| The Trial |
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written by Jen Bryant
illustrated by Leigh Wells
Knopf, 2004
ISBN 978-0375827525 (hardcover)
ISBN 978-0440419860 (paperback) |
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Imagine you are Bruno Richard Hauptmann, accused of murdering the son of the most famous man in America.
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| In a compelling, immediate voice, 12-year-old Katie Leigh Flynn takes us inside the courtroom of the most widely publicized criminal case of the 20th century: the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh’s baby son. And in doing so, she reveals the real-life figures of the trial—the accused, the lawyers, the grieving parents—and the many faces of justice. |
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| Resources |
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Guide for the Lindbergh play “Baby Case” (excellent!)
Jen recommends this NEW Lindbergh case book.
Major players, evidence, and more
Random House has a teacher's guide available for you to download.
Random House booktalk for your use |
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| Honors and Recognition |
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Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2004
Booklist, starred review
Borders Original Voices, Spring 2004
Junior Library Guild Selection 2004
Virginia Young Readers Choice Award Master List, 2006-2007 |
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| Reviews |
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 Bryant does an extraordinary job of re-creating the Depression-era milieu during which the trial unfolded and, at the same time, conveying the gravity of an event that may have been a miscarriage of justice. As Katie says, “When a man's on trial for his life / isn't every word important?” Bryant shows why with art and humanity. (Booklist, starred review) |
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| The spare observations of each poem delve deeply into the Depression-era mentality and effectively demonstrate how Katie Leigh and the town are transformed by the media frenzy accompanying the trial of the so-called crime of the century … Bryant crafts a memorable heroine and unfolds a thought-provoking tale. (Publishers Weekly) |
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| The tragic figures of Charles and Anne Lindbergh as they appear to Katie at the trial are quite moving. This historically rich and emotionally wrenching account would be a useful addition to classes studying this period in American history. (Children's Literature) |
