Seventh Most Important Thing, The

Arthur Owens, a youth dealing with the loss of his father, reacts in anger when he sees a homeless man wearing a hat that had been his dad’s, and hurls a brick at the man. He is sent to juvie and when a judge wants to impose severe consequences the stranger advocates for a very different solution, which results in Arthur’s redemption. This novel, suitable for grades 6-8, could stimulate discussion of consequences, self-awareness, perspective, judgment, social responsibility, restitution, restorative justice, and redemption. The book is inspired by the artwork of American artist James Hampton.