Walled In: A True Story of Randall's Island

"Walled In: A True Story of Randall's Island" by William O. Stoddard explores the challenging lives of young boys within the walls a 19th-century reform school. It tells the story of a boy named Jim, who becomes trapped in an environment he views as unjust, and follows his desire to try and regain his freedom. The story takes place on Randall’s Island, inside the House of Refuge, where young boys are subject to discipline, education, and vocational training. With an educational focus on Jim's emotional journey, the novel highlights the themes of hope, innocence, and the struggles of youth against a strict environment. Jim feels unfairly imprisoned due to a crime he insists he did not commit, sparking a strong desire to escape. The book chronicles Jim's daring plan, packed with challenges, camaraderie, and resilience, as he navigates physical barriers, fellow residents, and watchful officers in his dangerous journey to freedom.