Thanks to Edelweiss-AboveTheTreeline for the free ARC Kindle-ebook [b: The Free|30335358|The Free|Lauren McLaughlin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464847707s/30335358.jpg|50833450] by [a: Lauren McLaughlin|1281119|Lauren McLaughlin|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1361356038p2/1281119.jpg].

Haverland could be a dystopian society where juveniles are sentenced to punishment for their criminal behavior. It could be, or it is possibly a detention center where teens and young adults have a shred of hope for rehabilitation.

Isaac West is led by his attorney to take a six-month sentence. Six months could be a lifetime or death sentence for his younger sister Janelle. With him behind bars, he isn't sure she will get enough to eat or have what she needs for school.

Isaac agrees to participate in therapy. Believing it will guarantee his timely release he joins the small group of unlikely co-participants. Unlike the cops, his lawyer or the judge - these kids will not take any form of b.s. They do not let Isaac skate on the lies that got him a mere six months.

Haverland is no picnic, but there are worse facilities. Young Mr. West learns too late, he may not get out of jail for a long time. The truth is painful, but in some cases, it can save a life. Woe to the bystanders.

I will recommend this book for Y/A, Teens, and mature Juvenile readers. It will probably not mean much to kids who are privileged, but it could give them empathy if they are so inclined.

[b: The Free|30335358|The Free|Lauren McLaughlin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464847707s/30335358.jpg|50833450] had me glued from the first page, and continues to squirrel around in my brain. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book and review it. ( )