Book Review for ALL RISE FOR THE HONORABLE PERRY T. COOK

When I began ALL RISE FOR THE HONORABLE PERRY T. COOK by Leslie Connor, I didn’t know what it was about. This made it more fun when I was immediately drawn in by Perry and his story. I still would have been intrigued had I known, but it was a nice and refreshing surprise to discover it on my own.

From the publisher:

From Leslie Connor, award-winning author of Waiting for Normal and Crunch, comes a soaring and heartfelt story about love, forgiveness, and how innocence makes us all rise up. All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook is a powerful story, perfect for fans of Wonder and When You Reach Me.

Eleven-year-old Perry was born and raised by his mom at the Blue River Co-ed Correctional Facility in tiny Surprise, Nebraska. His mom is a resident on Cell Block C, and so far Warden Daugherty has made it possible for them to be together. That is, until a new district attorney discovers the truth—and Perry is removed from the facility and forced into a foster home.

When Perry moves to the “outside” world, he feels trapped. Desperate to be reunited with his mom, Perry goes on a quest for answers about her past crime. As he gets closer to the truth, he will discover that love makes people resilient no matter where they come from . . . but can he find a way to tell everyone what home truly means?

The story felt expertly plotted. The characters defined and developed. I rooted for Perry right from the start.

Being set in a prison for non-violent offenders, it’s a reminder that prisoners are people too, with families and difficult situations.

I was carried along and never had cause to break out of the story.

This book was an enjoyable read with characters I doubt you will forget.