Burning Down the House: The End of Juvenile Prison — Kindle Edition
Kindle Edition: Burning Down the House: The End of Juvenile Prison is Nell Bernstein’s investigative account of conditions in juvenile detention and alternatives to incarceration. It combines young people’s accounts with reporting on programs outside detention centers and argues for abolishing state-run facilities.
At a glance
- Investigative reporting on abuse and isolation in juvenile prisons, paired with stories from young people across the country.
- Discusses alternative programs and makes an explicit case for abolishing state-run juvenile detention centers.
- Kindle listing specifies screen-reader support, enhanced typesetting, Word Wise and Page Flip.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Connects firsthand youth accounts with reporting on the juvenile justice system and alternatives to incarceration.
- Multiple Kindle reading aids are listed, including screen-reader support and Word Wise.
Cons
- The subject matter includes accounts of violence and psychological abuse, which may be distressing for some readers.
Technical specifications
11 specifications| Publisher | The New Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | June 3, 2014 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 369 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1595589668 |
| File size | 2.6 MB |
|---|---|
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Page Flip | Enabled |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers researching juvenile justice, detention practices and reform.
- Students, educators and advocates seeking investigative reporting with youth perspectives.
- Readers interested in alternatives to incarcerating children.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a neutral overview rather than a book that argues for ending state-run juvenile detention.
- Readers who prefer to avoid accounts of institutional abuse and violence.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
73% 73% - 4 stars
15% 15% - 3 stars
9% 9% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback highlights the book’s informative content and research, including detailed documentation of statistics and incidents. That emphasis may suit readers seeking evidence-rich investigative reporting alongside youth accounts. The rating distribution is mostly five-star, but aggregate ratings alone cannot establish specific reader experiences or explain lower ratings.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the content as informative and well-researched.
Frequently asked questions
What is Burning Down the House about?
It examines abusive conditions in juvenile prisons through reporting and young people’s accounts, and discusses alternatives to detention.
Does the book argue for a particular policy position?
Yes. The listing describes Bernstein’s argument that state-run juvenile detention centers should be abolished.
What Kindle accessibility and reading features are listed?
Screen Reader is supported, while enhanced typesetting, Word Wise and Page Flip are enabled. X-Ray is not enabled.
How long is the book?
The Kindle details list a print length of 369 pages.
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