Prisons: Today's Debate

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up--A broad overview that explores the numbers of facilities being built, the costs involved, and if and when incarceration is the appropriate punishment for a crime. Oliver looks at the history of prisons in America and at the treatment of prisoners throughout the Western world. She devotes one chapter to juvenile detention and another to providing a look at life inside a correctional institution. The death penalty is also briefly discussed. The remainder of the book focuses on a discussion of related issues: whether or not harsh sentences deter crime; if the objective of imprisonment should be rehabilitation or punishment; what rights, if any, prisoners should have; and whether parole should be an option. Alternatives to prisons such as boot camps and work-release programs are also addressed. The author writes in a straightforward, objective style, presenting both sides of some emotionally charged topics. The material is logically organized, which makes it easy to access. Black-and-white photographs complement the text. This book will satisfy the needs of students doing reports and general readers looking to formulate opinions.--Edward Sullivan, New York Public Library