HarperCollins – February 1st, 2010
Reese is 13 and in lockdown at a place called Progress Center. In the grand scheme of things, Reese is a good guy. He landed in juvie jail because of one bad decision. Stealing a doctor’s prescription pads and selling them to the local drug dealer seemed like an easy way to get some fast cash, but when the drug dealer is collared, he gives up Reese’s name and before he knows it, he’s serving 2 1/2 years at the Progress Center.
Reese’s behavior earns him a spot in a new work-release program. For 10 days a month he will be spending time at a local nursing home helping out wherever he can. Nervous at first, he quickly begins to look forward to the time he gets to leave jail – even though they have him working with a tough old man with racist tendencies.
The only problem is, in order to remain in the work-release program, Reese must maintain his good behavior and it isn’t as easy as just staying out of everybody’s way. Will he be able to do his time and get out when he is supposed to or will he end up like a lot of the other boys at Progress Center and end up going to prison?
LOCKDOWN lacks the intensity of Walter Dean Myers’ MONSTER, but was enjoyable and will appeal to young adult readers.
PLEASE HELP!! I have contacted my local library, I have done countless searches but I am unable to find the title or author of this book. It was a terific read. The main character is a 16 year old boy who has not been in a lot of trouble. There is just he, his 10 year old brother and his mother in the apartment. The young man’s father is incarcerated. The story begins as a warm summer day in a housing project. The local jukejoint is where all come to commune and get unsavory wares. The main character, a group of friends and younger brother go to said hangout. The younger brother is lured off by a female to a back shed and smokes crack for the 1st time for a number of hours. The 16 year old is then confronted by the proprietor of the establishment who also happens to be the neighborhood’s main dope dealer. The drug dealer tells the older brother he has “X” hours to come up w/ “X” amount of dollars or his younger brother’s dead. The main character steals his mother’s pistol and a vehicle, then goes to the other side of town and holds up a convenience store. In the midst, the gun goes off and he departs with funds, not sure if he has killed the 17 year old clerk inside. Though able to save his brother, the weapon is found and the 17 year old did indeed die. He is convicted of murder and sentenced to be propery of the state until his 21st birthday. His mother washes her hands of him, he has no contact with other family nor his beloved younger brother. The victim’s father does the unbelievable. He approaches the young man in his cell and tells him “You will do what my son cannot. You will take his place.” During the course of his incarceration his victim’s father is his only solace, writing him and visting every visitor’s day. Through his victim’s father, the murderer gets to know his victim and the victim’s family very well. Upon release, the father opens up his heart and home to the young man and the young man does what his victim had set out to do but was unable to do, finishes college. ANY lead would be more than appreciated, thanking you in advance
This book was absolutely AMAZING to me, I relate to Reese almost completely. Ive been in situations like his and I know how it feels, you are underestimating Walter. He hit the feeling EXCACTLY on point. I reccomend this book to ALL young adults like me all around the world. Very amazing, very well done, keep going Walter!
This book is MAGNIFICENT!!! im only 12 years old and didnt have anything to do so just got a book at my school like whatever started reading. im just dont want to let it go! i recommend every young reader to read lock-down with out an exception..
this book is on the spot i feel just like this and i am 14 it is crazy myers you did great!!!!
This Book Was A Good Book. I Recommend This Book To Any Young Person Who Loves Books About African American Teenagers.
I’ve read this book and it was actually pretty good considering I hate reading books ! I reccomend to any young reader cause i’m only 13 and I liked it .
OhMyGosh, I love this book ! I just got done reading it . I’ve read so many Walter Dean Myers books ! (: Its Amazing how muc I can relate to some of the stuff that he writes about ! i love him and i love his books ! If you haven’t read the books , then you should.. Because, you are missing out ! I love them !!(: