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Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In Midnight on Fireworks Island by Christopher N. Ciko, Joseph Johnson, known as Joey, was arrested for vandalism, banned from public school, and sentenced to the Rockweiler Academy of Correction. It is a correctional facility for kids too young to be in the main prison system. Every boy received a rulebook, and the points they gathered determined the length of their stay in the facility. Joey realized that if he followed certain rules, he could earn enough points to be released within twelve months. Joey was determined to help as many boys leave the academy with him by teaching them the rules. Just before graduation, Joey made a choice that cost him all his points. Joey was condemned to the dungeon, and his stay at the facility was extended as a result of this choice.
Midnight on Fireworks Island by Christopher N. Ciko is intriguing and complex. Before Joey ended up in the facility, he put his feelings first without thinking of the consequences. I liked the idea of the academy's points system and how the boys had to practice following the rules to gain points. It was wonderful to watch Joey and Figgy develop and adapt to their new surroundings and their growing relationship. The characters, who are all victims of circumstance, endure severe punishment because of the choices they make. I admired Joey’s attempts to help the other boys escape the facility, despite their ignorance of his reasons. By being kind, Joey helps the other boys change their outlook, and it changes them for the better. This is an excellent story with a great lesson for young readers to learn.
