Prisoner 88 by Leah Pileggi ADVISABLE

Pileggi, Leah Prisoner 88, 142 pgs. 2013. Charlesbridge Publishing; $16.95. Language: PG (5 swears no Fs); Violence: PG; Mature Content: G.  

In 1885 Idaho, 10-year-old Jake has been sentenced to prison for killing a man.  Although the prison is over-crowded, Jake has a small cell to himself, but he is not safe from the violence and hardships that are part of prison life.  

Based on a real life prisoner, Pileggi captures the child’s perspective as she tells the story through Jake’s voice.  A little violent (fighting and animal death) and mild swearing, this would be a nice addition to either the Elementary or Middle School library.  

EL MS ADVISABLE Lisa Librarian