Author discusses incarceration and restorative-justice themes in new novel at committee reading
May 12, 2026 | Corrections & Institutions, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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An author spoke to the Saskia's House Corrections and Admissions Committee on Tuesday, May 12, reading from and describing a new young-adult novel that draws on research into Vermont's correctional system and interactions with young people.
The author said the book includes a scene set in a committee room and follows teenagers who confront family incarceration and organize peers into an affinity group they call "Children of Prisoners Out." "Clowns speak truth to power," the author told the committee, invoking theatrical methods used to let characters express difficult truths about family, race and punishment.
The reading emphasized how testimony by young people can reshape public perception. The author described meeting corrections staff while researching the book, visiting Waterbury and speaking with officials including Rick Byrne. Quoting Byrne, the author recounted that, in some cases, out-of-state placements offer amenities that complicate decisions about returning incarcerated people to in-state oversight.
Committee members asked about the author's research and whether contact with corrections staff changed their views on privatization. The author said that the presence of private vendors such as CoreCivic and GEO Group in design and services for detention facilities raises trade-offs and that any plan to build or expand facilities merits careful review of contracting and oversight.
The session included questions about the author's process and publishing history; attendees were given information about where to obtain the book locally and online. The committee thanked the author and moved on to the day's legislative business.
The author said the book includes a scene set in a committee room and follows teenagers who confront family incarceration and organize peers into an affinity group they call "Children of Prisoners Out." "Clowns speak truth to power," the author told the committee, invoking theatrical methods used to let characters express difficult truths about family, race and punishment.
The reading emphasized how testimony by young people can reshape public perception. The author described meeting corrections staff while researching the book, visiting Waterbury and speaking with officials including Rick Byrne. Quoting Byrne, the author recounted that, in some cases, out-of-state placements offer amenities that complicate decisions about returning incarcerated people to in-state oversight.
Committee members asked about the author's research and whether contact with corrections staff changed their views on privatization. The author said that the presence of private vendors such as CoreCivic and GEO Group in design and services for detention facilities raises trade-offs and that any plan to build or expand facilities merits careful review of contracting and oversight.
The session included questions about the author's process and publishing history; attendees were given information about where to obtain the book locally and online. The committee thanked the author and moved on to the day's legislative business.
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