• Age: 13 to 17
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 13 to 17

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

JEFF MITCHELL is an award-winning journalist with more than 25 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 the Journalist of the Year for 2010 by the Suburban Newspapers Association of America. He lives in the village of Bethany, Ontario with his family.

Jeff Mitchell's profile page

• Commended, One of the Year's Best -- Resource Links
• Commended, Best Books for Kids & Teens -- Canadian Children's Book Centre

"accessible and easy to read"

<i>School Library Journal</i>

[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

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.

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"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!

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."

Canadian Children's Book News