House Arrest
By: K.A. Holt
My Rating: FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
Best for: 12 and up

This one’s gonna stick…

My niece declared House Arrest her favorite book, and of course I had to join her club.

That’s how cool she is.

I finished it in about about 6 hours.

That’s how good it is.

It’s about 12-year-old Timothy, on house arrest for stealing a wallet. As part of his penance, he’s required to keep a journal. Joy of joys, House Arrest is his journal written in verse, and spans his year long sentence. It’s a perfectly unique format that creates a wonderful opportunity to get into the complex mind of this 12-year-old. Kids who read it can relate and feel heard. Parents who read it can relate and better understand.

It’s not long before you realize Timothy isn’t just another juvenile delinquent. He’s a big brother who feels the weight of his single mom’s load and desperately wants to help his sick baby brother. I felt his burden, and I wanted him to feel relief. I wanted his mom to have help. I wanted his brother to live.

I was caught off guard by its unique format AND its content. The narrative grabbed me from page one and wouldn’t let me go until the end…and even then, weeks later, I still feel it’s pull. Timothy’s emotional journey is swift and powerful—we get sorrow, embarrassment, remorse, anger; we get hope, joy, love, and happiness. His connection with his brother, his worry for his mom, his frustration with his situation, and the courage he shows throughout kept me turning pages.

I loved the lessons. Good and bad aren’t as black and white as they seem. Every person has their own struggles. Family comes first. Good friends are important. It’s not our place to judge.

House Arrest is engaging and moving. It’s well written, and its format is as important to the story as the narrative. I loved it, and I’m glad my niece recommended it.

I just hope she’ll let me join her cool kids club.

House Arrest is best for 12 and up. No content concerns.

Happy Reading!