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Detention: A rookie teacher. The toughest prison school in Australia.
A powerful and moving memoir about how the youth detention system is letting down our most desperate and damaged kids, and how one rookie teacher fought the system on their behalf. Explosive, heart-breaking, inspiring.
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.
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.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Ralph Jackman
8 books5 followersRalph Jackman was born in Norfolk in 1981. He holds a first class honours degree in Classics from King’s College, London, and a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Essex, where he was tutored by Marina Warner and Philip Terry.
Ralph’s work draws on his lifelong interest in history.
Ralph's first novel, Actium's Wake has just been announced as finalist in the historical fiction category of Foreword Reviews' IndieFab 2014 Book of the Year Awards.
Injustice, a historical short story, was published in the new online magazine of the Historical Novel Society in 2012.
Apprentice Pillar, having been longlisted in the 2011/12 Fish Publishing International Short Story competition, was runner-up in the 2014 Words With Jam Short Story competition and will be published shortly in the anthology.
Last Chance Saloon was published in an anthology, Crime: Unleashed in June 2013.
Ralph is currently working on the first of a historical trilogy, The Olive Tree, which was a finalist in the Chapter One Promotions 2010 Novel Competition.
Ralph has also completed a novella, Portraits of Rome.
In 2010, Ralph wrote the lyrics of A Destiny Revealed, the opening track to the movie score, Henri 4.
Ralph’s work draws on his lifelong interest in history.
Ralph's first novel, Actium's Wake has just been announced as finalist in the historical fiction category of Foreword Reviews' IndieFab 2014 Book of the Year Awards.
Injustice, a historical short story, was published in the new online magazine of the Historical Novel Society in 2012.
Apprentice Pillar, having been longlisted in the 2011/12 Fish Publishing International Short Story competition, was runner-up in the 2014 Words With Jam Short Story competition and will be published shortly in the anthology.
Last Chance Saloon was published in an anthology, Crime: Unleashed in June 2013.
Ralph is currently working on the first of a historical trilogy, The Olive Tree, which was a finalist in the Chapter One Promotions 2010 Novel Competition.
Ralph has also completed a novella, Portraits of Rome.
In 2010, Ralph wrote the lyrics of A Destiny Revealed, the opening track to the movie score, Henri 4.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 9, 2026
Firstly, I want to be clear that this review is biased because I know the author. I am Ralph Jackman's sister and couldn't put this memoir down. It's about his rookie teaching job in a juvenile detention centre in Melbourne, Australia. Ralph changed careers mid-life and paints a vivid picture of the highs and lows, the rewards and the frustrations of his first two years as a teacher. I was rooting for him through the first terrifying encounters with the students right through to his determination to highlight the injustices in the system.
Every teacher I know has vivid memories of their first professional year. Ralph's was in a class of its own and told with typical humility and self-deprecating humour. The author didn't go looking for an underdog story to champion, but he also didn't run from the challenge. If you've had a hard day, year, or decade in the classroom, read this book and be reminded the possibilities education offers.
Every teacher I know has vivid memories of their first professional year. Ralph's was in a class of its own and told with typical humility and self-deprecating humour. The author didn't go looking for an underdog story to champion, but he also didn't run from the challenge. If you've had a hard day, year, or decade in the classroom, read this book and be reminded the possibilities education offers.
June 11, 2026
It is an uncomfortable realisation that the issues Jackman describes are not confined to Victoria. Many of the injustices he documents remain unaddressed and continue to play out across Australia. I have seen firsthand how easily educational opportunities can be disrupted when systems are under pressure and how quickly the needs of young people can become secondary to operational demands. It is devastating to watch history repeat itself while those with the power to make change continue to ignore the lessons that have already been laid bare.
As outlined by Jackman, we are letting our most vulnerable young people down. We are perpetuating a narrative of inequity, racism, and injustice. These young people are often spoken about rather than spoken with. Their stories are reduced to headlines and political talking points, while the complexities of their lives, trauma, and disadvantage are overlooked.
The people making decisions about youth justice rarely seem to listen to those working directly with these young people every day. The mentality described by Jackman in Victoria, that teachers are "guests within Youth Justice", is a sentiment I have heard repeated in many staff meetings. Education should not be an add-on or an afterthought within these settings.
Every day, I work with young people who are capable, intelligent, and deserving of opportunity, yet are continually failed by systems that should be supporting them. Jackman's book is a powerful reminder that meaningful change requires more than political rhetoric. It requires a willingness to listen. Most importantly, it requires us to recognise the humanity of the young people in our care and to ensure that education remains a right, not a privilege, regardless of their circumstances.
My only criticism of this book is that it does not dig deeper into the systemic racism within Youth Justice. It does not fully address the overrepresentation and unique experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in these settings, nor does it explore how a Westernised narrative of education and achievement often remains at the forefront.
An important contribution to the conversation around youth justice and education.
As outlined by Jackman, we are letting our most vulnerable young people down. We are perpetuating a narrative of inequity, racism, and injustice. These young people are often spoken about rather than spoken with. Their stories are reduced to headlines and political talking points, while the complexities of their lives, trauma, and disadvantage are overlooked.
The people making decisions about youth justice rarely seem to listen to those working directly with these young people every day. The mentality described by Jackman in Victoria, that teachers are "guests within Youth Justice", is a sentiment I have heard repeated in many staff meetings. Education should not be an add-on or an afterthought within these settings.
Every day, I work with young people who are capable, intelligent, and deserving of opportunity, yet are continually failed by systems that should be supporting them. Jackman's book is a powerful reminder that meaningful change requires more than political rhetoric. It requires a willingness to listen. Most importantly, it requires us to recognise the humanity of the young people in our care and to ensure that education remains a right, not a privilege, regardless of their circumstances.
My only criticism of this book is that it does not dig deeper into the systemic racism within Youth Justice. It does not fully address the overrepresentation and unique experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in these settings, nor does it explore how a Westernised narrative of education and achievement often remains at the forefront.
An important contribution to the conversation around youth justice and education.
July 14, 2026
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.
Through his experiences in alternative education, Jackman reflects on the realities of teaching, the resilience of his students, and the profound impact of seeing beyond behaviour to the individual.
I really wanted to love this one, but unfortunately it just didn’t work for me.
The biggest issue was the structure. With so many students and stories being introduced, I found myself constantly trying to remember who was who and where each storyline fit into the timeline. I think the book would have flowed much better if it had been structured with a chapter dedicated to each child. Instead, the narrative jumped from one story to the next so frequently that I found it difficult to stay invested.
Because of this, I gradually lost interest and ended up skimming the final 60 pages.
I also think I went into the book expecting something quite different, so I came away feeling disappointed despite how strong the premise was. The concept is genuinely fantastic, but for me, the execution just didn’t deliver.
That said, there were aspects I really enjoyed. I loved reading about Ralph being thrown into the deep end and learning on the job in what was very much a sink-or-swim environment. His passion for helping young people shines throughout, and it was inspiring to see the effort he put into understanding each child as an individual rather than expecting everyone to fit into the same mould. Those moments were easily the highlight of the book for me.
A brilliant idea with an important message, but one that sadly fell short in its execution.
Through his experiences in alternative education, Jackman reflects on the realities of teaching, the resilience of his students, and the profound impact of seeing beyond behaviour to the individual.
I really wanted to love this one, but unfortunately it just didn’t work for me.
The biggest issue was the structure. With so many students and stories being introduced, I found myself constantly trying to remember who was who and where each storyline fit into the timeline. I think the book would have flowed much better if it had been structured with a chapter dedicated to each child. Instead, the narrative jumped from one story to the next so frequently that I found it difficult to stay invested.
Because of this, I gradually lost interest and ended up skimming the final 60 pages.
I also think I went into the book expecting something quite different, so I came away feeling disappointed despite how strong the premise was. The concept is genuinely fantastic, but for me, the execution just didn’t deliver.
That said, there were aspects I really enjoyed. I loved reading about Ralph being thrown into the deep end and learning on the job in what was very much a sink-or-swim environment. His passion for helping young people shines throughout, and it was inspiring to see the effort he put into understanding each child as an individual rather than expecting everyone to fit into the same mould. Those moments were easily the highlight of the book for me.
A brilliant idea with an important message, but one that sadly fell short in its execution.
June 24, 2026
Inspiring read for any teacher right now.
August 1, 2026
3.5 stars
July 10, 2026
It was definitely interesting and well written but I don't think it had the desired effect on me.
I couldn't help but think the following things:
The intention of the book is that education should be available for all young people (even imprisoned ones) but before the lock downs get really bad, the boys barely want to go to class when given the choice. And its like they don't have to? So isn't that a problem in itself?
And I was frankly appalled at the amount of attacks on staff and felt that was glazed over. Were there any consequences for that? A big part of the problem is no staff, well no wonder there's no staff.
Sounds like alot of the parents need to be arrested too in my opinion...I feel these kids are let down by a society that has failed to protect them before they have set foot in.prison.
And the way the boys attack each other was horrible too. Seemed to be very passively handled. Is there no anti-gang education?
I don't know. I just feel like access to education is just one failure amidst a sea of failures when it comes to looking out for kids.
I couldn't help but think the following things:
The intention of the book is that education should be available for all young people (even imprisoned ones) but before the lock downs get really bad, the boys barely want to go to class when given the choice. And its like they don't have to? So isn't that a problem in itself?
And I was frankly appalled at the amount of attacks on staff and felt that was glazed over. Were there any consequences for that? A big part of the problem is no staff, well no wonder there's no staff.
Sounds like alot of the parents need to be arrested too in my opinion...I feel these kids are let down by a society that has failed to protect them before they have set foot in.prison.
And the way the boys attack each other was horrible too. Seemed to be very passively handled. Is there no anti-gang education?
I don't know. I just feel like access to education is just one failure amidst a sea of failures when it comes to looking out for kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2026
“If community safety is our goal, we should heed Nelson Mandela’s words:
The full contribution which our prisons can make towards a permanent reduction in the country's crime rate lies also in the way in which they treat prisoners. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of... respect for human rights.”
Ralph Jackman… you standing up for the rights of your students was pretty dang cool.
The full contribution which our prisons can make towards a permanent reduction in the country's crime rate lies also in the way in which they treat prisoners. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of... respect for human rights.”
Ralph Jackman… you standing up for the rights of your students was pretty dang cool.
June 29, 2026
What a book, inspirational and alarming at the same time. Ralph’s inventiveness and enthusiasm to create meaningful learning experiences is awe inspiring, as is his colleagues’. So much is in this book, not least the exposure of a broken system that lets the most vulnerable down. Good on Ralph and all others who have helped these young people.
July 24, 2026
Detention is a compassionate and thought-provoking memoir that humanises some of society’s most vulnerable young people and challenges readers to consider the failures of our youth justice system. The individual stories of the boys are undoubtedly the book’s greatest strength.
While I admired Ralph Jackman’s passion and moral courage, I found myself questioning his idealism and approach at times. He stepped into a deeply broken system and seemed surprised by its limitations, often framing the issues as injustice rather than acknowledging the complex realities faced by staff and management who are also working within impossible constraints.
I was particularly uncomfortable with the emphasis on teaching young people about the injustices of their incarceration. Validation is important, but rehabilitation also requires fostering agency, accountability and hope. I was left wondering whether too much focus on systemic injustice risks reinforcing a victim mindset rather than empowering young people to shape their futures.
I also found it curious that Jackman’s significant health issues during his first year of teaching were largely disconnected from any discussion of stress or vicarious trauma. Given the nature of the work, I would have welcomed greater reflection on the personal cost of witnessing trauma and fighting institutional battles.
I didn’t always agree with the author’s conclusions, but I thoroughly enjoyed wrestling with the questions the book raises. For me, that’s the mark of a worthwhile read.
While I admired Ralph Jackman’s passion and moral courage, I found myself questioning his idealism and approach at times. He stepped into a deeply broken system and seemed surprised by its limitations, often framing the issues as injustice rather than acknowledging the complex realities faced by staff and management who are also working within impossible constraints.
I was particularly uncomfortable with the emphasis on teaching young people about the injustices of their incarceration. Validation is important, but rehabilitation also requires fostering agency, accountability and hope. I was left wondering whether too much focus on systemic injustice risks reinforcing a victim mindset rather than empowering young people to shape their futures.
I also found it curious that Jackman’s significant health issues during his first year of teaching were largely disconnected from any discussion of stress or vicarious trauma. Given the nature of the work, I would have welcomed greater reflection on the personal cost of witnessing trauma and fighting institutional battles.
I didn’t always agree with the author’s conclusions, but I thoroughly enjoyed wrestling with the questions the book raises. For me, that’s the mark of a worthwhile read.
July 18, 2026
I read the paperback edition of Detention by Ralph Jackman expecting something marvellous or at least enlightening. It is very disappointing indeed.
I have more than thirty years experience as a teacher, and a Masters degree in Education. I know the field.
Jackman had an extremely easy ride in his first year as a teacher. He landed a job in a prison where he had assistance from an army of support staff. Later, he faced the reality of teaching in a regular school. What a difference! He failed again.
Jackman lies about his own education and work experience, implying that his life was a struggle when actually it has been one of privilege. He heavily criticises the regulations followed in the prison system, one where some human rights are denied from time to time. He criticises the politicians in power. Oh, such an elitist perspective!
Don't waste your time on this book. The writing itself is technically good. The work however, is a waste from a man who is basically unfit to teach but could probably handle being a private tutor.
I have more than thirty years experience as a teacher, and a Masters degree in Education. I know the field.
Jackman had an extremely easy ride in his first year as a teacher. He landed a job in a prison where he had assistance from an army of support staff. Later, he faced the reality of teaching in a regular school. What a difference! He failed again.
Jackman lies about his own education and work experience, implying that his life was a struggle when actually it has been one of privilege. He heavily criticises the regulations followed in the prison system, one where some human rights are denied from time to time. He criticises the politicians in power. Oh, such an elitist perspective!
Don't waste your time on this book. The writing itself is technically good. The work however, is a waste from a man who is basically unfit to teach but could probably handle being a private tutor.
July 5, 2026
3.5
This book is good but not great. The subject matter is fascinating and you can’t help but have admiration for the people who work in youth justice, it’s a battle. Ongoing advocacy for these kids is something worth fighting for.
Unfortunately the writing is far less engaging than the subject matter. The clumsy and repeated attempts at cricket analogies are distracting at best and weirdly irrelevant at worst. It could’ve done with more about the boys themselves and the people who make Parkville tick along, the human interest stories are what fueled me to keep going. I sincerely hope Ahmed is doing well, investing in stocks and growing chilies!
You can tell Ralph’s background is sports journalism, roping another writer in and providing more background could’ve helped this come across as a more poignant indictment of the way youth justice and detention is carried out in this country.
This book is good but not great. The subject matter is fascinating and you can’t help but have admiration for the people who work in youth justice, it’s a battle. Ongoing advocacy for these kids is something worth fighting for.
Unfortunately the writing is far less engaging than the subject matter. The clumsy and repeated attempts at cricket analogies are distracting at best and weirdly irrelevant at worst. It could’ve done with more about the boys themselves and the people who make Parkville tick along, the human interest stories are what fueled me to keep going. I sincerely hope Ahmed is doing well, investing in stocks and growing chilies!
You can tell Ralph’s background is sports journalism, roping another writer in and providing more background could’ve helped this come across as a more poignant indictment of the way youth justice and detention is carried out in this country.
June 13, 2026
Career change from sports journalist to teacher seemed reasonable but then to find yourself entering a notorious juvenile detention centre to teach young offenders literacy and numeracy skills would be a different kind of challenge. Ralph Jackman has recounted his journey, drawing us into the everyday lives of these young males, their backgrounds, the reasons they are in detention, what their futures look like. I was impressed by the way Jackman adapted lessons around topics these young people were interested in and the way he encouraged them. The lockdown during Covid added further pressure on an already unsteady system and only heightened the mental stress on everyone. It was during this time that Jackman made a decision to stand up for his belief that in spite of the broken system around him, all kids have a right to an education. Thank you Ralph Jackman for making a difference.
July 18, 2026
There are very few books that have made me feel as seen as Detention. I absolutely loved every page. Ralph Jackman captures the reality of teaching in a way that is raw and honest.
Working as a teacher in a “tougher” school, similar clientele that is portrayed, where complex behaviours are everyday realities, this book felt incredibly familiar.
Perfectly capturing those breakthrough moments, with the exhaustion of navigating impossible systems, heartbreaking circumstances, and the feeling that you're constantly fighting battles that extend far beyond the classroom.
What I loved most was its reminder that great teaching isn't just about content. It's about creativity, persistence, relationships, and refusing to give up on young people, even when the odds are stacked against them.
I’ll be recommending this read to every educator I know.
Working as a teacher in a “tougher” school, similar clientele that is portrayed, where complex behaviours are everyday realities, this book felt incredibly familiar.
Perfectly capturing those breakthrough moments, with the exhaustion of navigating impossible systems, heartbreaking circumstances, and the feeling that you're constantly fighting battles that extend far beyond the classroom.
What I loved most was its reminder that great teaching isn't just about content. It's about creativity, persistence, relationships, and refusing to give up on young people, even when the odds are stacked against them.
I’ll be recommending this read to every educator I know.
July 9, 2026
This is going to be quite easily one of the most powerful, important and greatest books I've ever read.
Being a teacher in a juvenile detention centre would have to be one of the hardest, but most rewarding jobs you could ever have and Ralph Jackman was such an important ally for these kids.
I found it very engaging and inspiring to see that Ralph was willing to be an instrumental whistleblower in the injustices and inequalities of education and youth justice in Australia.
If anything, I did wish it would explore in more depth the racism that occurs in these instituions, but I feel like as a white man, Ralph probably isn't the person to raise these discussions and I do like that he did touch it but not overstep.
10/10 recommend!!
Being a teacher in a juvenile detention centre would have to be one of the hardest, but most rewarding jobs you could ever have and Ralph Jackman was such an important ally for these kids.
I found it very engaging and inspiring to see that Ralph was willing to be an instrumental whistleblower in the injustices and inequalities of education and youth justice in Australia.
If anything, I did wish it would explore in more depth the racism that occurs in these instituions, but I feel like as a white man, Ralph probably isn't the person to raise these discussions and I do like that he did touch it but not overstep.
10/10 recommend!!
July 6, 2026
Thank you Ralph for sharing this story. I am truly enamoured by the wisdom, authenticity and transparency that was used when writing this book.
One can only imagine the personal self growth that would have occurred in this career change. I could also only imagine how your consistency to show-up and advocate for your students, members of staff and colleagues has changed lived. Even if you were the only "good" they got to see that day.
Lastly, the ending was such a full 360 moment. Reading that part without exposing any spoilers gave me literal chills.
Thank you Ralph for this story. It's certainly one to remeber.
One can only imagine the personal self growth that would have occurred in this career change. I could also only imagine how your consistency to show-up and advocate for your students, members of staff and colleagues has changed lived. Even if you were the only "good" they got to see that day.
Lastly, the ending was such a full 360 moment. Reading that part without exposing any spoilers gave me literal chills.
Thank you Ralph for this story. It's certainly one to remeber.
July 16, 2026
A new rare insight to youth “justice”
A personal story from someone who became a teacher in the youth justice system. Yes, there were some tough kids, many of whom re-started school because of him. He described his bad situations and how he turned them (mostly). Most of the abuse of these youths was for political reasons and the “tough on youth crime” sold to their constituents. Just like deporting “criminals” from England to Australia made no difference to the crime rate in Australia. Politicians ignore the UN charter on human rights which states that all people have a right to an education.
A personal story from someone who became a teacher in the youth justice system. Yes, there were some tough kids, many of whom re-started school because of him. He described his bad situations and how he turned them (mostly). Most of the abuse of these youths was for political reasons and the “tough on youth crime” sold to their constituents. Just like deporting “criminals” from England to Australia made no difference to the crime rate in Australia. Politicians ignore the UN charter on human rights which states that all people have a right to an education.
July 15, 2026
Left me wanting to know so much more about the stories of all of the people who are so luminously drawn in the book using remarkably few words - extraordinary teachers, youth justice workers and students. Mr Jackman’s love and compassion for people shines through, making it impossible to look away even as bitter frustration threatens to become overwhelming. I hope that Mr Jackman might be able to persuade one of more students to write their story alongside Me Jackman.
August 12, 2026
A sobering view of the Victorian (state) Youth Justice system from the experiences of the author who was a teacher at Parkville, Melbourne for 2 years. Challenging clients, Lack of ongoing staff, both teaching and youth warders and the perceived disconnect of the administration and those "at the coalface". The challenge to provide positive outcomes for students who have a traumatised history, lack of education and have a criminal background.
June 25, 2026
Ebook. Life for teenage boys inside youth detention - it is not pretty. I love his creative teaching style and the way he tunes in to each individual student. I really enjoy books by journalist writers who are good at telling it as it is and holding your attention. I think it is Jackman’s first book and I hope we get more.
July 24, 2026
I think this was a great book, it really humanised youth offenders and showed some glaring flaws in the criminal justice system. It would be great if the government could see the clarity outlined in this book as a motivation for change rather than an opportunity for a defensive, knee jerk reaction.
August 2, 2026
Don't miss an opportunity to read this book. Apart from being exceptionally well written, the author paints a vivid picture of what life is like for the young people and their teachers within a jail. After reading this, your position on how the incarceration of young people should be managed could shift.
June 9, 2026
It was a good read, enlightening about the current Victorian Youth Justice System. From the blurb, I expected more tangible results in terms of the boy's fights for human rights, but that may be my need for a happy ending.
July 4, 2026
I was really excited when I saw this book . I thought I would learn about the institution as I did visit Parkville boys home in the past . What a let down . It was not the story I expected . It was just a lot of blah, blah ,blah .
July 14, 2026
I absolutely loved this book.
I am a teacher and just reading about all of the differentiation that took place every single day made me so happy.
Ralph you are one amazing teacher and your care and love for your students was really visible in every story you told.
I am a teacher and just reading about all of the differentiation that took place every single day made me so happy.
Ralph you are one amazing teacher and your care and love for your students was really visible in every story you told.
August 13, 2026
An excellent read. Jackman reflects on his first teaching job, namely at a school without a juvenile justice centre, and the reasons as to why he resigned. This is a highly recommended read, one which I found hard to put down.
July 14, 2026
I didn’t expect to be so moved by this book.
Definitely a must read for EVERYONE, you truly don’t know what’s going on inside these places.
Definitely a must read for EVERYONE, you truly don’t know what’s going on inside these places.
July 17, 2026
This was a great read about a serious and compelling subject.
July 19, 2026
Would love to see this as essential reading in youth work, justice, education courses.
July 20, 2026
Raw, unflinching and an eyeopener for anyone who has considered teaching at Parkville.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews