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Before Their Crimes: What We're Misunderstanding about Childhood Trauma, Youth Crime, and the Path to Healing
304 pages, Hardcover
Published November 13, 2025
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15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 4, 2025
"Children do not become criminals for no reason-- A fundamental misunderstanding happens when we fail to see the person in the context of their environment."
Wendy Smith does a beautiful job integrating 20 real, emotional life stories with fascinating, well-researched facts and statistics about human development and predictors of criminality.
One of the main points of the book was that we, as a society, tend to overestimate a child's resilience to traumatic events. Very few people who have experienced a multitude of adverse childhood experiences (known as ACEs, an established list of risk factors) go on to pursue careers in research or law; therefore, their unique, invaluable perspectives often lack the opportunity to have the same significant impact as they could.
The rate of incarceration is 4-8 times higher in the United States than in other countries, with the number of inmates rising from 10,000 to 170,000 from 1947 to 2007. In just the 1990s alone, the rate of minors in adult prisons has risen 300%. This book provides a desperately needed deep dive into the contributing factors involved in youth crime.
Early childhood provides a platform for self-perception; therefore, if a child is abused or neglected frequently during that sensitive period, many internalize that as their own failing or lack of value. This can lead to feelings of disconnection from others and be perceived as a lack of empathy for others. It can cause atypical wiring of fight-or-flight responses, making even neutral interactions feel threatening.
The school system is a potential mediator for an adverse home life, but in most situations, resources fall short. Many traumatized children display externalizing, "disruptive" behavior, which is most easily handled by suspensions and expulsion, forcing them back into their chaotic family structure or to bond with other alienated and delinquent peers.
The foster care system sometimes steps in, but is linked with higher rates of sexual abuse and early (and many times inappropriate) prescription of psychotropic medications to sedate an unruly child. Foster care is also known to hinder educational advancement, with only 1.8-7.7% percent graduating from college compared to 24-32% of the general population. Group homes aren't a much better alternative, with delinquency rates that are 2.5x higher than those of foster homes.
More needs to be done to help the countless children growing up in chaos. Children who grow up with substance-addicted parents (which is 1 in 10), households riddled with domestic violence, parents involved in gang activity, or parents simply not involved at all-- these children deserve more societal support.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bloomsbury, for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy prior to publication in exchange for my honest opinions.
"Children do not end up committing crimes, especially not violent ones, in a vacuum."
Wendy Smith does a beautiful job integrating 20 real, emotional life stories with fascinating, well-researched facts and statistics about human development and predictors of criminality.
One of the main points of the book was that we, as a society, tend to overestimate a child's resilience to traumatic events. Very few people who have experienced a multitude of adverse childhood experiences (known as ACEs, an established list of risk factors) go on to pursue careers in research or law; therefore, their unique, invaluable perspectives often lack the opportunity to have the same significant impact as they could.
The rate of incarceration is 4-8 times higher in the United States than in other countries, with the number of inmates rising from 10,000 to 170,000 from 1947 to 2007. In just the 1990s alone, the rate of minors in adult prisons has risen 300%. This book provides a desperately needed deep dive into the contributing factors involved in youth crime.
Early childhood provides a platform for self-perception; therefore, if a child is abused or neglected frequently during that sensitive period, many internalize that as their own failing or lack of value. This can lead to feelings of disconnection from others and be perceived as a lack of empathy for others. It can cause atypical wiring of fight-or-flight responses, making even neutral interactions feel threatening.
The school system is a potential mediator for an adverse home life, but in most situations, resources fall short. Many traumatized children display externalizing, "disruptive" behavior, which is most easily handled by suspensions and expulsion, forcing them back into their chaotic family structure or to bond with other alienated and delinquent peers.
The foster care system sometimes steps in, but is linked with higher rates of sexual abuse and early (and many times inappropriate) prescription of psychotropic medications to sedate an unruly child. Foster care is also known to hinder educational advancement, with only 1.8-7.7% percent graduating from college compared to 24-32% of the general population. Group homes aren't a much better alternative, with delinquency rates that are 2.5x higher than those of foster homes.
More needs to be done to help the countless children growing up in chaos. Children who grow up with substance-addicted parents (which is 1 in 10), households riddled with domestic violence, parents involved in gang activity, or parents simply not involved at all-- these children deserve more societal support.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bloomsbury, for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy prior to publication in exchange for my honest opinions.
"Children do not end up committing crimes, especially not violent ones, in a vacuum."
August 1, 2025
Book Review: Before Their Crimes: What We’re Misunderstanding about Childhood Trauma, Youth Crime, and the Path to Healing by Wendy Smith
Rating: 5/5
Wendy Smith’s Before Their Crimes is a transformative exploration of the intersection between childhood trauma and juvenile crime, blending rigorous research with deeply human narratives. As a reader, I was both heartbroken and inspired—heartbroken by the systemic failures that perpetuate cycles of violence, yet inspired by Smith’s unwavering compassion and her evidence-based vision for healing. This book doesn’t just diagnose a problem; it offers a roadmap for redemption.
Strengths and Emotional Impact
Smith’s use of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as a framework is revelatory. By weaving together scientific studies and firsthand accounts from incarcerated individuals, she demonstrates how trauma manifests in criminal behavior. Chapters like Terror at Home: Domestic Violence and The Seductive Embrace of the Gang are particularly harrowing, exposing how neglect, abuse, and instability strip children of agency and distort their moral compass.
What moved me most was Smith’s emphasis on healing as a societal imperative. Her interviews with formerly incarcerated individuals—many of whom committed crimes as children—reveal startling resilience. The chapter “The Path to Healing” challenges punitive norms, arguing that rehabilitation is not just possible but essential. As someone concerned about at-risk youth from a public health perspective, I found Smith’s insights both validating and galvanizing.
Constructive Criticism
While the book excels in qualitative depth, some readers might crave more quantitative data to bolster its arguments. For instance, a comparative analysis of recidivism rates in trauma-informed vs. traditional justice systems could strengthen the case for policy reform. Additionally, the scope of solutions—while visionary—could benefit from concrete examples of programs successfully implementing Smith’s ideas.
Summary Takeaways:
- A masterwork of empathy and science—Smith reveals how trauma shapes crime and how compassion can undo it.
- Essential reading for anyone who believes children are worth saving, not just punishing.
- Before Their Crimes dismantles myths about juvenile offenders and replaces them with humanity and hope.
Final Thoughts
This book is a clarion call to rethink justice through the lens of trauma. It’s for educators, policymakers, and anyone who seeks to understand, not just condemn. Smith’s prose is accessible yet profound, making complex psychology feel urgent and personal.
Thank you to the publisher Bloomsbury Academic and Edelweiss for providing a free advance copy. Before Their Crimes is a rare blend of scholarship and storytelling—5/5 for its courage, clarity, and transformative potential.
Rating: 5/5
Wendy Smith’s Before Their Crimes is a transformative exploration of the intersection between childhood trauma and juvenile crime, blending rigorous research with deeply human narratives. As a reader, I was both heartbroken and inspired—heartbroken by the systemic failures that perpetuate cycles of violence, yet inspired by Smith’s unwavering compassion and her evidence-based vision for healing. This book doesn’t just diagnose a problem; it offers a roadmap for redemption.
Strengths and Emotional Impact
Smith’s use of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as a framework is revelatory. By weaving together scientific studies and firsthand accounts from incarcerated individuals, she demonstrates how trauma manifests in criminal behavior. Chapters like Terror at Home: Domestic Violence and The Seductive Embrace of the Gang are particularly harrowing, exposing how neglect, abuse, and instability strip children of agency and distort their moral compass.
What moved me most was Smith’s emphasis on healing as a societal imperative. Her interviews with formerly incarcerated individuals—many of whom committed crimes as children—reveal startling resilience. The chapter “The Path to Healing” challenges punitive norms, arguing that rehabilitation is not just possible but essential. As someone concerned about at-risk youth from a public health perspective, I found Smith’s insights both validating and galvanizing.
Constructive Criticism
While the book excels in qualitative depth, some readers might crave more quantitative data to bolster its arguments. For instance, a comparative analysis of recidivism rates in trauma-informed vs. traditional justice systems could strengthen the case for policy reform. Additionally, the scope of solutions—while visionary—could benefit from concrete examples of programs successfully implementing Smith’s ideas.
Summary Takeaways:
- A masterwork of empathy and science—Smith reveals how trauma shapes crime and how compassion can undo it.
- Essential reading for anyone who believes children are worth saving, not just punishing.
- Before Their Crimes dismantles myths about juvenile offenders and replaces them with humanity and hope.
Final Thoughts
This book is a clarion call to rethink justice through the lens of trauma. It’s for educators, policymakers, and anyone who seeks to understand, not just condemn. Smith’s prose is accessible yet profound, making complex psychology feel urgent and personal.
Thank you to the publisher Bloomsbury Academic and Edelweiss for providing a free advance copy. Before Their Crimes is a rare blend of scholarship and storytelling—5/5 for its courage, clarity, and transformative potential.
September 19, 2025
Masterfully written, exhaustively researched, and above all undeniably humane, "Before Their Crimes" is an unmissable read for anyone interested in knowing what makes people descend into criminality and violence; as well as how to break the cycle before it repeats itself. Few non-fiction books have moved me to tears the way this one did, and few people are able to write divulgative pieces with as much care for the people behind each story as Wendy Smith.
As is stated on the book cover, "Before Their Crimes" takes a close look at the trajectories of people whose childhoods and teenage years spiralled down into criminality and violence. Why do they do it? Is there anything innate about criminality and delinquency - are they a matter of nature? Or is there a lot more to be said about the environment these people were born and raised in, ie. the nurture, and its ties to their criminal actions? Throughout this book, Smith argues that there is far more to nurture than we typically assume. From being born into poverty and parents who struggle with substance abuse to witnessing violence in the household, experiencing homelessness, being raised in a violent neighbourhood or the traumatic impact of entering the foster care system, there are many different ways in which young people's upbringing is shaped by their environment and the actions of those around them. In each chapter of this book, Smith takes a close look at a risk factor that puts children at a higher risk of falling into criminality and/or antisocial behaviours, and she addresses the ways in which we as a system fail to see that these kids are struggling, and calling for help through tantrums and acting out.
Being a therapist myself, and one highly interested in working with youth at risk of social exclusion, I found this book to be enlightening in more ways than I could hope to describe. As Smith says at the beginning of this work, the book's purpose is not to excuse what these people did, or argue that there was no need for them to serve time behind bars for what they did. Instead, "Before Their Crimes" is a close look at what happened to these people that made them commit heinous crimes; what signs and risk factors were there, and could have been taken as cues to step in and intervene before these people fell any further down the rabbit hole; and the different ways in which the system fails our most vulnerable youth.
Overall, this book sends a very powerful message. Instead of wallowing in the regrettable failings and shortcomings of our system, and stopping there, what Smith does is offer up insight into what can be done in the future to prevent a significant amount of suffering, trauma, and reactive delinquency. This book is an absolute must for anyone interested in learning more about the ways in which we can, and must, step up and intervene when our youth send out cries for help, and I have personally already recommended it to fellow therapists and school counsellors. I will be re-reading it quite a number of times!
As is stated on the book cover, "Before Their Crimes" takes a close look at the trajectories of people whose childhoods and teenage years spiralled down into criminality and violence. Why do they do it? Is there anything innate about criminality and delinquency - are they a matter of nature? Or is there a lot more to be said about the environment these people were born and raised in, ie. the nurture, and its ties to their criminal actions? Throughout this book, Smith argues that there is far more to nurture than we typically assume. From being born into poverty and parents who struggle with substance abuse to witnessing violence in the household, experiencing homelessness, being raised in a violent neighbourhood or the traumatic impact of entering the foster care system, there are many different ways in which young people's upbringing is shaped by their environment and the actions of those around them. In each chapter of this book, Smith takes a close look at a risk factor that puts children at a higher risk of falling into criminality and/or antisocial behaviours, and she addresses the ways in which we as a system fail to see that these kids are struggling, and calling for help through tantrums and acting out.
Being a therapist myself, and one highly interested in working with youth at risk of social exclusion, I found this book to be enlightening in more ways than I could hope to describe. As Smith says at the beginning of this work, the book's purpose is not to excuse what these people did, or argue that there was no need for them to serve time behind bars for what they did. Instead, "Before Their Crimes" is a close look at what happened to these people that made them commit heinous crimes; what signs and risk factors were there, and could have been taken as cues to step in and intervene before these people fell any further down the rabbit hole; and the different ways in which the system fails our most vulnerable youth.
Overall, this book sends a very powerful message. Instead of wallowing in the regrettable failings and shortcomings of our system, and stopping there, what Smith does is offer up insight into what can be done in the future to prevent a significant amount of suffering, trauma, and reactive delinquency. This book is an absolute must for anyone interested in learning more about the ways in which we can, and must, step up and intervene when our youth send out cries for help, and I have personally already recommended it to fellow therapists and school counsellors. I will be re-reading it quite a number of times!
October 28, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Academic for this ARC of Before Their Crimes by Wendy Smith.
Before Their Crimes is a poignant and informative book which blends real life accounts of criminals and their childhoods with psychological research and findings. It groups experiences of individuals where relevant to address a variety of risk factors and experiences which impact the propensity for criminal offending.
The book covers a variety of ethnicities, both male and females and a variety of crimes committed. This gives a broad sense of how adverse childhood experiences can impact the lives of individuals leading to criminal acts.
I enjoyed that we got to 'catch up' with those in the book at the end to see where they are as this gave an indication of how it is possible even with the worst situations to come out and give back to the world but is very clear to indicate that even with these changes, this does not undo what was done.
I enjoyed this book and as a psychology student this was a great read to understand criminality and the impact of adverse childhood experiences. I would, however caution individuals that it is an intense and long read that will take time. I did struggle to get through it in parts but I really recommend pushing through to the end if you feel the same.
Before Their Crimes is a poignant and informative book which blends real life accounts of criminals and their childhoods with psychological research and findings. It groups experiences of individuals where relevant to address a variety of risk factors and experiences which impact the propensity for criminal offending.
The book covers a variety of ethnicities, both male and females and a variety of crimes committed. This gives a broad sense of how adverse childhood experiences can impact the lives of individuals leading to criminal acts.
I enjoyed that we got to 'catch up' with those in the book at the end to see where they are as this gave an indication of how it is possible even with the worst situations to come out and give back to the world but is very clear to indicate that even with these changes, this does not undo what was done.
I enjoyed this book and as a psychology student this was a great read to understand criminality and the impact of adverse childhood experiences. I would, however caution individuals that it is an intense and long read that will take time. I did struggle to get through it in parts but I really recommend pushing through to the end if you feel the same.
November 10, 2025
Very good discussion on a very important topic.
Great case-study-style real word information gathering. Emotional, real, and so very relevant. Potent moments, for many reasons, for all involved.
Author's approach was deftly balancing multi-faceted inputs that have (often unknowingly and/or not-yet-fully-informed) shaped young people's pathways in life.. looking backwards in a more informed and intentional manner.. in order to learn more about how things came to be. and how we may internalize some takeaways critical for looking forward.
One to put on your shelf. To not only aid in some of our work with young people, but in helping take hold of communally better sharing and shaping opportunities for so many. Helping to forge connections, better informed reflections and hoping to compound positive impacts and momentum for all of our kids.
Thank you for the ARC. Very glad to have had the opportunity.
Great case-study-style real word information gathering. Emotional, real, and so very relevant. Potent moments, for many reasons, for all involved.
Author's approach was deftly balancing multi-faceted inputs that have (often unknowingly and/or not-yet-fully-informed) shaped young people's pathways in life.. looking backwards in a more informed and intentional manner.. in order to learn more about how things came to be. and how we may internalize some takeaways critical for looking forward.
One to put on your shelf. To not only aid in some of our work with young people, but in helping take hold of communally better sharing and shaping opportunities for so many. Helping to forge connections, better informed reflections and hoping to compound positive impacts and momentum for all of our kids.
Thank you for the ARC. Very glad to have had the opportunity.
September 6, 2025
fascinating and interesting book. The links between childhood trauma and criminality is long established but the higher the incidents of trauma alters the brain development.
Specifically looking at a number of people who were sentenced as teenagers and young adults. The effects of their early upbringing, family circumstances, abuse, neglect and witness to dependency on drugs and alcohol.
Expelled by education and set adrift in a world without any understanding of wider choices and consequences.
An illuminating book that should be compulsory reading for anyone who works to help, support and rehabilitate young offenders.
Specifically looking at a number of people who were sentenced as teenagers and young adults. The effects of their early upbringing, family circumstances, abuse, neglect and witness to dependency on drugs and alcohol.
Expelled by education and set adrift in a world without any understanding of wider choices and consequences.
An illuminating book that should be compulsory reading for anyone who works to help, support and rehabilitate young offenders.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews