No Choirboy: Murder, Violence, and Teenagers on Death Row
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What’s inside...
'No Choirboy: Murder, Violence, and Teenagers on Death Row' by Susan Kuklin is a non-fiction book that presents the stories of teenagers sentenced to death row for crimes committed as minors. The book explores their backgrounds, the circumstances that led to their crimes, and the impact of their incarceration on their lives and families. Through interviews and personal narratives, the inmates express their thoughts and feelings about their lives and the criminal justice system. Kuklin's work questions the treatment of minors in the justice system and examines issues of capital punishment and its inequities in the United States. The book, a 2009 Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, provides a powerful, uncensored look inside America's prisons and challenges readers to think about crime and punishment.
Age
14-18
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel while reading the stories of the teenagers in this book?
How do you think being in those teenagers' situations might affect their decisions and future?
In what ways do you think society can help prevent youth from taking paths that lead to violence?
What role do you believe forgiveness and justice should play when dealing with young offenders?
Can you think of any actions we could take as a community to support at-risk youth?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prioritize listening and validate your child’s feelings and thoughts to foster an open and supportive dialogue.
Discuss the personal histories and circumstances of the teenagers portrayed in the book to deepen understanding and empathy.
Tie the conversation into current events or societal issues when possible to make the discussion relevant and engaging.
Encourage critical thinking by asking your child how they might have behaved differently in a similar situation, or what alternatives they could envision.
Offer to explore further information together on topics of justice, rehabilitation, and youth support systems.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through interviews and firsthand accounts, 'No Choirboy' portrays the complex stories of juveniles on death row, highlighting the circumstances and decisions that led them there.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to look beyond surface level judgments and understand the deeper narratives of others' lives, promoting empathy and thoughtful interaction.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The book discusses serious consequences that the featured teenagers face due to their actions, providing a stark reality of cause and effect.
Real-World Application: It serves as a cautionary tale, helping children understand the importance of making thoughtful decisions and the potential long-term repercussions of their actions.
Example Lesson: Justice and Human Rights
Explanation: By exposing the legal proceedings and the debates surrounding juvenile capital punishment, the book provides insights into the justice system and human rights issues.
Real-World Application: This knowledge enables children to be more informed about legal rights and encourages critical thinking about fairness and justice in society.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The stories of these teenagers illustrate personal strength and the struggle to find dignity and identity under difficult circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of resilience and personal growth even in the face of challenges, using these examples to foster inner strength.