review because it is really something you should read if you were doing a school project and because it is listed as "Young Adult" when it should be general non-fiction with NSFW tags.
Like many, I am very into the "new" trend of True Crime stories. However, nay of the ways I heard these stories were through television shows and podcasts, never books. So when I saw The Dozier School for Boys in the list of books on NetGalley, I knew that I had to give it a go. It was pretty much right up my alley, The Dozier School being the first of its kind, a reform school for juveniles. Previously, juveniles who committed crimes were housed with those of adults charged for the same thing, but The Dozier School changed that. The school allowed its boys to get an education, learn trades, and get them more prepared for life outside of their home. At least, that was what its creators intended it to be and shared with the State of Flordia. Though the boys did work, the hidden life of child labor, physical and psychological abuse among other horrible things were happening while those who lived by the school and heard rumors of what was actually happening turned a blind eye.
It took an hour for me to complete the book and I was no disappointed with the information provided about the history, the short memory retelling, and the investigation made to find out the truth. Though, for someone who has read many books of the horrors of 19th and 20th century Psychiatric Hospitals of the Northeast, the horrors Elizabeth A. Murray, PhD writes about in her books leaves one emotional and questioning of how such a reformatory could be open for the 111 years that it was. Its sensitive information can and will trigger those who have been through similar things outside of the Dozier School for Boys and I don't really believe that it should be considered a "Young Adult Novel." I cannot give this a 5 star review because it is really something you should read if you were doing a school project and because it is listed as "Young Adult" when it should be general non-fiction with NSFW tags.
Read
August 25, 2019 Thank you to Lerner Publishing Group and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story!
DNF at 46%
This is a story of the absolutely horrendous abuse that occurred at the Dozier School for Boys in Florida for over 100 years, something I had never even heard about.
I was incredibly intrigued by this book, as this is a really tough topic to broach for a young audience, but could be really impactful and important. However, it really just didn't work for me.
I found this book incredibly choppy, often jumping back and forth between time frames and the stories of various survivors, even going as far as repeating similar things MULTIPLE times, which was incredibly annoying to try to read. It also felt quite oversimplified. Considering that this appears to be targeted at a teen audience, there was far too much explanation of simple topics. For example, truancy was defined not once, but twice in the span of about 10 pages, and the "White House", where the boys often received their punishments, was labeled as so almost any time it was mentioned. It got to the point where it almost felt patronizing, like the author didn't trust the intelligence or memory of her audience, which was only slightly infuriating.
Generally, the first half felt very detached. I wasn't emotionally pulled into the stories, even when we were hearing eyewitness accounts. The writing felt far too academic to draw any sort of emotion, but also far too simple. Almost like the author didn't have any passion for what she was writing about, which I'm sure isn't true, but left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
All in all, I didn't like it and I'm really quite annoyed about it.
DNF at 46%
This is a story of the absolutely horrendous abuse that occurred at the Dozier School for Boys in Florida for over 100 years, something I had never even heard about.
I was incredibly intrigued by this book, as this is a really tough topic to broach for a young audience, but could be really impactful and important. However, it really just didn't work for me.
I found this book incredibly choppy, often jumping back and forth between time frames and the stories of various survivors, even going as far as repeating similar things MULTIPLE times, which was incredibly annoying to try to read. It also felt quite oversimplified. Considering that this appears to be targeted at a teen audience, there was far too much explanation of simple topics. For example, truancy was defined not once, but twice in the span of about 10 pages, and the "White House", where the boys often received their punishments, was labeled as so almost any time it was mentioned. It got to the point where it almost felt patronizing, like the author didn't trust the intelligence or memory of her audience, which was only slightly infuriating.
Generally, the first half felt very detached. I wasn't emotionally pulled into the stories, even when we were hearing eyewitness accounts. The writing felt far too academic to draw any sort of emotion, but also far too simple. Almost like the author didn't have any passion for what she was writing about, which I'm sure isn't true, but left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
All in all, I didn't like it and I'm really quite annoyed about it.
December 27, 2019
After reading The Nickel Boys, I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about the Dozier School for Boys, a Florida Reform School that was open from 1900 until in closed somewhere around 2010 (I don't remember the exact year). This 100 page true crime book gave me a little more insight. During its existence, many boys were sent to this reform school for minor offenses like truancy, and parents were told that their children would be fed, housed, and educated here, so for poor families especially, this seemed like a great place for their children.
This book has first-hand accounts from some of the Dozier boys about the mistreatment they received while attending the school. Education wasn't even something they all received- some of the black kids were really only doing hard labor. The infamous "white house" on the school campus was where boys were taken for "spankings" where they had to lie face down on a dirty mattress, hold onto the top rail, and not cry out as they were whipped, or else the number of lashes they received increased. The white house was punishment for attempted escapes and other larger issues, but you could also wind up there sheerly out of bad luck.
The survivors have told stories of rapes and other sexual abuse, psychological torture, hard labor (including trying to farm in a swamp). Some boys went missing, and it is believed by the students that they were killed by the staff. Evidence has been spotty at best and nobody has been punished for the crimes that happened to these boys. They did receive a formal apology, the school was closed down, and the white house was sealed up, but that's about it.
This book has first-hand accounts from some of the Dozier boys about the mistreatment they received while attending the school. Education wasn't even something they all received- some of the black kids were really only doing hard labor. The infamous "white house" on the school campus was where boys were taken for "spankings" where they had to lie face down on a dirty mattress, hold onto the top rail, and not cry out as they were whipped, or else the number of lashes they received increased. The white house was punishment for attempted escapes and other larger issues, but you could also wind up there sheerly out of bad luck.
The survivors have told stories of rapes and other sexual abuse, psychological torture, hard labor (including trying to farm in a swamp). Some boys went missing, and it is believed by the students that they were killed by the staff. Evidence has been spotty at best and nobody has been punished for the crimes that happened to these boys. They did receive a formal apology, the school was closed down, and the white house was sealed up, but that's about it.
November 28, 2022
This book was sort of a confusing read for me. The subject matter is truly horrific, but a lot of the language seems geared more towards a younger audience. There were some terms that were defined (such as caesarian section and truancy) that made this seem like perhaps it was written for YA. The book was also pretty short, so there wasn't a lot of comprehensive analysis.
Overall, though, there was some helpful and interesting information (if this is going to be used as a textbook-like source). The Dozier School for Boys existed in Florida from 1900-2011, during which some terrible abuses took place (especially among the black children that were enrolled there). It was basically a prison instead of a school, and many people believe that some children were murdered or that their deaths were covered up so that the school could remain open. I'm glad that they're doing work now to try and account for the lives that might have been lost there, and thank goodness it's closed now!
This is certainly an important topic, but I think maybe the subject would have been better in a different format (maybe more of a long-form nonfiction lens with additional research and/or interviews).
*Free copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Overall, though, there was some helpful and interesting information (if this is going to be used as a textbook-like source). The Dozier School for Boys existed in Florida from 1900-2011, during which some terrible abuses took place (especially among the black children that were enrolled there). It was basically a prison instead of a school, and many people believe that some children were murdered or that their deaths were covered up so that the school could remain open. I'm glad that they're doing work now to try and account for the lives that might have been lost there, and thank goodness it's closed now!
This is certainly an important topic, but I think maybe the subject would have been better in a different format (maybe more of a long-form nonfiction lens with additional research and/or interviews).
*Free copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
December 11, 2019
It took me a month to read this because I got distracted by twenty other books, otherwise this slim 100 page volume could have been read in a day. The book is geared towards a high school audience and includes a glossary and easy to read text. Regardless, I found this to be the most complete history of the school I’ve found since reading Colson Whitehead’s The Nickel Boys earlier this year.
The chapter on the forensics involved in investigating the graveyard was interesting, but in the other two books I’ve read, it was implied that the boys buried there had been killed by school officials/employees (ie: boys who died as a result of punishments in The White House, or were killed for running away) but the anthropologists here seem to take the word of school documents that say the died from various diseases and peer to peer violence. I’m not one to argue with science, but I also don’t think we can overlook the fact that the school very well may have been lying on official records. So I’m a little torn on that, but over all the book is a solid source.
The chapter on the forensics involved in investigating the graveyard was interesting, but in the other two books I’ve read, it was implied that the boys buried there had been killed by school officials/employees (ie: boys who died as a result of punishments in The White House, or were killed for running away) but the anthropologists here seem to take the word of school documents that say the died from various diseases and peer to peer violence. I’m not one to argue with science, but I also don’t think we can overlook the fact that the school very well may have been lying on official records. So I’m a little torn on that, but over all the book is a solid source.
December 29, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Dozier School for Boys was intended to be a school for training, education and rehabilitation for young offenders, but instead became a real life horror location for hundreds and hundreds of children. Sharing accounts of survivors, decades-old newspaper articles, and information obtained from extensive research, the author walks us through the chilling history of the school; racism, bullying, and mental, physical, and sexual abuse have all been reported; there are also the claims of the murderings of an unknown number of children over the school's long tenure of 111 years (it officially closed in 2011).
This is an important read. The failings of the state of Florida, the school, the administration, the staff.. they're all on blast; the author shares direct quotes from men who endured through their times at Dozier. What these children were subjected to was horrific; this isn't a read for the faint of heart, but it's so important to understand the failings, and the toll the abuse took on those once young minds, so it may not happen ever again.
97/100 2021 Reads
This is an important read. The failings of the state of Florida, the school, the administration, the staff.. they're all on blast; the author shares direct quotes from men who endured through their times at Dozier. What these children were subjected to was horrific; this isn't a read for the faint of heart, but it's so important to understand the failings, and the toll the abuse took on those once young minds, so it may not happen ever again.
97/100 2021 Reads
March 8, 2020
A disturbing account of the abuse suffered for 100 years by youth in a juvenile reform camp in Florida. See also Colson Whitehead's NICKEL BOYS for an historical fiction story related to the this place. This is another example of deep societal ills that are not well known by the American public, were deemed normal at the time, and have far reaching multi-generational destructive impact on the youth who were entrusted by the state to this facility for care. Many youths had committed no offense, their families were too poor or otherwise not able to care for them. Representatives of the police and state ENCOURAGED families to send their boys to Dozier, saying they would get a good education. The whole town was in on the abuse. It's like a horror TV series, but real. Coupled with the little told story of Rosewood, Florida, it's almost too much to comprehend the commonplace terrorizing of fellow citizens.
August 6, 2019
A factual summary of the horrors that occurred at the Dozier School for Boys in Florida from 1900 all the way through 2011, sadly. There are many eye witness accounts and stories from actual survivors which are so very sad. The cruel treatment of the residents of this school which mostly included orphans, boys who had gotten in trouble, truants and others who just had bad luck, included severe beatings, rapes, psychological and physical torture and poor treatment in all areas including nutrition healthcare. All in all the place sounds like a total nightmare. The book also follows the investigation and the forensics team that uncovered the cemetery where at least 55 young men were buried over the years. Interesting and sad story all around. Information was ell-written, researched and presented. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
November 18, 2019
This book is an account of the true crimes committed at the Dozier school for boys in Florida. Built in 1900, the school was meant to reform boys convicted of crimes instead of putting them in the regular prison system with the adults. The boys alternated days between school and hard labor, with the idea that the school would become self-sustaining. A good idea in theory, but when not properly regulated punishment and abuse and even killings were routine.
The school was open for 111 years and only closed after a few brave survivors came forward with their stories and accusations. The interviews in this book are awful and heartbreaking. Although the book is informative, the accounts of the victims and the police and forensic information just seeing jumbled together and very poorly organized.
The school was open for 111 years and only closed after a few brave survivors came forward with their stories and accusations. The interviews in this book are awful and heartbreaking. Although the book is informative, the accounts of the victims and the police and forensic information just seeing jumbled together and very poorly organized.
September 2, 2020
DNF 54%
While I was interested in the horrible stories of the men that lived at this horrendous "school", I just couldn't keep going. The writing is geared towards a far younger audience than I was expecting (I would say around middle school, which is surprising because of the content). It jumped all around and wasn't really consistent throughout the book. The actual stories, interviews, and explanations of the day to day life for the boys at Dozier were what kept me going as long as I did. The more legal side of the story lost me (even though I know it is important to tell that part too). I would say that this book is a great resource if you are looking to do some research or write some kind of book report, but not for more casual reading.
While I was interested in the horrible stories of the men that lived at this horrendous "school", I just couldn't keep going. The writing is geared towards a far younger audience than I was expecting (I would say around middle school, which is surprising because of the content). It jumped all around and wasn't really consistent throughout the book. The actual stories, interviews, and explanations of the day to day life for the boys at Dozier were what kept me going as long as I did. The more legal side of the story lost me (even though I know it is important to tell that part too). I would say that this book is a great resource if you are looking to do some research or write some kind of book report, but not for more casual reading.
October 3, 2019
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
The story of the Dozier School for Boys is one filled with tragedy and sorrow. Elizabeth Murray takes the reader through the history of racism and brutal violence at a state approved reform school. It's incredible in these more enlightened times that the state of Florida condoned such abuses.
Ms. Murray's research is fantastic, but at times, her prose flares more toward the dramatic when it doesn't need to.
Overall, this is an important piece of history that should be more well known. I highly recommend reading more about the Dozier School, and this is a good place to start.
The story of the Dozier School for Boys is one filled with tragedy and sorrow. Elizabeth Murray takes the reader through the history of racism and brutal violence at a state approved reform school. It's incredible in these more enlightened times that the state of Florida condoned such abuses.
Ms. Murray's research is fantastic, but at times, her prose flares more toward the dramatic when it doesn't need to.
Overall, this is an important piece of history that should be more well known. I highly recommend reading more about the Dozier School, and this is a good place to start.
November 13, 2019
Oh my little fledgling true crime fans will devour this book! Great topic for making available to young adults and will definitely raise a lot of questions for interesting discussions. While I felt the book struggled at first, either I adjusted as a reader or the book seemed to gain direction about a quarter of the way through. Finishing strong, the additional resources will give readers wanting to know more a few places to go for in depth information. I like the emphasis on forensics, but I would have also loved if the book had been a bit more personal and put us in the shoes of these boys.
It will definitely be added to our collection in the library!
It will definitely be added to our collection in the library!
November 15, 2020
This is a YA book about the infamous reform school in Marianna, FL. I became interested in the subject after reading the fiction book, The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead. The Dozier School was in operation from 1900 to 2011 and in recent years, men have come forward to tell their tales of abuse from adults entrusted in their care. The book is interesting and very short but reminds me of a textbook. It's a bit dry with many facts and figures although the dryness of it is broken up with pictures and testimonies from men who lived at the school. This book is an easy one to read and a good starter book for those seeking more information about the school.
March 11, 2024
This YA nonfiction book described the history of the Dozier School (the reform school in Florida on which Colson Whitehead based his excellent novel, Nickel Boys) and the efforts of former students there to bring to light the cruelty and abuse they and others suffered there. Not an easy read because of the horrors it describes. For teens, its target audience, this book could serve two purposes: educating them about these sad historical events, and also about the field of forensic anthropology and how its scientific techniques were applied to uncover details about some of the young men buried at Dozier.
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