November 2024
    M T W T F S S
     123
    45678910
    11121314151617
    18192021222324
    252627282930  

    Hi, I recently started working as a juvenile public defender, and some of my clients are requesting books to read in the detention center (youth jail) while they’re awaiting trial/sentencing.

    1. One of my clients is really enjoying “The Family Business” series by Carl Weber, but he’s almost finished with it. I’ve looked at Weber’s other books, and I’m thinking he might like the “Influence” series. If there are any other books like this series that you think he might enjoy, please let me know! (Side note: the detention center is very strict on anything that is too sexually explicit, so I have to keep in mind the covers of the books too, not just the content.)

    2. One client is new there and is really struggling. Right now he’s just reading his Bible. Any faith-based books based on forgiving yourself, overcoming hardship, etc. would be great.

    3. This is more of a general request based on the second request. These guys have had a rough go of it, and some of them aren’t afraid to admit that they’re scared or feel awful about what’s happened, while others put on a brave face because that’s what they’ve had to do for their whole lives. So any books with a subtle sub-plot of self-forgiveness, bettering themselves, or overcoming hardship would be great to give the clients that I haven’t gotten to know super well yet.

    4. This one’s not as important, just for me. Any books by public defenders, (other) criminal defense attorneys, former juvenile (or adult) offenders, etc. that you think would be cool or helpful for me as a young public defender.

    My clients are generally young Black men, between 14-20. Books by Black authors and/or with Black main characters would be awesome. Because of general life circumstances, some can’t read at their grade-level. Thank you all so much for any recommendations, I’m truly so grateful.

    by Material-Condition57

    1 Comment

    1. I’m not thinking of any titles that are super specifically tailored to your requests, but Jason Reynolds has written a lot of great YA books that focus on young Black men. I’ve read a few myself and enjoyed them.

      I’d take a look at his work and see if anything might resonate!

    Leave A Reply