A Police Mr. Big Sting Goes Wrong: The Story of Kyle Unger

Gr 6 Up—Engaging true crime for hi-lo readers. Despite the odd-sounding title, A Police Mr. Big Sting Goes Wrong is a fascinating look at police tactics, wrongful convictions, and the inner workings of the criminal justice system. In 1990, Kylie Unger and his friends spent a night drinking and partying. In the morning, a 16-year-old girl was dead. The police used a tactic known as a "Mr. Big Sting" to trap the teen into making a false confession. The book details these events, his conviction, and fight to be acquitted. Jailed for Life recounts the story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, the middle-weight boxer who was wrongfully convicted of a triple murder, spent 20 years behind bars, and advocated against racist police practices. Written at a fourth-grade reading level with short, straightforward sentences and simple syntax that fits the true crime tone, these titles are ideal for sparking conversation on choice, prejudice, corruption, and social justice.