From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026

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What Members Thought

Dest
Jun 16, 2016 rated it really liked it
I've had lots of success booktalking this one at schools. The kids are super interested to find out why Perry lives in a prison, and even more why he LIKES it and is upset when he moves into a normal house.

My favorite part of this book was the description of the mindset one develops in prison. Big Ed's rules and tips for serving time are also applicable to life on the outside and I think a big part of what makes Perry such a good person.

Speaking of Perry being a good person, my big criticism o
...more
Susan
Jul 27, 2016 rated it really liked it
Shelves: booktalkers
It takes a village to raise a child, but what if that village consists of the inmates of a minimum security prison in tiny Surprise, Nebraska? The new district attorney of Butler County believes that prison is no place for a child. The child in question, 11 year old Perry T. Cook begs to differ. The Blue River Co-ed Correctional Facility is the only home he's ever known. The residents of the facility are his family. Exciting days are ahead for Perry and his mother Jessica. After serving 12 of 15 ...more
Karen
Premise is unique - baby born and raised in a prison. Really enjoyed this book!
Angela
Aug 15, 2016 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: read-in-2016
I loved this story. A lot. It comes down rather heavily on the "fiction" side of things, versus the "realistic," but I don't think that's at all a bad thing. It's a thoughtful, heartwarming exploration of the intricacies - and in some cases the failings - of America's justice system, as well as a look at what it means to be a family, to have a home. I'm so in favor of stories that illustrate how a mistake - a crime, even - doesn't automatically make you a terrible person. Furthermore, I really a ...more
Tamsyn
Apr 15, 2016 rated it really liked it
I got very involved in this book, about a boy who is raised in a prison when his pregnant mother is incarcerated. He has a good extended family there until a local DA decides this is a bad life for a child and takes matters into his own hands, fostering Perry with his own family. Interesting and sympathetic characters in an unusual situation. Another winner from Leslie Connor.
Susan  Dunn
Jan 19, 2017 rated it liked it
11-year-old Perry was raised in the Blue River Co-ed Correctional Facility, where his mom is an inmate. As her parole date approaches, the local DA gets it into his head that Perry's unconventional upbringing should mean parole denial. While the powers that be ponder her fate, Perry is sent to live in a foster home. ...more
Maria Caplin
Jun 13, 2016 rated it it was amazing
I fell in love with Perry and his mother who had a secret that changed her life. The kindness and friendships from Zoey and the mean bully warmed my heart. The inmates in the Correction became such integral characters in the story.. Got to love a wife who sticks up for her daughter's best friend. ...more
Rachel
Oct 29, 2015 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Mrs. Chatel
Dec 08, 2015 marked it as to-read
Shelves: troybery-2017
J.j.
Feb 03, 2016 marked it as to-read
Bekah
Feb 23, 2016 marked it as to-read
Kristin McIlhagga
Mar 19, 2016 marked it as to-read
Cathy
Apr 03, 2016 rated it it was amazing
Margo Jantzi
Apr 03, 2016 rated it it was amazing
Jenny
Apr 21, 2016 marked it as to-read
Kristy
Apr 27, 2016 rated it really liked it
Shelves: juv
Janice
May 02, 2016 rated it really liked it
Deanna
May 31, 2016 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: 2016-copyright
Kristen
Jul 24, 2016 rated it really liked it
Molly
Jul 25, 2016 marked it as to-read
Maggi Rohde
Aug 09, 2016 marked it as to-read
Charity
Sep 01, 2016 rated it it was amazing
Annette
Sep 24, 2016 rated it really liked it
Jaclyn
Oct 25, 2016 rated it really liked it
Celeste
Jan 10, 2017 marked it as to-read
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