Restorative justice—restitution, resolution, and restoration--is perhaps the one tool that can begin to cut through the chains of violence. It does not deny the dignity and worth of the targeted youth or group nor the humanity of those oppressing them. It does justice to the suffering without perpetuating the hatred. It is a triumph of discipline and compassion over vengeance and retribution. It is nonviolent engagement that is at the heart of true reconciliatory justice or restorative justice: the willingness to confront the wrongdoing and reach out to the wrongdoer.

From New York Times Bestselling Author, Barbara Coloroso, Mistakes, Mischief and Mayhem was written to help discern the differences between mistakes (unintentional error or misstep), mischief (playful misbehavior or troublemaking), and mayhem (wanton destruction or the infliction of violent injury on a person or thing), and determine how to effectively hold students accountable for their actions. Discipline rooted in deep caring is the necessary response.