Another one to recommend to my reluctant readers. The dehumanizing effects of prison writ large in the character of "Forty." ( )

I've heard lots of good things about this book. I thought it was only ok, but I can see many of my boy students really enjoying it. ( )

At 17, Martin is arrested and thrown into jail--Rikers Island--for steering, telling an undercover police officer where to buy pot in his neighborhood. He's sure he'll be released as soon as his case is presented to the judge, but there's been no end of problems in getting his case heard, and his court date has been rescheduled several times. Martin is starting to lose himself to the misery of life in jail when he's moved to a different section of the prison--a section specifically for youth, where he'll be able to go to school. If he can work on getting credits while he's locked up, he might still be able to graduate high school and rebuild his life. All it will take is for someone to see him as a person, and not just an inmate.

The school aspect of this belongs in a booktalk because it's such a catalyst for everything else that happens and for Martin's character growth, but it's such a small part of the book, which is more about the interactions among the students/inmates, their character arcs, and the general insight into life inside a juvenile corrections facility. Thoughtful and thought-provoking, almost sure to spark discussion. I might push this as a replacement for Bad Boy on the 9th grade summer reading list. ( )

Martin tells his story of his last couple of weeks at Rikers Island. After being cut by another inmate when returning from court, he is moved to a new cellblock where he starts attending Rikers High. Volponi draws from his experience teaching at the school. Martin has a compelling voice. The novel moves along quickly and the temptation is always lurking to get revenge, grab power, or make some other choice that will result in trouble an prolonged incarceration. It's a rough story with a wide range of characters who offer both hope and depravity. ( )

Martin Stokes, at 17, is known only as "40": his number in Rikers Prison. Martin is no boy scout but he has a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In the 'hood he is caught and charged with "steering" (drugs) and his beleaguered attorney provides a lackluster defense in the courtroom. In Rikers, he is slashed across the face by an angry inmate in a case of mistaken identity. He does catch a break, however, when his wound sends him to a new unit: namely, school. Slowly he learns patience, tolerance and the realization that his life may be worth something after all.

Everyday activities in realistic language (f bombs) violence (not overdone) and sexual activity (not graphic) paint a vivid picture of prison life. The 'happy ending' is not a cop out... rather, it underscores the importance of education. Sure to speak to troubled youth, especially young males. ( )