This is his best book. I don't understand why it hasnt been reprinted. When I was a kid, a teacher gave this book to me and it changed my life. It is so gorgeous, full of insight and daring.

Do you want to see education change, become more meaningful and substantive? Read Kozol.

The collection of essays in this book are beautiful and still timely. The humanity in Kozol's voice and ideas resound. This book is for everyone, but is absolutely critical for anyone involved in education.

When I started teaching the book gave me strength and a critical perspective on the politics of education. Over time it has inspired me, and I return to it again and again. It helps me believe in what I do. It connects the classroom to the world around it and puts issues like "classroom management" in a new context. This book shows us to not fear students voices --- and to not fear our own. Even more significantly, I use several of the essays in classrooms with high school and undergraduate students. When students read these essays they ALWAYS provoke antimatied and moving discussions about the hidden meanings of school curriculums, issues of power, and most significantly, become empowered by their own ideas. Students never look at the revoltionaries... --- like MLK, Malcolm X, Thoreau, or Hellen Keller ---the same way again. Kozol introduces the possibility of not just worshipping them in a vague and distant way, but of making their ideas come alive, and making them matter. Kozol cuts to the bone. Whether you find him moving or provocative, you can't encounter Kozol and leave unchanged. The essays in this book are amoungst his most timeless works, as relevant today as when he explored them in the 1970s.

Kozol believes that we can enter into history and make a difference in big and small ways. Through this book he has convinced me.

The prose is terrifc and the ideas are accessible and clear. ...

A searing and moving piece of work. Must be made available to the general public.The book is almost impossible to find. With the draconian changes we are seeing as "welfare reform" savages millions of children, women and men Kozal's words must be in the forfront of the American peoples minds. My copy is lost, if anyone can lead me to one please contact.

Having read many of Kozol's previous books, I have developed a great admiration for him and his lifelong dedication to social justice and poor children, and his eloquent arguments on their behalf. I've wondered at how he has managed to spend nearly 40 years of his life in this pursuit. This book shows us why--he truly enjoys and loves the children he advocates for. Like Savage Inequalities and Amazing Grace (both must reads) the children's words themselves move you with their honesty, their innocence, and their hope. I can still see Elio moving his arms to "catch one of God's answers to his prayers". But this book also gives us some insight into Kozol himself--his struggles with the failing health of his parents especially. While his earlier books often were suffused with anger at the inequalities of the public education system and social framework, this book is filled with hope and joy. and a little bit of sadness too. And, surprisingly, it is just as effective.

As the end of the book drew near, I knew that I did not want it to finish. Through Kozol's descriptive, real life language, I felt as if I knew the students and wanted to continue along life's journey with them. I became frustrated, because I want to know what happens to the individual children. Are they able to remain strong with the help of the people at St. Ann's? Or do they fall into a life filled with crimes and drugs? Although I am upset, it is good, almost like a passion that is a direct result of Jonathan Kozol. Within an instant, he invites his readers to come along with him into this world in the South Bronx, a world that many people have not entered and maybe never will. Therefore, I believe Ordinary Resurrections is extremely powerful, for it has the capability to extend its arms and touch many people; there truly is no limit to the people who Kozol may affect. This idea of having no boundaries is crucial in today's society, because people should take the time not only to acknowledge, but help those who are less fortunate. It's a frightening world, especially for our youth, which is why they need our guidance and assistance to make sense of it all and find their own path.

Some might describe Jonathan Kozol's "Ordinary Resurrections" as a softer, more positive book than his past attacks on the inequalities of education. While the story-telling style often presents the "warm, fuzzy" experiences Kozol shared with young children in the South Bronx of New York, the primary message is still an alarming exposure of stark inequity in the availability of educational institutions, personnel, and resources for children in the public schools of New York City. The setting for these experiences is a neighborhood known as Mott Haven, one of the most impoverished areas of the city. The majority of Kozol's time is spent visiting with children, parents, teachers, and workers who are connected with an "after school" program housed at St. Ann's, an Episcopalian church in Mott Haven. Children attending St. Ann's after school program have a major advantage over others in the South Bronx; the dedicated volunteer workers who feed them, help them with homework, offer special programs, and often care for them as closely as their own family. Mother Martha, St. Ann's priest is an active participant in all of these activities, as well as spiritual instruction and guidance.

Kozol shares bits and pieces of the children's' lives, which include stark realities such as a large percentage of absentee fathers, many who are in prison, an extremely high rate of asthma due largely to poor environmental conditions, a high incidence of AIDS in relatives, gangs, shootings, hunger, lack of health care, and eviction. The term "apartheid education" is used in describing how skin color and class origin still determine curricular provision for these children, limiting their educational resources and their future. Stories shared indicate that expectations are set lower than other areas of the city and children's dreams for the future are effectively stifled. They are encouraged to plan careers as hairdressers, nurse's aides, or technicians, rather than professionals requiring a college degree. Kozol urges us not to impose "global preconceptions on a multitude of diverse personalities and motivations in a given group of' children".

The stark reality is that the money spent on children's' education per capita is much less in South Bronx than other areas of the city, and even miniscule compared to the amount spent to incarcerate men in the nearest prison. When Kozol is challenged with the question of whether money really is the only answer to the problems faced by schools serving poorest children in our cities now, he responds, "I think it is fair to answer, No. It is not the only answer, but it is often a precondition for most other answers."

Despite the disheartening facts of life and lack of resources, there is a bright side to Kozol's reflections. He describes with wonder at times of "the deep, inextinguishable goodness at the core of creation" evidenced over and over again in the children of Mott Haven. While many term these children resilient, Kozol argues that word does an justice the true qualities that help them prevail, such as ingenuity, courage, love, and especially spiritual faith. "Ordinary resurrection" is a term used by an Episcopal priest named Robert Morris who speaks about the commonplace and frequently unnoticed ways that people rise above their loneliness and fear. He states, "We all lie down. We all rise up. We do this every day. The Resurrection does not wait for Easter." This is the life of the children at Mott Haven. How they rise up every day is the heartwarming encouraging part of Kozol's book. Why they have to do it is the heart-disturbing part that makes the reader want to agree that something needs to be done to invest in these children's' futures, that they deserve a chance at something better. As Kozol asks, "why not give these kids the best we have because we are a wealthy nation and they're children and deserve to have some fun while they're still less than four feet high?"

Note: I was forced to give at least one star, this is Amazon's choice, not mine. I read the previous customer reviews and am wondering if perhaps Amazon sent me the wrong book. The comments were quite generous, too generous. And in fact, had they not been so glowing I would have not spent the money for this book. Mr. Merrow has stated the obvious and hopes the reader doesn't notice. This reader noticed. With Mr. Merrow's vitae I would have expected better, but I do believe he is in his decling years as an effective journalist (oxymoron?). The book is weak and I wish to have my money back. Don't waste your time, look at the free sample here on Amazon and you'll see all you need to know. Perhaps this explains why Mr. Merrow can no longer be found on PBS?

This book is entertaining and remarkably thoughtful. It is filled with the wisdom and insights we have come to expect from John Merrow, whose work many of us have followed on NPR and PBS. If you care about our future, read this book. He is critical where criticism is warranted but every chapter contains many useful suggestions for improvement. Every chapter includes the questions we need to ask of our educators and of ourselves.

This is an immensely useful, irreverent look at public schools. The author is a former teacher and an award-winning journalist who has worked for National Public Radio and PBS. He is creative and extremely insightful. He says, don't use just one way to judge schools. Do most teachers leave right after the students? What do schools do if there is a bully? Is the school orderly without being rigid? Is excellent student work displayed? Is it creative, or does it all look alike? These are only a few of the excellent, unusual questions Merrow asks.
He also urges families not to make assumptions about a school - whether it's a charter, magnet or neighborhood school - it's location and classification just don't tell you enough.
This is a great book for families to read, even if they are not actively selecting a new school. Merrow describes wonderful - and awful things he's seen in schools all over the world. He is funny, creative,and immensely useful.
Joe N - St. Paul, Minnesota

This book is richly intense with the tragic conversations of daily life from residents of South Bronx, New York. The book does not over dramatize life's realities. It gives the reader an honest view of reality of the lives of many children and adults that somehow go beyond surviving their rigorous obstacles of their environment. It does not describe life in a third world country nor the lives of people that lived in another century. It discusses the present day lives of children and their families. Kozol embarked in a journey of interviews and conversations that did not merely describe the mundane lives of residents from the South Bronx. In his writing he does not overwhelm the reader withhis own personal opinions regarding the political arena that keeps the poor at risk residents, poor and at risk. On the contrary, he brings voices to life in a manner that is respectful and validates those that take the time to share their story. I am not proficient in the art of interviewing nor in the degree of listening that Kozol takes to truly present these stories honestly. He shares exactly what is presented to him. I was impressed with his own self acknowledgment of how these stories and experiences have changed his own perspective of people and their sturggle for daily survival. The stories are from children, mothers and grandmothers who have ended up living in the neighborhoods of South Bronx. The neighborhoods visited are described as grotesquely infested with gangs, drugs, prostitution and homicide. Yet, in the middle of these illicit activities, there are sanctuaries that share in protecting children of the community. Amazingly these children show a strong sense of hope and caring that touches the heart of those around them. Their resilience is remarkable and encouraging. It should motivate us to listen more and honor the many stories children carry with them everyday.

Kozol never loses the reader's interest in that he not only refutes ultra-conservative theory through his own observations, but allows the underclass to refute such theory through his interviews. Kozol is sensative to those he interviews, but shows no reluctance to seek the truth about life in the South Bronx. The reader will find it difficult to read this book with a low eyebrow as Kozol describes the conditions in poor New York City hospitals, the daily occurance of substance abuse, violent crime, and the harsh words spoken by politicians and "educated" theorists. The author does not bore the reader with excessive theory, but uses dialog to show the gap between theory and real life. This is a book which can understood and appreciated by populations from all reading levels and backgrounds.

I read this book because Jonathan Kozol was coming to speak at my university. In person, the concern and affection he has for the children he wrote about was even more evident. He also made the important point that poor children that have no opportunities for an education and the hope it can give them don't just live in the ghettos of the inner city. They can be found in every state, in every city, town and rural area. You don't have to go to New York to find them, it is just a matter of paying attention to your own backyard. As I read this book I thought about all of the creative and brilliant ideas we would not have the chance to benefit from because poor children are not given the chance to properly learn and grow. As a country, we don't seem to understand yet that each person, regardless of who they are or where they came from, has something to teach us. If the children and adults like those Kozol describes had the chance to write, sing, do scientific experiments, start businesses, etc., just imagine what we could gain.

Many years after "our" (US citizens) awakening that all men are created equal, we still are not treating one another that way. By being completely straight forward, Kozol points this out, and also the fact that we aren't even separate but equal; we are point blank very separate and very UNequal. Case after case demonstrates this with the children in our schools. Kozol's purpose was to point out these facts and prove that something needs to be done. Kozol has definitely thrown an eye opener at me. To think that two schools, both in the Bronx, just minutes away from each other could be as different as he points out. The extremes in these situations go from having a planetarium and an 8,000-book library to rationing toilet tissue. This is quite disheartening. Just think, we call the US a first class country. Anyone who thinks all children in all communities get equal opportunities in education are sadly mistaken. I'm sure that as people read this book, they are astonished. I certainly was. At times, I was almost disgusted. A number of people think that a school is a school; that is, an environment that is comfortable to be in and a place a child gets care and understanding while getting their education. Not many people (especially those who are fortunate enough that their children can go to a top notch school) can fathom that children have to go to a school with sewage floating down the halls. Inadequate supplies is one thing, but poor sewage conditions is unheard of. I went to an extremely old school in middle school. There was even one part of the school that had been condemned because it had asbestos. In my eyes this was the worst thing a child should have to deal with. Now that I have read this book, I somehow consider myself lucky because other than being old, that one building was the only problem with the school. Even people going into the education field (as I am) don't think about these things. For example, a beginning teacher's concerns don't even touch on these problems. They are more concerned with class management or parent-teacher interaction. Savage Inequalities should be required reading for all education majors. Future teachers need to know that they're getting into much more than the perfect little classroom with perfect little children. Kozol is here to show that there are more concerns that are far from trivial. Although I feel for the children Kozol writes of in this book, not all Americans do. Many US citizens feel that as long as their children or family members are taken care of and given a good environment to go to school in, that's all that matters. However, they are wrong! Kozol tells of a group of parents (young, professional, white people) who insisted that a new school be built for their children. Thus, a new school was built. Then, there was a conflict over the children from the projects attending that school. I feel that these parents should be forced to spend just one day in the alternate school that the children from the projects would have to go to. Maybe then they would change their minds. Our future rests in our children and we cannot forget it. People who have negative perspectives on bettering education in America should read this book, visit these schools, and find out what it's really like.

Jonathan Kozol exposes the inequalities in our public educational system in America today. Does the American dream truly exist for all Americans? I think not according to Kozol's in depth argument. Racism and class are at the root of such great disparities and atrocities. While the middle class to rich are enjoying an excellence in education with buildings adequate to house the pupils, reasonable class sizes, fairly paid teachers, supplies for labs and textbooks for each child, the poor on the other hand are not. They are barely surviving in dilapidated buildings with broken down systems from sewage to heating, inadequate supplies, if any, for labs and classrooms without textbooks. These nonwhite poor students of America are living in oppression without much hope for change. Kozol discusses the effects of segregation on our children, the effects of those who have and those who have not. All the while, the students are painfully aware of the differences. Violence and crime on the rise due to the hopelessness in their futures. The inefficiencies of jurisdiction from the local districts, to the state and to federal level of legislation/mandates keeps the educational system from making substantial changes to provide what these children need. Money being a big player. This book will open your eyes to injustices and stimulate your mind to action.

As an Elementary Education major, I think all should be aware of our public schools and how each are operated. Many children are deprived of the simple necessities to survive and become educated as described in the book"Savage Inequalities". As Jonathon Kozol speaks of the harsh conditions of schools we see how the dreams of education are deferred again and again. The simple necessities for students to have while attending public schools were totally unbearable and unsanitary. The life on the Mississippi East St. Louis was trash infested with terrible chemicals fuming through the city. Also because of these problems, the city had one of the highest rates of child Asthma in America. There was not much money to hire trash men so trash sat in backyards and all around the city spreading germs and diseases. These conditions alone can hurt society and the innocent children of our world. While many people wanted better homes the need for school supplies and well educated motivated teachers was another factor involved. For the students who did attend school, there was not much learned because of the lack of school books. For example, "far from the worst school in Chicago, Goudy's Building is nonetheless depressing" (p.63). Most teachers use material that is extremely out-dated. Also there are no science labs, Art teachers, playgrounds and again, simple necessities such as paper towels and toilet paper. Many of the student's teachers that were spoken of in this book were part-time subs or permanent subs who didn't want to teach and to add to that had no idea of what to do or how to teach subjects. As Jonathan Kozol visited many cities of these harsh conditions, he makes future teachers notice the harsh conditions and it makes me want to help out so that the innocent children have some hope and dreams left. The whole purpose of Jonathan Kozol's book " Savage Inequalities" is to inform all of harsh conditions that children, young or old, deal with everyday. I agree with Kozol's opinion on these issues. I think that any child should have the advantage to learn no matter what color or how poor they are. They also should be allowed to have the same facilities such as computers, new books that are dated and accurate and good educated teachers that are willing and want to help students. I know that there is more to give and if all people contribute to schools and their children's lives, society may be much better off for the future. I would definitely recommend this book because it gives real live example of how bad certain (cities)and /or schools have become. It speaks of the terrible living conditions and how rough life really is. I realized before reading this book how bad some cities are with sanitation and how schools are run but I never knew that it could be this terrible. I never saw that side of it, I have always been in a well-organized school with high tech equipment so that we as individuals could make it on our own when the time came and be successful. All the teachers I have ever had have been well educated and love helping their students. As I read this book, I saw the opposite of what I received from my 12 years of school. The "mainstream" thinking about education was different from what I thought of compared to what the book described. When I think of schools, I see nice cozy places where one can learn. When I think of a classroom, I think of a fairly large spacious room not a tight little bathroom. Also teachers are more educated today than they have been a long time. There are certain criterias for anyone to be accepted to teach in a school. From what I've seen of different schools, I have never seen them as bad as the description in the book. With American education getting stronger and better I think that combining children from diverse backgrounds together can help a great deal. Children can get a true look at the way that other children and their families live and how the cultures differ. If we don't combine children together as one, then we all lose out from learning new ideas and ways of life. After attending my first year of college, I realized how neat it is to see and meet other people from other countries. Just to hear how different their learning environment is helps to broaden your knowledge.

I read this book not knowing much about all the aspects of homelessness. I was educated about how homeless people live and what the government is doing about it. It turns out, according to Kozol's documentation, the government treats homeless people unfairly and does not make a huge effort to help them. The living situtaions of the people profiled in this book are horrid and really opened my eyes to what is going on in big cities around me. I actually look at homeless people different now, with a more educated view as to what is going on behind the scenes. I enjoyed this book and definately recommend it to anyone who would like to open their eyes to what is going on in the lives of homeless people.

Reading through the book Rachael And Her Children you are brought into a entirely new world. A world where the homeless are not just figures with hands held out asking for spare change. Kozol brings us into the lives of these homeless story by story case by case sharing his personal interviews with these misfortunate people. Instead of putting a empty face on what we normally walk by and think nothing of, Kozol shows us that these individuals were not just mere vermin but people whom grew up like any of us but for any which reason now are homelss. Kozol does an excellet job in showing us not only these poeples lives but also educates the reader in exactly how big of a problem homelessness in America actually is. After reading this book my understanding, knowledge, and compassion of how homeless are actually treated is rought into full perepective. The book has great readabillity and is compelling enough to keep you flipping the pages. I would recomend this book to anyone and think very highly of it

-Matt

Jonothan Kozol's chilling account of homeless families in America is a must read. Kozol uses the real life stories and words of our own nations imporvished as a wake up call to all of us. Through these real life accounts of dangerous and unfit living conditions, Kozol illustrates the hoplessness of America's most desperate families and children. He also poignantly lets us know we, as a society, are responsible for their sufferieng.

Jonathan Kozol's Death At An Early Age reveals the numerous failings of a poor segregated Boston school in the 1960s. Overcrowding, poor facilities, bigotry, and blatant insensitivity destroyed the learning and emotional environment for the school's young black children. Kozol's account explains the school's troubles, and it's devastating effects, with intelligence and sensitivity. However his wordy writing style and penchant for over-dramatictization dilutes the power of his story. A better writer could have taken Kozol's account and made it into a much more compelling story. I had to read this book in college, and if I used the passive voice as much as Kozol did my GPA would have been much lower.

i've read a lot of kozol over the years - often he strikes me as too popularized, forsaking an unbiast view in order to pull the wool off the eyes of the public. however, kozol hits the nail on the head with this one. his portrayal of inner city schools in boston is heartfelt and nicely supported with information concerning the civil rights movement. if you're planning on reading kozol, read this one or his latest. if you're interested in the roots of the move to fix urban schools, this is the begining of a long list of books about the subject - and it depicts the need for change in a catchy, gut wrenching way.

You may have heard of Kozol's other books, like "Savage Inequalities" and "Amazing Grace." If not, GO READ THEM NOW!! Anyway, this is Kozol's fist big book, the one that launched into fame and the life-long career of Social Justice Avenger. If you want to understand more about racism, Kozol's life, and how he got into the business of saving the world, this is your book. It's also a great read! You don't have to be a teacher to enjoy this, but if you are it should be required reading. Two thumbs up.

The work Paul Farmer has done in Haiti is admirable, though his relationship with the Aristide's is not. It is hardly fair for this book to marketed as a doctor's perspective on the many problems in Haiti when Farmer openly talks of his close association with the Presidency to Congress and others. He receives money directly from Aristide for his work and has become a veritable spokesman for the Palace on issues not soley pertaining to health. The reader should know this before diving into Farmer's slam on US policy towards Haiti. In deed, he is so in bed with Aristide he's been blinded by his own manipulation.

I read Dr. Farmer's first book "Aids and Accusation" after it was given to me by his sister Jennifer. The book really opened my eyes to the modern Haitian condition and how the origin of AIDS has been "pinned" on this tiny nation. "The Uses of Haiti" tells the truth about the U.S. policy towards Haiti, its upperhanded subversion of democracy for a people it considers less-than-human; a policy that, unfortunately, is not restricted to just Haiti. I only wish that Dr. Farmer's work could be exposed to a larger audience.

Farmer writes with passion and precision of the deleterious effects of American policy on the lives of ordinary Haitians. A truly exceptional book.

I now know that an anti-war protester from the sixties can write a book on education. The book was full of conspiracy theories of how the system is indoctrinating both students and teachers. I do think people wanting to be a teacher should read it,so they know that anti-establishment educators are still around.The truth is in my opinion that teachers should teach more respect for tradition,and more patriotism.Students already have no respect for authority and this book suggest we go one step more.The book was interesting as well,especially if you dont agree with the authors point of view.

I have my community college students read Kozol's essays and they always have a strong response leading to debate about thier own education and belief systems. The essays are highly accessible to general readers and blow the pants off the denser works of the most acclaimed education theorists. Like all Kozol's work, On Being a Teacher book is passionate, pointed and beautifully written. (Before emerging as a 60s activist, Kozol was a poet.) He asks us what teaching and schools are for: mantaining an inequitable status quo or achieving a vibrant democracy that all students (and teachers)feel they can enter into? You would be well served to read it and see what you think! Each short essay addresses a theme having to do with the ethical and social responsibilities of the teacher. Topics include "History from the bottom up," "The Hero in jail: the truth will set us free," and "It is evil to tell lies to children." Although this book is almost 20 years old, every essay still resonates and asks contmeperary questons. Savor this book if you have a bit of the revolutionary in you, or if you are feeling like you're on auto-pilot and need some revolutionary sprit infused into your veins. Even politically conservative readers like the one above will find they have an challenging and engaging dialog with this book. As for educators and parents, On Being a Teacher is a must. There is only one philosphical book about education that is more stunning, a book called The Night is Dark and I am Far From Home, also by Kozol. Sadly, that book is out of print. Hopefully that will change. In the meantime, On Being a Teacher continues to resound.

If you don't know who John Kozol is, don't start with this book. Read "Savage Inequalities," "Amazing Grace," and "Ordinary Resurrections" - in that order. Those are his three most famous books, and all of them are sure to blow you away.

This book gives Kozol in his unrefined, earlier, idealistic stage. This is the young Kozol who, without having it all figured out, is nontheless rushing out there to save the world. Compared to his other books, it is poorly written; but what it lacks in style is more than made up for in content. The book is chalk-full of great quotes and brilliant ideas. I found that for all it's flaws, I couldn't put it down. I was utterly piqued, as I hope you will be.