True Notebooks: A Writer's Year at Juvenile Hall

Sister Janet Harris is one of the Catholic volunteers who works at Central Juvenile Hall. On account of her faith, she has an optimistic, if not idealistic view of the writing program. Specifically, she believes that the inmates need the opportunity to be heard, and to exist outside of the confines of prison and gang culture.

Jimmy Wu is one of the young inmates in Mark's writing class. He wants to change his life, but is in serious legal jeopardy, awaiting sentencing for a violent crime. In addition to this, his family is a source of anxiety: his brother suffers from a congenital disease, and his mother is in financial trouble due to paying for Jimmy's legal defense.

Nathaniel Hall is a late addition to Mark's class. He is brash but talented as a writer, and thoughtful. He completes his assignment, even when barred from class for misbehavior. Nathaniel is a class clown, whose extroversion masks anxiety and frustration. Nathaniel immediately detects Mark's naiveté, and makes it known to him.

Kevin is another student in the writing class, who also helps Mr. Sills with administrative work around Central Juvenile Hall. Early in the book, he reads a long story about his deceased mother, which expresses his loneliness in prison, as well as his remorse. Themes of family predominate in Kevin's work.

Benny Wong is a student from Mark's writing class. Benny is small, bookish, and contrarian, which causes him to be picked on by the others. Benny is somewhat of a "know-it-all," but also insightful and resolute. He wishes to have a "normal life" once he leaves the facility.

Duc Bui, known as "Duc," is one of the students from Mark's class. He is a recent refugee from Vietnam. Initially he struggles, due to his limited English skills, but soon earns Mark's respect via his enthusiasm. He takes to the class as a chance to express himself and learn.

Mr. Jenkins is a member of the staff at Central Juvenile Hall. He works to keep order throughout the facility. The students respect Mr. Jenkins, which Mark notices. Mr. Jenkins initially thinks of Mark as naive.