Allegedly

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2017

Review

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson sets readers up to question criminal justice in the US and the treatment of minority children and families within the system. The main character and narrator, sixteen-year-old Mary, allegedly murdered baby Alyssa eight years ago while babysitting with her mother. Due to the tragic and troubling nature of the crime, readers might find themselves braced against Mary, but she turns out to be a likable and seemingly misunderstood protagonist. As the story unfolds, we read about Mary's life in a group home for girls convicted of various crimes, and we begin to believe that Mary is probably serving time for a crime she did not commit. A twist at the end has readers realizing that our narrator probably hasn't been reliable and that she likely played a role in Alyssa's death.

While the author has a knack for metaphor and figurative language to express Mary’s emotions, this particular crime makes Allegedly a tough book to read.

Many instances of violence, implied sex, culturally offensive language, explicit language, and mental health issues make this more appropriate for high school and adult readers.

Overall rating: Good.

Overall Book Score: good