Sign-In
Cart
The Prison Nation: The History of Prisons in America For Teens
Paperback
Publisher: SD
Published: Sep 7 2025
Pages: 150
Weight: 0.35
Height: 0.50 Width: 4.90 Depth: 7.90
Language: English
Prisons aren't just places with bars, locks, and guards-they're reflections of how a society decides to handle crime, fairness, and power. From the earliest punishments in Colonial America to today's debates about mass incarceration, the story of prisons is also the story of justice itself: who gets it, who doesn't, and why.
This book takes teens on a gripping journey through the history of incarceration in the United States. You'll explore the harsh punishments of the past, the rise of massive penitentiaries, and the debates that continue to shape prisons today. Along the way, you'll encounter chain gangs, prison riots, reformers who fought for change, and individuals who managed to rebuild their lives behind walls designed to break them.
But it's not only about the past-it's about what prisons tell us about society right now. The pages dive into questions that matter: Should justice mean punishment or rehabilitation? How do race, class, and power affect who ends up behind bars? And what alternatives could exist beyond cages and cells?
Written in a clear, engaging style for teens, this book challenges readers to think critically about one of America's most controversial institutions. It doesn't offer easy answers-it pushes you to ask deeper questions about justice, fairness, and the future we want to create.
Also from
Thomas, Brian
Train Tracks Across Time: The Fascinating History of Trains and Railroads For Kids
Thomas, Brian
Paperback
The Tower That Leaned Into History: The Story of the Leaning Tower of Pisa For Kids
Thomas, Brian
Paperback
Get in Touch with Your Spirit: 119 Positive Spiritual Messages and Affirmations
Thomas, Brian
Paperback
Sociology Broken Down In An Understandable Way: Understanding Culture, Power, and Change
Thomas, Brian
Paperback
The Night the Sirens Howled: The Story of the London Blitz in World War II For Kids
Thomas, Brian
Paperback
Leben im Weltraum: Leben auf der Internationalen Raumstation (ISS) für Kinder
Thomas, Brian
Paperback
Eisenbahnstrecken Im Laufe Der Zeit: Die Faszinierende Geschichte Der Züge Und Eisenbahnen Für Kinder
Thomas, Brian
Paperback
Unspoken Strength: Training, Careers, and Life As a Speech and Language Pathologist
Thomas, Brian
Paperback
Also in
Young Adult Nonfiction
Consider the Platypus: Evolution Through Biology's Most Baffling Beasts
Sandford, Maggie Ryan
Hardcover
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Stress Free: Adult Coloring Book with 31 Designs Flowers, Mandalas & Nature Perforated Pages, Spiral Bound Gift for A
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Calm (Stress Free Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Teens: Exercises to Learn, Practice, and Improve
Briggs, Missy
Paperback
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Kimmerer, Robin Wall
Gray Smith, Monique
Paperback
GED Test Prep Plus, Tenth Edition (2026): Includes a Diagnostic Pretest, 2 Full Length Practice Tests, 1000+ Practice Questions, and 60+ Online Videos
Kaplan Test Prep
Van Slyke, Caren
Paperback
Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice
Stevenson, Bryan
Paperback
GED Test Prep, Tenth Edition (2026): Includes a Diagnostic Pretest, 2 Full Length Practice Tests, 1000+ Practice Questions, and 40+ Online Videos
Kaplan Test Prep
Van Slyke, Caren
Paperback
Color & Frame - In the Forest (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Be Yourself and Other Bad Advice: A Teen Girl's Guide to Unlearning the Rules
Walker, Meredith
Paperback
Self-Love Journal for Teen Girls: Prompts and Practices to Inspire Confidence and Celebrate You
Whitehead, Cindy
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number: Ocean Treasures (13 Images to Sticker)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Brain Games
Paperback
We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World
Yousafzai, Malala
Paperback
The Super Easy Teen Baking Cookbook: 60 Simple Step-By-Step Recipes
Schotland, Marlynn Jayme
Paperback
Color & Frame - Ocean Treasures (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Trans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient Times to the Present Day
Eakett, Andrew
Combs, Alex L.
Paperback
The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Mindfulness (Stress Free Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (Adapted for Young Readers)
Noah, Trevor
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 in One Big Fat Notebook
Wang, Jason
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Stealing Saint Nick: A Legendary Corpse, a Notorious Theft, and the Stories That Shape the World
Anderson, M. T.
Hardcover
A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis
Subramanian, Meera
Novgorodoff, Danica
Hardcover
SAT Study Guide Premium, 2027: 3 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice and Video Lessons
Stewart, Brian W., M. Ed
Paperback
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-Winning Stamped from the Beginning
Reynolds, Jason
Kendi, Ibram X.
Paperback
Getting Started with Arduino: The Open Source Electronics Prototyping Platform
Banzi, Massimo
Shiloh, Michael
Paperback
I Want More Pizza: Real World Money Skills For High School, College, And Beyond
Burkholder, Steve
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number - Vintage: Flowers (28 Images to Sticker)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Brain Games
Paperback
ACT Study Guide Premium, 2026: 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice for the New Enhanced ACT
Stewart, Brian, M. Ed
Paperback
Mindfulness Coloring Book for Teens: Reduce Anxiety, Increase Focus, and Spark Creativity
Rockridge Press
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Biology in One Big Fat Notebook
Workman Publishing
Brown, Matthew
Paperback
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: Faa-H-8083-25c
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Paperback
Brain Games - Color by Number: Butterflies - Stress-Free Adult Coloring Book with Tear-Out Pages Relaxing Activity for Paint by Number Lovers Gift for
Publications International Ltd
Brain Games
New Seasons
Paperback
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives
Alifirenka, Caitlin
Ganda, Martin
Paperback
The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives
Slater, Dashka
Hardcover
Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets about Money--That You Don't Learn in School!
Kiyosaki, Robert T.
Paperback
American Spirits: The Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad That Haunted a Nation
Rosenstock, Barb
Hardcover
The Big Fat High School Algebra 1 Workbook: 400+ Algebra 1 Practice Exercises
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Geometry in One Big Fat Notebook
Needham, Christy
Workman Publishing
Paperback
The Real Rosalind: The Truth about Rosalind Franklin's DNA Discovery and How It Was Erased
Dunn, Debbie Loren
Fox, Janet
Paperback
Azadi Means Freedom: Fighting for Gender Equity Through the World's Most Popular Game
Shojaei, Maryam
Hardcover
Brain Games - Sticker by Number - Vintage: Garden (28 Images to Sticker)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Brain Games
Paperback
Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Teens: A cursive writing practice workbook for young adults and teens
Hippidoo
Lalgudi, Sujatha
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Chemistry in One Big Fat Notebook
Swanson, Jennifer
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number: Smile Every Day
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
A Tale of a Service Animal: A Heartwarming Tale of Disability Awareness, Friendship, and Kindness (Large Print Edition)
DiVietri, Melissa A.
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace U.S. History in One Big Fat Notebook, 2nd Edition: The Complete Middle School Study Guide
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Neurodiversity for Teen Girls: Shine Bright as You Embrace Your Brain, Your Emotions, and Your Life
Roberts, Jamie D.
Paperback
The Case for Christ Student Edition: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
Small Victories: A Coloring Book of Little Wins and Miniature Masterpieces
Basford, Johanna
Paperback
A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis
Novgorodoff, Danica
Subramanian, Meera
Paperback
Master Guide to Drawing Anime: How to Draw Original Characters from Simple Templates - A How to Draw Anime / Manga Step by Step Book Series
Hart, Christopher
Paperback
Color & Frame - Country Gardens (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
How to Money: Your Ultimate Visual Guide to the Basics of Finance
Chatzky, Jean
Tuggle, Kathryn
Paperback
99 Things to Do Before You Finish High School (Revised and Updated)
Stalder, Erika
Villas, Evan
Jenkins, Steven
Paperback
Personal Finance Doodle Notes: Brain Based Interactive Guided Notes
Giraffe, Math
Danziger, Brigid
Paperback
So, It's Your First Job: A Quick-Ish Guide to Navigating the Working World
Orozco-Onyskin, Mari
Paperback
Crochet for Beginners: Step-By-Step Instructions and Patterns
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds
Hirsch, Rebecca E.
Paperback
An Astonishing Circle: The Discovery and Denial of the Circulatory System
Parrott-Ryan, Maria
Paperback
The Big Fat High School Algebra 2 Workbook: 400+ Algebra 2 Practice Exercises
Workman Publishing
Paperback
My First Complete Learning Library: Boxset of 20 Board Books Gift Set for Kids
Wonder House Books
Hardcover
Lana del Rey: A Vibrant Journey Through the Career and Influence of the Timeless Indie-Pop Icon
Fragassi, Selena
Hardcover
Color & Frame - 3 Books in 1 - Animals, Seasons, Inspiration (Adult Coloring Book)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Integers and Order of Operations Math Workbook 6th to 8th Grade: Middle School Integers Workbook, PEMDAS
Publishing, Mathflare
Paperback
Women in Space: 23 Stories of First Flights, Scientific Missions, and Gravity-Breaking Adventures
Gibson, Karen Bush
Paperback
The Graduation Guidebook: What Every Student Needs to Know About Money and Life
Nermoe, Kathryn
Paperback
The Audhd Teen Survival Guide: Develop Self-Knowledge, Confidence, and Thrive as an Audhder!
Ali, Sonia
Paperback
Rebel Girls Make Dessert: Kid-Tested Recipes You Can Make, Bake, and Share!
Rebel Girls Inc
Paperback
The Ultimate Activity Book for Teens: Crosswords, Cryptograms, Trivia, and More!
Deneen, Valerie
Paperback
72 Prácticas Estoicas: Guía práctica de estoicismo para pensar con claridad y sufrir menos
Guerrero, Moisés
Paperback
Brain Games - Color by Number - Large Print: Patterns (Stress Free Coloring Book)
Brain Games
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
A 5 Is Against the Law: Social Boundaries - a Compassionate but Honest Guide for Teens and Young Adults
Dunn Buron, Kari
Paperback
Ban This!: How One School Fought Two Book Bans and Won (and How You Can Too)
Ellis, Renee
Gupta, Edha
Ellis, Christina
Paperback
Sabrina Carpenter: A Vibrant Journey Through the Career and Influence of a Pop Princess
Fragassi, Selena
Hardcover
Niv, Bible for Teens, Thinline Edition, Leathersoft, Blue, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print
Zondervan
Hardcover
The Easy Drawing Book for Teens: 20 Step-By-Step Projects to Improve Your Drawing Skills
Rizza, Angela
Paperback
The Vocabulary Workbook for 8th Grade: Weekly Activities to Boost Your Word Power
McLellan, Kelly Anne
Paperback
Preteen Devotional for Girls: 52 Weeks of Encouraging Devotions and Scripture for Tweens
Rust, Brittany
Paperback
Color & Frame - In the Garden (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Color & Frame - By the Sea: Adult Coloring Book with Ocean Designs - Perforated Pages, Spiral Bound
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
The Case for Faith Student Edition: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
Mental Toughness For Young Athletes: Eight Proven 5-Minute Mindset Exercises For Kids And Teens Who Play Competitive Sports
Horne, Moses
Horne, Troy
Paperback
Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed
Slater, Dashka
Hardcover