House Arrest

Twelve-year-old Timothy comes from a disadvantaged family; he, his mother, and brother live in poverty and under stress due to his father leaving and his younger brother’s illness which costs a fortune. When he steals a wallet and is put on house arrest for a year he must write a daily journal and share it with his probation officer and counsellor, but when he commits another crime, despite it being to save his brother, he must face the consequences. This powerful novel-in-verse for grades 5-9, suitable for individual, small group, or whole class study, gives students insight into how less fortunate families live, deepens students’ empathy, and addresses overcoming adversity, justice, and resiliency.