Rikers is a novel set on Rikers Island, New York, a dentention facility for 20,000 adults and 1,500 juveniles. The story follows the travails of a young adult -- a teenager -- who has had some trouble in his life and who has responded to it in ways that have landed him in Rikers. In detention his troubles do not end. Another teen slashes his face; according to the unwritten code of the streets and of prison, revenge must be taken. The novel shows the maturation of the young man as, ultimately, he decides not to take revenge ...
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Rikers is a novel set on Rikers Island, New York, a dentention facility for 20,000 adults and 1,500 juveniles. The story follows the travails of a young adult -- a teenager -- who has had some trouble in his life and who has responded to it in ways that have landed him in Rikers. In detention his troubles do not end. Another teen slashes his face; according to the unwritten code of the streets and of prison, revenge must be taken. The novel shows the maturation of the young man as, ultimately, he decides not to take revenge, even when he has the opportunity. Rikers is both a realistic novel and one that offers hope both to teenagers and their parents and caregivers.
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