Books about family members in prison

Gemma’s father is in prison, she is fighting constantly with her mother and brother, she’s fallen in with the wrong crowd at school, money’s tight and violence and theft is rife in her neighbourhood. Little does she know the transformation about to occur when Cowgirl Kate and her herd of cows enter her life.

Milo and his big sister are on their way to visit their mum in prison. On the way, Milo imagines all the different lives of the people on the subway – discovering that you can’t always judge somebody by their appearance.

Ella’s going through a lot of changes – a new home, a new school, and a big family secret to keep under wraps. But how far will she go to stay friends with popular girl Lydia? An enormously entertaining read that will strike a chord with many young readers.

Al’s mum is back in prison again – and Al thinks it’s their neighbour’s fault, so he plots revenge with his beloved pet rats, Venom and Vulture. A moving insight into the world of a young boy affected by poverty, neglect and crime, who eventually learns to trust. 

Zoe has never met her father, who is in prison for life. But what if he was innocent? When a letter arrives, she sets out on a quest to clear his name.

This is a beautifully written coming-of-age tale, which deals with themes of mortality, peace and sacrifice.

Three years ago Ghost’s dad chased him and his mum down the road with a gun. His dad got ten years in prison, and Ghost learned how to run. Ghost has never thought of athletics as a sporting option – basketball is his thing. But now, after challenging a sprinter to a race at the local track, he’s won himself a place on an elite running team.