A compelling look at a miscarriage of justice that led university student Rob Baltovich to spend ten years behind bars for a murder he didn't commit
At twenty-five, Rob Baltovich lost the love of his life, Elizabeth Bain. That was bad enough. Then he was arrested, jailed, sent to trial for murder, convicted, and sent to prison -- for life.
Throughout his years in prison, Rob maintained that he was innocent, refusing to admit to a crime he didn't commit. The result was he was never granted parole. Finally, his luck began to turn when he hired new lawyers who believed in him. Not only did they get Rob acquitted, they also made a strong case that the real murderer was the infamous serial killer Paul Bernardo.
Author Jeff Mitchell tells much of the story in Baltovich's own words. In this book, young readers will discover how tthis tragic miscarriage of justice happened -- and how the legal system can right its own wrongs when lawyers and judges are willing to re-examine a case with fresh eyes.
[Fry reading level - 5.0
About the Author
JEFF MITCHELL is an award-winning journalist with more than twenty-five years experience covering crime and justice issues. His honours include being named Reporter of the Year for 2005 by the Ontario Community Newspaper Association and runner-up for Journalist of the Year in 2010 by the Suburban Newspapers Association of America. He lives in the village of Bethany, Ontario with his family.
Reviews
"The simple, accessible text and edgy cover will draw in the intended reader while the direct dialogue enlivens the story." Rated E - Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!
Joan Marshall, Resource Links
"[Real Justice books are quick and simple reads but will keep reluctant young adult readers flipping the pages to see how the stories turn out."
Sandra O'Brien, Canadian Children's Book News
Young, Innocent and in Prison would make an excellent classroom resource for any study of the justice system. It puts a personal face on legal terminology and makes a potentially dry subject come alive. It will appeal to students interested in law, police work, or crime, and to readers who prefer biography and true stories.Recommended.
Kim Aippersbach, CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"accessible and easy to read"
Amy Cheney, School Library Journal
[Real Justice books build on the popularity of true crime while tying into the justice system, and would be excellent classroom resources for government classes.
VOYA
Awards
Best Books for Kids & Teens -- Canadian Children's Book Centre
An innocent teen mom wrongly convicted of the murder of her two-year-old son -- thanks to false testimony by a famous doctor
$12.95, Paperback
Interest ages: 13-18
Reading level: Grade 5
Lexile Reading Level: HL740L
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