Comment

Jan 27, 2017chelseasc rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
** spoiler alert ** A very sweet and uplifting story about how we define "home" and "family." Perry is an exceptionally likeable kid, and the charming cast of characters around him make for a thoroughly pleasant read. The stigma associated with being connected to incarceration is touched on, but sugar-coated a bit. Perry's growth, as he learns to navigate the world outside prison walls without the guidance of his mother and other adults who've raised him, feels authentic, and it is refreshing to read about people in prison who are still portrayed as loving fathers, grandmothers, etc. Connor makes it clear that even adults make mistakes, and a while a few bad decisions can lead to consequences, that does not make a person a monster. At the same time, it's a bit of a stretch to have so many of the inmates portrayed as either victims of circumstance or entirely accepting of their fate or fully regretful and accepting responsibility. And it weakens the effort to depict inmates as human beings when one of the key players is actually entirely innocent. The villain is relatively complex, but his motivations, for persecuting Perry and his mother, and for his sudden turn around in the end, never quite ring true. Still, it's a very pleasant read, and the happy ending will satisfy readers invested in Perry's story. Recommended for middle graders looking for a gentle story with an uplifting message of redemption.