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The Freedom Writers Diary : How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them
The Freedom Writers Diary How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them
Author: Freedom Writers, Erin Gruwell
Straight from the front line of urban America, the inspiring story of one fiercely determined teacher and her remarkable students. — As an idealistic twenty-three-year-old English teacher at Wilson High School in Long beach, California, Erin Gruwell confronted a room of "unteachable, at-risk" students. One day she intercepted a note wit...  more »
Info icon
ISBN-13: 9780385494229
ISBN-10: 038549422X
Publication Date: 10/12/1999
Pages: 304
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 79

4 stars, based on 79 ratings
Publisher: Main Street Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The Freedom Writers Diary : How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This is a most insprational book on so many levels. The students and their stories are amazing, their teacher and all that she had to overcome to reach her students is truly inspirational and the people they met through their readings continue to inspire all people over the decades.I highly recommend this uplifting and unforgettable book.
reviewed The Freedom Writers Diary : How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
You will immediately recognize the title of this book because of the movie that has come out with Hillary Swank in the lead role. I have not seen the movie, but I enjoyed the book.

It's kind of different -- written as an inclusive diary of entries by various students (and occasionally the teacher) in a young English teacher's classes in a California high school. The entries trace the progression of how the teacher introduces some innovative teaching lessons, that "catch on fire" with the students, who are supposed to be "unteachable." It goes on to depict how the spirit of the classes goes out to the outside world. It was truly inspiring.
reviewed The Freedom Writers Diary : How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This is a facinating book, especially if you have never been very close to street crime. It will really open your eyes to another world you may never have imagined with the exception of what's on TV. People struggle in this world and this is a first hand account of that truth. It is gripping, powerfull, and inspiring.
KimberlyN avatar reviewed The Freedom Writers Diary : How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them on + 91 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Very good! I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie, but as "timing" would have it, I ended up in the theatre befre I started the book. I really enjoyed both. They were different. BUT, I definitely would have enjoyed both much more if I had "read" then "saw." I recommend you skip the movie until you read the book.
reviewed The Freedom Writers Diary : How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed reading this book. I read it before the movie came out. I've seen the movie and this book is a more in depth look at the students' diaries. Very eye opening!
Read All 24 Book Reviews of "The Freedom Writers Diary How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them"

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jazzysmom avatar reviewed The Freedom Writers Diary : How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them on + 907 more book reviews
This was such a great book. I really really loved it. I haven't seen the movie yet and i think the book will no doubt be better. Well worth the time i spent and i would read it again. I think this woman was placed by God right where she was needed the most & WOW what a teacher she is!!!
reviewed The Freedom Writers Diary : How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them on + 15 more book reviews
i enjoyed this book. it gave me some great insight and a lot of food for thought hearing from so many young folks wanting to change the world. it inspired me to think about what would happen if every teacher could treat their classroom full of kids the way that this teacher did. i want an update on where the freedom writers are now!
superdupar avatar reviewed The Freedom Writers Diary : How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them on + 115 more book reviews
Erin Gruwell was a first-year high school teacher. She was teaching tough kids in Long Beach, CA. Her students are the lowest at the school so she begins with diaries written by others to have them create diaries of their own. She was able to stay with these students for all four years of high school. The she decided to teach college to new teachers.

I teach. I teach well. An yet I find myself discouraged when I read books like this. Not because of the state of education or students in America. I find it depressing that to be lifted up as a good teacher you must sacrifice everything else in your life. She gives up virtually all her free time, her marriage and sometimes even her reputation. This is why she was only a teacher for 4 years.

As a friend put it: "What the the educational system in America needs are distance runners not flashy sprinters." If you are a new teacher, please don't read this book. Find a mentor who has been teaching for 10 years. It will be far more practical and helpful for you.

The best review I have seen: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/19/opinion/19moore.html?ex=1169960400&en=03ab43adeddfe1ed&ei=5070


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