"To those who only know them from the newspaper headlines, incarcerated youth are mostly one dimensional-nasty, evil, disturbed or dysfunctional. To those who have taken the time to hear them firsthand, these same youths emerge as complex human beings, each with a story worth hearing. InSide Looking Out gives voice to these youths and affirms their humanity-in all its complexity. It invites the reader to be sympathetic to the challenges they face, the strength they possess, and the goodness that can lie behind the tough and troubled facade."
James Garbarino, Ph.D.
Professor of Human Development at Cornell University
Author of Lost Boys: Why Our Sons Turn Violent and How We Can Save Them
"The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction shares a long and rewarding partnership with Mr. Canneto. We appreciate his interest in Community Justice and aiding inmates in the pursuit of giving back to society. InSide Looking Out provides a tool for the offenders at the Madison Correctional Institution to deter the juvenile community through art and creative writing. This publication is a unique forum for Ohio inmates to accept responsibility for harming their victims, while offering to make amends to society."
Reginald A. Wilkinson
Director, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
"This publication, InSide Looking Out, illustrates the powerful healing that takes place when art and writing are presented in a positive way. The voices of the young men are poignant yet remorseful with strong messages for at risk youth to stop now before it’s too late. This book is a valuable tool for every community."
Susan Tave Zelman
Superintendent, Ohio Department of Education
"People have a lot to say that people just don't hear. Instead of us looking at them as criminals, we need to understand that they are people like us."
Antonio Bolden, Age 16
"I feel that being in a book is great because not many people in prison get mentioned. So I think that is good that they get to do something good while they are in there."
Matthew Johnson, Age 16
