The Devil's Children: A History of Childhood and Murder

A very interesting and thought-provoking study of children killing children in English history, from like the 1600s all the way up to the James Bulger killing of 1993, and the way society has attempted to deal with the problem over the years. The author cited specific, very detailed case studies of child killers ranging in age from six to fifteen.

This isn't really a true crime book, but more like a historical or sociological text. It's obviously an academic book but it's not too heavy and I read it quite comfortably in two sittings on one day. Anyone who's interested in the problem of juvenile crime would benefit from this; I only wish there were books like it for other countries, particularly the US.

An accurately researched and professionally presented account of children who kill other children. It should be studied by anyone with an interest in social work or criminal justice with young people. The accounts of the perpetrators' harrowing and dysfunctional upbringing can only assist in enlightening society as to the damage some parents inflict on their children and why crimes such as these will, sadly, continue to exist.