56 pages 1 hour read

Susan Kuklin

No Choirboy: Murder, Violence, and Teenagers on Death Row

Nonfiction | Book | YA | Published in 2008

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

No Choirboy by Susan Kuklin recounts interviews with teenagers sentenced to death row or life without parole, providing a platform for them to share their experiences while exploring the US criminal justice system and the issue of capital punishment. The book also includes perspectives from the families of both victims and perpetrators, offering a comprehensive view of the impact of these sentences. The source material contains descriptions of violence, sexual assault, drug abuse, racism, and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

No Choirboy by Susan Kuklin receives praise for its raw and poignant portrayal of youths on death row, capturing their voices and stories with sensitivity. Critics commend the emotional depth and Kuklin's empathetic narrative style. However, some highlight a desire for more diverse perspectives and deeper context. Overall, it's a compelling read that encourages reflection on the justice system. MLA

Who should read this

Who Should Read No Choirboy?

Readers who are drawn to powerful narratives about social justice, the criminal justice system, and personal redemption will find No Choirboy compelling. Comparable to Bryan Stevenson's Just Mercy and Walter Dean Myers' Monster, this book appeals to those interested in true stories that illuminate systemic issues and profound human resilience.

RecommendedReading Age

14-18years

Book Details

Topics

Crime / Legal

Incarceration

Grief / Death

Themes

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice

Identity: Race

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Biography