55 pages • 1 hour read
Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice
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Book Brief
Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults)
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | YA | Published in 2018288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Alabama • 1980s
2018
YA
12-17 years
1130L
Super Short Summary
Just Mercy: A True Story of the Fight for Justice (Adapted for Young Adults) by Bryan Stevenson is a memoir recounting his experiences from 1983 to the early 2000s as a young lawyer with the Southern Prisoners Defense Committee and his nonprofit, the Equal Justice Initiative. He represents marginalized individuals, including those wrongfully convicted on death row, while highlighting systemic legal injustices. Sensitive topics include institutionalized racism, physical violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and suicide.
Informative
Emotional
Inspirational
Challenging
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
9,663 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults) by Bryan Stevenson impresses with its powerful narrative on social justice and its approachable, engaging style for younger readers. Critiques note the heavy themes may still be challenging but underscore the book's inspirational impact and the author's compassionate voice. Overall, it’s a vital, thought-provoking read for teens.
Who Should Read Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults)?
Potential readers of Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults) by Bryan Stevenson are teens and young adults interested in social justice, legal issues, and personal stories of resilience. They would also appreciate The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee for their similar themes of racial inequality and moral courage.
9,663 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Walter McMillian
Walter McMillian
A Black man wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to death, whose case is taken up by Bryan Stevenson, leading to his exoneration. He was a pulpwood business owner in Alabama.
Ralph Myers
Ralph Myers
A white man with a criminal record whose false testimony as the principal witness contributes to Walter McMillian's wrongful conviction. He later admits to his lies and becomes instrumental in revealing the truth.
Sheriff Tate
Sheriff Tate
The county sheriff of Monroe County who plays a significant role in Walter McMillian's wrongful arrest and conviction. He is characterized by his determination to secure a conviction, even through unethical means.
Tom Chapman
Tom Chapman
The district attorney who succeeds the DA involved in McMillian's trial, initially resistant to revisiting the case but eventually supports the motion to dismiss charges upon realizing the mishandling of the original trial.
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Alabama • 1980s
2018
YA
12-17 years
1130L
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