World's Scariest Prisons

Gr 4–6—This well-designed title gives readers an inside look at some of the world's most horrifying prisons, past and present. A quick overview at the beginning of each chapter titled "Behind the Bars" provides each prison's name (current and former), location, years of operation, number of prisoners, and notable inmates who served time there. Readers will also appreciate information on solitary confinement, food, daily life, education, clothing, and jobs. Well-known prisons include the Tower of London, the Roman Coliseum, Attica, Sing Sing, and Alcatraz. Lesser-known ones, ghost stories, and information on escapees are covered, too. A large typeface and well-sized photos add to the appeal, and the text is simple and straightforward, if not groundbreaking. Reluctant readers in particular will enjoy this brief look at the big house.—Janene Corbin, Rosebank Elementary School, Nashville, TN