Prisons : Inside the Big House

Children's Literature - Mary Sue Preissner

The author is an authority on this topic; he has not only studied and read extensively for this book, but he has also been incarcerated many times in a variety of situations. The book is illustrated with a variety of photographs and contains several excellently presented and effective charts and graphs. The subject matter ranges from the types of prisons, violence within them, women in prison, juvenile lockups, alternative prisons, and the impact of AIDS. Also included are a resource list, glossary, an extensive bibliography, and index. Material is presented in a logical manner using a vocabulary consistent with that of a middle-school aged child. Part of the "Pro/Con" series.

School Library Journal

Gr 7 UpThis book covers major current and historical topics about prisons: violence, types, alternative sentencing, juvenile lockups, and incarcerated women. Of particular interest is the chapter on the history of penitentiaries in the U.S., originally conceived by the Quakers as places to provide meditation and penitence. The author also addresses homosexual rape and AIDS transmission inside prison walls. The text is clear, accompanied by full-color photographs depicting day-to-day life behind bars and charts and pie graphs. The author presents factual information and does not stray into the realm of asking readers questions about their own values. Vivian Gordon and Lois Smith-Owens's Prisons and the Criminal Justice System (Walker, 1992) is a bit more reflective and asks readers questions at the end of each chapter. While not a necessary purchase, Hjelmeland's book may fill a void in your collections.Joan Soulliere, Wenham Public Library, MA