William O. Stoddard
Walled In: A True Story of Randall's Island
"Walled In: A True Story of Randall's Island" by William O. Stoddard is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative focuses on the experiences of boys inside a reform school, particularly a boy named Jim, who feels unjustly confined and yearns for freedom. The book explores themes of hope, innocence, and the struggles of youth against the confines of a seemingly oppressive environment. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to Randall’s Island and its House of Refuge, where boys, including Jim, live under strict discipline but receive education and vocational training. Jim, while participating in drills with the other boys, actively despises the stone walls that confine him and dreams of escape. His bitterness stems from what he perceives as an injustice—having been sent there for a crime he didn't commit. As he plots his escape, he contemplates the challenges he faces, not only from the physical barriers but also from his fellow residents and the officers who oversee them. This sets the stage for Jim's journey to freedom, filled with camaraderie, determination, and resilience.