"Lorimer's unusual Real Justice books are authentic whodunits, telling the true stories of young people wrongfully convicted by the justice system. This short, factual book includes photographs, a timeline, a glossary, and an index, makign it perfect for classroom use... This story will inspire provocative discussions on criminal justice, civics, guilt and innocence. Ultimately, Kyle's case brought about changes in our justice system and serves as an example that "real" justice remains elusive."
- National Reading Campaign
"The low-key, just-the-facts writing conveys the horrific nature of the murder and the miscarriage of justice in a way that's accessible to YA readers. A revealing look at what works and what needs to be fixed in the criminal justice system."
- Barb Dinan, Librarian at Plymouth Library, NetGalley Reviewer
"In my opinion, this will be a helpful book in a civics or government class. It's another of those books that will lend itself to a good debate or conversation amongst students who are working or thinking through ways that the justice system can be held accountable to the people it represents . . . I recommend it to my readers and also to teachers who may want to stir up a good conversation or debate in their social studies classroom. 5/5 Stars."
- Jerry Hillyer, Educator at Buckeye Avenue Elementary School
"The text of this latest volume is easy-to-read and informative as it explains details about the judicial system and methods of policing. Recommended."
- Val Ken Lem, CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Brignall states his facts as objectively as possible and pulls no punches - the book gets somewhat graphic here - and offers an in-depth study of the case that true crime and nonfiction fans will appreciate."
- Rosemary Kiladitis NetGalley Reviewer
"A must for high school students, high school libraries, as well as public libraries."
- Carla Johnson-Hicks, Educator, NetGalley
"Brignall states his facts as objectively as possible and pulls no punches the book gets somewhat graphic here and offers an in-depth study of the case that true crime and nonfiction fans will appreciate. Further resources in the back offer a timeline and more reading for those interested."
- Mom Read It, Children's Book Review Blog
"I find value in this book for its intended audience because of the author's relentless critical thinking, his overturning of comfortable stereotypes, and his willingness to state in print blunt truths that most of us prefer remain unspoken. The book left me wanting to read further volumes in the series, and I would strongly recommend it for classrooms serving readers struggling with literacy and for community libraries serving vulnerable youth, as well as for any teen readers interested in policing, crime, and justice. It is an impressive book." Rated G - good, even great at times, generally useful!
- Leslie Vermeer, Resource Links
"This is a great, to the point examination of a fallible justice system. It brings to light a story that may have otherwise been fairly unknown to the world at large and does so in a way that is approachable and still interesting."
- Tedi Swanson, Educator
"...a fascinating look at police tactics, wrongful convictions, and the inner workings of the criminal justice system. ...ideal for sparking conversation on choice, prejudice, corruption, and social justice."
- School Library Journal
"I am a massive fan of true crime books and this one did not disappoint . . . The book is a really good tale on a well known issue in Canadian law."
- Donna Maguire, NetGalley Reviewer
"As a high interest-easy reading book written at the 4th grade level, this title has many things to recommend it for leisure reading for struggling readers in middle school and high school . . . There is much here to engage teens in thinking about and discussing the actions of the teens that led to both the murder and the mistaken prosecution of Kyle Unger."
- Holly Willett, Educator at Rowan University
"[Blissfully easy to read. . . This would be a welcome book in our hi-lo collection. It has all the great elements: grit, true crime, a wrong made right, and unintimidating amount of pages."
- Mandy Peterson, Librarian at Schuyler Central High School
"Interesting read. It slammed home for me the importance of choices, consequences, and chance. This could be use in literature circles with struggling readers. I think it might spark lively discussions."
- Judy Gottschalk, Educator at White Salmon Schools, NetGalley Reviewer
"[A Police Mr. Big Sting Goes Wrong presented the case from all the angles: the victim, the bystanders and the accused . . . It was an amazing read; it really got under my skin."
- Sandy Steckler, NetGalley Reviewer
"Richard Brignall writes in a detailed and clear manner that make it easy to follow the story along. As a middle school teacher I know of multiple students who would be interested in story and I will be adding a copy of this to my classroom library."
- Jonathan Heeringa, Educator at Pacific Heritage Academy, NetGalley Reviewer
"The author does a good job of walking readers through the series of unfortunate events that landed Kyle in jail for nearly two decades before the mistake was realized and rectified . . . [There is plenty of information to generate decent discussion in a social justice or English class. Recommended."
- Karen Sterling, Librarian at Pennridge North Middle School, NetGalley Reviewer
"A quick intense and yet factual read [for boys and anyone who struggles to find subjects they are interested in. I have heard a lot of good things about this series and I will be recommending it to anyone interested in true crime or police procedural dramas."
- Jacqueline Pinn, NetGalley Reviewer
"[A real page turner with a few twists and turns. Make sure that you have your seatbelt on because you are going on a real justice ride of your life . . . I gave this book 5 stars, although it's worth many more. It is a fascinating story and teens and YA would really like reading it . . . I highly recommend this book to everyone."
- Marjorie Boyd-Springer, NetGalley Reviewer
