Detention

This is a new book. Condition: Brand New.

What happens when your first teaching job isn't in a classroom - but in juvenile detention?

When Ralph Jackman swapped his career as a sports reporter for life as a teacher, he expected yard duty and parent-teacher nights. Instead, he found himself behind the razor wire of Melbourne's Parkville Youth Detention Centre, teaching literacy and numeracy to some of the nation's most vulnerable and damaged boys.

This raw and powerful memoir takes you inside a world few educators ever see, both shocking and inspiring, with humour and heartbreak, and moments of connection that make teaching matter. But it's also the story of a system failing its most desperate kids - and a teacher who refused to look away.

Detention is more than one teacher's journey, it's a call to action for everyone who believes in the rights of all kids to have an education, even behind bars.

'Honest and courageous . . . This book is the report card we've all known was coming.' Gabbie Stroud, bestselling author of Teacher

'A compelling account by a real insider of how Australia is failing some of its most vulnerable kids by locking them up. Jackman emerges not just as a teacher with real heart but as a fine storyteller. His passion and principles drive this expose and urgent call for change.' Nick McKenzie, Gold Walkley Award-winning investigative journalist at The Age

'Jackman's debut memoir, Detention, pulls no punches as he describes the stark realities of teaching boys dealing with issues ranging from domestic violence to racism, poverty and gang crime. It's clear he fervently believes in the power of education, and reading about his crusade to connect with his students and change their lives is deeply affecting . . . This book is Jackman's courageous call to action.' Juliet Rieden, ABC Arts

'a powerful memoir . . . empathetic and compassionate' Books + Publishing

'How many readers have dreamt of making a midlife career change to become a teacher? Ralph Jackman did it. He was for years a sports reporter but his book is an account of his first teaching job, inside the maximum security Parkville Youth Justice Precinct. Jackman who, fun fact, is Hugh's brother, says his goal was to teach literacy and numeracy to the kids, who are among the most vulnerable and damaged youngsters in our midst. Travel with him through art classes (they make their own bank notes) and history lessons. There is humour, but the memoir also makes clear that we are failing these young people and the loss of their potential is a crying shame.' Caroline Overington, The Australian

'What an incredible, raw, gut-wrenching and important book this is . . . Anyone interested in the justice system and who believes that all children have the right to an education must read this book.' Readings

Book details and technical specifications

Format: Paperback / softback
ISBN13: 9781761471292
Published: June 2026

Number of pages: 304
Width: 153 mm
Height: 234 mm
Depth: not specified

Publisher: Allen & Unwin