Making It Right: Building Peace, Settling Conflict

Imagine a world without prisons, lawyers, or courtrooms—where justice is done.

What if there were no prisons? Alternative approaches to dealing with crime are underway around the world to explore how victims, offenders, and communities can heal rifts and repair damage. It’s often called restorative justice. It’s a way to think about the deeper reasons behind crimes, and suggests that by building more caring communities, it’s possible to change society—and ourselves.

Making It Right relates true stories of young people who are working in innovative ways to further conflict resolution and heal past wounds. The book begins with individual injustices, such as bullying, and works up to collective ones, like wars. Each chapter begins with a dramatic fictional account, making the topic engaging and relevant for kids.

Restorative justice isn’t going to change the world overnight, nor will it end all crime or prevent all wars. But it’s a powerful way to get teens thinking about how they can participate in building a more peaceful society.

Reviews:

“This teen-friendly approach to alternative justice is accessible and engaging. Recommended where there is an interest in social justice issues.”
—School Library Journal, 07/16

“Important reading for preteens and teens.”
—Booklist, 07/01/16

“[Peters’s] style is engaging, she lays out complexd topics in a manner that is easy to understand without being condescending, and the scenarios she presents are relatable.”
—Quill & Quire, 09/16

“Engaging and relevant.”
—Metroland Media, 10/26/16

“Short but intense exploration.”
—Canadian Children’s Book News, Winter/16

“A book that should leave the reader arguing explicitly for open conversation and inclusive dialogue around crime.”
—Resource Links, 02/17

“Middle and high school students will eagerly consume the entire book.”
—School Library Journal.com, 09/12/17