All Rise for the Honourable Perry. T. Cook
Leslie Connor
Katherine Tegen Books 2016
American
Years 5-8
What’s it about?
This is a book that has received a lot of attention in the US with some reviewers comparing it to Wonder. Both Kirkus Review and School Library Journal have given it a starred review which puts it in the running for the Newbery Medal in 2017.
Its main character, 11- year old Perry, is in most respects, an ordinary boy, except that he lives in the Blue River Co-Ed Correctional Facility in the small Nebraskan town of Surprise. He attends school outside the jail and apart from some low-level teasing from some classmates is largely happy with his living arrangements. Perry has lived with his mother in jail for his whole life. This arrangement has been sanctioned by the humane Warden Daugherty who believes in respecting the dignity of prisoners. Perry is a source of much love and attention from other inmates who mostly treat him with benevolent affection.
Perry’s mother is hoping for parole and she and Perry have been making plans for life after jail. These plans are threatened by the intervention of the supposedly well-meaning local District Attorney who is outraged that a child has been living in jail and believes that Perry’s mother has not been properly punished because she has been allowed to have her child in jail with her. He forces the authorities to release Perry into his care and starts proceedings to prevent Perry’s mother from being paroled. Living on the outside, Perry desperately misses his mother but with the help of some sympathetic adults and his best friend Zoey he manages to circumvent the attempts of the self-righteous DA.
What’s good about it?
This book deals with heavy issues but it does so in an age-appropriate way. Most children probably have never considered the condition or situation of people in jails. Blue River Co-Ed Correctional Facility is not a violent high-security jail and the inmates are depicted as human beings rather than just as offenders. There are issues of injustice relating to Perry’s situation and that of other inmates that may make children think twice about incarcerated people. More important is the positive way Perry approaches his problems and seeks to resolve them. The book whilst sad is never maudlin and all ends well.
What’s not so good?
My main criticism is that is that it is quite a long book and some students may struggle to finish it. The ending is quite abrupt and I disagreed with the author's attempt to suggest that Perry’s mother may have been innocent as I think it detracts from the message that not every offender is a monster.
Who would like it?
Suitable for boys and girls. Probably strong readers who like longer novels with a strong and engrossing realistic plot.
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