This is a great read. Lonesborough combines great, relatable characterisation with a briskly moving plot, making you want to keep reading to work out where our protagonist will end up. While I enjoyed Lonesborough's Boy from the Mish, it had stilted moments and at times felt closer to how people should be than how they are. None of that could be said about this book, which is noteworthy for how Lonesborough balances Jamie's agency, and capacity to shape his own future, with a realistic portrayal of entrapping institutional violence and racism. Jamie's life is populated by many helpful, but not perfect, adults, none of whom, unlike in many stories involving kids in jail, have magic saviour powers. Here, Jamie must save himself, but there is help available. I hope this book does get into the hands of its intended audience, I could imagine it might help a lot of kids feel less alone, and give them new ways to imagine their own presents, as well as futures.