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The Freedom Writers Diary (20th Anniversary Edition) How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them The Freedom Writers, Zlata Filipovic, Erin Gruwell: 8601400491270: : Books
$12.10
The Freedom Writers Diary (20th Anniversary Edition) How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them The Freedom Writers, Zlata Filipovic, Erin Gruwell: 8601400491270: : Books
| Publisher : | Crown (October 12, 1999) |
|---|---|
| Language : | English |
| Paperback : | 448 pages |
| ISBN-10 : | 038549422X |
| ISBN-13 : | 978-0385494229 |
| Item Weight : | 2.31 pounds |
| Dimensions : | 5.17 x 0.94 x 8 inches |
| Best Sellers Rank: | #122 in Inspiration & Spirituality |
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| Customer Reviews: | 5,057 ratings |
rachel burnette –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Couldn’t put it down!!
Amazing book! I bought it after I watched the movie on tv. I had no idea it was based on a true story until the end of the movie…bought it immediately. So sad those kids lived thru such horrible things. She was such an inspiration to those kids. They succeeded thanks to her.
Kindle Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
I saw the movie!!
Such a grand story. I had to buy the book so I could learn more about this wonderful teacher and her incredible students.. such an inspiring story. I would wish that all our children have teachers to meet their needs such as these children got. I have incredible great grandchildren who I live with. I can only hope I can guide and inspire them as these wonderful kids continue to do. I will definitely save this story to share with others.
One person found this helpful
Homer’s I & O –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Honest, true, and real!
Enjoyment
One person found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Making a difference is real
Just one person can make a huge difference
Dee –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
Saw the movie so I had to buy the book. I love reading it. The teacher is one amazing person.
One person found this helpful
Lorax –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Never underestimate kids from the Barrio or the “hood.”
Excellent book about how innovative teaching, geared to the students’ environment, can bring out the best in them. Nicely written, heartwarming, uplifting. The lesson: give teachers more leeway to be like Miss Gruwell.
One person found this helpful
L. Marlin –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Deep incite
It was a privilege to read the stories of these kids. Many of the stories shared experiences the kids had that were moments of profound truth and turning for their future. I had my son read this book for reasons of inspiration and to teach him humility. It was also a way to share to him that he can choose his pathway no matter if an adult along the way may decide to tell him otherwise. This was also great to read in addition to the movie, as the movie revealed more about the teacher and the school politics.
One person found this helpful
Trish –
3.0 out of 5 stars
The Authentic Feel is Missing
I felt that the students work was heavily edited. The voice was the piece was thus diluted.
Will Rogers –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gives more specific information than movie
This was an excellent movie and the book now adds more detail that makes the story come even more to life. If you add some of the books that ms g had them read like the one about the wave or zlata’s diary, it becomes even more real and interesting
Jesus –
5.0 out of 5 stars
great book
I bought this for my son its a true story which makes it that much better, very inspiring for kids in schoolI totally recommend for upper grader all the way up to high schhol
Kelley –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Read
I just had to pick up this book, being the daughter of a “True Educator”, and especially after watching your movie. I could not tell my Father enough about this incredible teacher and story. He ordered your book the very next day and watched it upon his receipt and has shared it with his co-teachers. He educated for 50 years prior to retirement, and built great friendships with his staff and hundreds of students. You’re all very special and amazing in our hearts!
2 people found this helpful
Barcenx –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heart felt read
I remember watching the movie when it came out and told myself I’ll eventually read the book. I totally forgot about it, until I saw the anniversary being shared on Facebook. I purchased the book right away and I loved it. It really went line by line of how the movie was played out. I think the experience and lessons given by reading this book is so truth to reality of minorities even to this day. It really took me back to my childhood and made me relive some of my experiences. The read made me feel motivated to continue doing better and keep striving for what is right and for what I want to accomplish. If you want a good read, something that will take you back in time, I highly suggest picking up this book.
6 people found this helpful
katie shaw –
4.0 out of 5 stars
??♀️
i assume it’s a good book but i hate the layout and haven’t read it but i love the movie so 4 stars
Shark-bite –
5.0 out of 5 stars
My Daughter found “Freedom” in this book!
My daughter is adopted. She is also African American and her father and I are White. She is well aware of the racism in this world. Also being learning disabled reading does not come easy for her. I got her this book in hopes to peak her interest in reading. I got so very much more!! She was able to relate to the struggles the students at Wilson High School were going through. Although she is not a student that would be deemed “Unteachable at-risk” as the students in this book were she was able to put her self in thier shoes and walk along side them relating to many of their day to day issues. My daughter has always loved to journal but now does it with a whole new purpose. I really had no idea this book would make such a profound difference in her life! This book is well written and easy to understand but not oversimplified causing you to lose interest. Written in such a manner you get to know the students as if you were in class with them each day. Making it easy to feel their struggles, pain and their joys. I purchased a copy for myself and read along with my daughter. This book helped me see more clearly the struggles my daughter was and is going through living is a world marked with intolerance. I wish every school in America had thier own Mrs. Gruwell!!!!
39 people found this helpful
E.S. –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read with her autobiography
I showed my sophomore English students the movie after one of their state testing days when they needed a break. They LOVED it; they insisted we play the line game, and asked me why I didn’t work two part-time jobs to take them to dinner at a fancy hotel. Truly though, the film made an impact. I bought a few copies of Freedom Writers’ Diary, and those were borrowed instantly. I also borrowed a copy of Erin Gruwell’s memoir, Teach with your Heart, which really tells the story behind the stories in the Diary. All these products were wonderful, and as someone who teaches grade-level students who are hard to reach with anything remotely literary, this story struck a chord with them and for once, I had kids ASKING to write. Students saw bits of their own lives in the work, and the importance of education in pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps. This book is definitely recommended for anyone in education, or who simply wants a little inspiration to achieve success in their own lives.
2 people found this helpful
MPWI –
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Real Boost to the Human Spirit
While reading The Freedom Writers Diary it’s impossible not to admire Erin Gruwell, the caring, young teacher at Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, whose unique teaching methods transformed so-called “unteachable” teens into remarkable students and later, productive adults. And it’s impossible not to admire the students themselves, who, with Erin’s encouragement, put pen to paper and recorded insightful, frank entries in their personal diaries about their struggles and personal tragedies. The Freedom Writers Diary proves two things: A teacher as devoted as Erin Gruwell and can make a world of difference in the life of student, and the best gift you can give a teenager is a diary to help them express their frustrations and feelings through the art of writing. A diary is a best friend during a personal crisis… If you’re looking for refuge from today’s jaded world, turn to The Freedom Writers Diary – a real boost to the human spirit.
3 people found this helpful
Wolfgang Schwartzenweintraub –
5.0 out of 5 stars
I pulls out of my subconscious mind positive warm expression of love and caring for my fellow man
I am so proud of Erin Gruwell. Her accomplishments as a human being cannot go unnoticed and appreciated. If you do not believe there is a God then after this story and the accomplishments of this young lady, perhaps just perhaps you should look around and ask yourself. Where did all of this goodness and descent accomplishment derive itself. I watch the movie at least once a week and it inspires me more. I pulls out of my subconscious mind positive warm expression of love and caring for my fellow man. I don’t care if I am in Long Beach or Long Island New York. This move is one that just simply inspires me to do well when I work with my fellow man. With all due respect;Wolfgang M. Schwartzenweintraub
Stacey L. –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book About Change
The book is great. It shows how a teacher can make a difference in the lives of their students, but more importantly it shows that if we truly believe in someone, we can have a positive affect on that person. Reading allowed the students to see that they were not alone in their troubles and that they could get out of their situations. It helped them to see that different cultures were just different, not better or worse. Writing also gave them an positive outlet for how they felt or what they thought. Having an outlet is great, and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel is a necessity. I recommend this book. Keep in mind that not all teachers have the time and energy that this teacher had, but they should follow the example of not labeling their students, of seeing a students potential, and of trying to make the material relevant. We all should try following the same example of seeing the potential in those around us and not labeling people as lost causes.
4 people found this helpful
Kindle Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning, surprising, engaging
This is usually not the type of book I read, but I ordered it for my daughter’s friend for an AP English class. Little did I know I would end up buying the Kindle addition too and reading it this evening. This book gives me hope for the future, but also makes me realize that kids still separate into groups based on race. I hope that I see this end during my lifetime. I hope to one day see kids and adults come together because of love for one another. Personally, I think this book should be required reading for every high school student. I think it can make a difference in their lives and their outlook on society.
4 people found this helpful
Reader MMJH –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Freedom Writers Use a Pen not a weapon
This true story was inspiring and a look at inter-racial society that was mind boggling compared to life in a small farming community where I grew up. Life is different in small towns than in big cities–although divorce, abuse, and bigotry reign supreme everywhere.Alcohol was the drug of choice fifty years ago–which has been replaced by weed and crack in cities small and large. How do we escape it? The Freedom Writers had the key. Care about others–care about yourself–and strive for the best education possible. I salute Ms G and all the Freedom Writers.
8 people found this helpful
Leisa L. Fletcher –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved the follow-up
I had seen the movie years ago. The book adds even more detail and the follow-up at the end helps to give you an idea of the long reaching impact of this teacher and her students. Phenomenal story.
2 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
It takes a big heart to make such a difference
The book starts in Long Beach 1994 in a school named Wilson High School . It’s freshman year and most of the students have already given up on themselves along with most other teachers in the school. They were seen as the misfits, not supposed to graduate from highschool. All they cared about was their gang, they saw themselves as a gang member before they saw themself as a human being. This book follows their favious experiences dealing with adversaries, hardships, and dealing with racism. Things weren’t supposed to change, the students were on this path and there was no sign they wanted to change until a hopeful white woman came to the school to teach them english.Erin Gruwell saw that these kids were capable of great things, they just needed someone to believe in them. She designed her lessons to teach them about history they could relate to and gave them assignments in order to give them confidence. Throughout the book we can see how she changed these students’ lives and teach them how to believe in themselves and their abilities. She made them write in a journal to capture their lives and this book is a collection of some of those entries.I also love the writing style in this book, rather than being told by a single person the story is told by the diary entries of the students. We are able to see how the attitude and confidence of each student changes as we get further into the book. We get their in the moment, thoughts making the whole thing a little bit more personal. The diary entries allowed for us to have a deeper connection with the students and for us to really understand what struggles each of them had to go through.This book does a great job of showing the influence teachers can have on kids, teaching has become very political and everything is based off of the curriculum. Lots of factors are going against teachers not allowing them to form the kind of teacher student relationship that we see in this book, this book just shows to me that teachers need more wiggle room to be able to show that they are people and not just their grades.Some students give up because they believe they aren’t good enough because people say they are or their grades make them feel like they are incapable and then they stop trying. But in the end the only person that can tell you you can or can’t is yourself. This is a constant theme in this book, Mrs. Gruwell met these kids when they had no hope or belief in themselves and in the end of her showing them they can they end up surpassing everyone else’s expectations.
3 people found this helpful
MightyMommy024 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Banned book
I bought this after moms for liberty (those psychos) attended my local school board meeting ranting and raving like lunatics trying to get this book banned due to its “lack of literary value”. I figured I’d better read it so i can make an informed decision on my stance. I’m so glad i bought it. Here are my findings:1) Obviously the people trying to ban this book never actually read this book. If they had, they’d know that this book is basically the poster child of WHY BOOKS SHOULDN’T BE BANNED. It’s almost laughably ironic that THIS book-a book about the 1st hand account of students learning from books- is on the list of books people want to ban students from reading. ?♀️2) Anyone who suggests this book has no ‘literary value’ really should leave their gated community once in awhile. Or… if they don’t want to subject themselves to what goes on outside their HOA, might i suggest a (THIS) book. Just because a topic is hard or uncomfortable to talk about doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be discussed. In fact, those are the most important conversations to have.3) This should be REQUIRED reading material for ALL students at some point during their education.4) If you’re an adult and haven’t read this book, 10/10. Highly recommend.
16 people found this helpful
carmen gonzalez –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excelente
Excelente
Bryan Carey –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Freeing Young Minds, One Student at a Time
Freedom Writers Diary is a book composed by Ms. Erin Gruwell and the many students who became part of her extended family during her first four years teaching at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California. The high school students’ lives were forever changed by the teaching practices of this young, unorthodox teacher and this book offers a glimpse inside some of the many interesting and surprising entries written by the students themselves in their daily journals.This book is a collection of 142 diary entries taken from the students and the candidness of these young people will shock some readers. Students share their most private thoughts, and they include daily encounters with physical violence; frequent engagements with guns and gunfire; everyday encounters with dysfunctional family members; and constant reminders of their own problems and those of the world immediately around them. Some of the entries sound like they were taken straight from the dialogue of a violent movie. Others sound like they came from the transcript of a busy social worker. They students generally write with a certain feeling of dread and despair. They cannot believe that anything positive will ever come from their lives and they don’t believe that anything will ever get them away from their neighborhoods and away from the suffocating lifestyle that they have known since birth.But as you read the diary entries, you will slowly notice a change in attitude. It starts out slowly and starts to grow. The pessimistic thoughts and general feelings of gloom and doom are slowly replaced by a positive outlook on life. The entries in this book are in chronological order so that the reader can clearly witness the changes as they take place. There are no names (except for a few exceptions), but in some instances you can tell by the stories which entries were written by the same people based on their content. The transformation of the students is encouraging, and they have Erin Gruwell to thank for the change in attitude that convinces these once hopeless underachievers to realize that they really are capable of great things.One surprising quality of the entries in this book is the writing itself. It isn’t perfect, but it is far better than many readers will imagine. I noticed this right away and I wondered how the students were able to learn to write so effectively in so little time. Then, I discovered why: Erin Gruwell wasn’t content to let her students write sloppy, grammatically incorrect diary entries. She insisted that they take time to edit what they wrote each day. Only after close scrutiny with an editor’s pen did their ordinary prose become good enough for inclusion in this book. This was a smart- not to mention educational- move by Ms. Gruwell. Not only did it make the entries more readable for publication in a book, it also taught the students how to proofread and make corrections so that their written material would be more presentable.Overall, The Freedom Writers Diary is a very interesting, very realistic book written by a determined teacher and the 150 students whose lives she helped change for the better. The brutal honesty will shock, enrage, and sadden many readers. But the personal growth of these youngsters as they move from grade to grade and slowly mature into happier, more confident youth is both uplifting and inspiring. It shows the power that one person can have on the lives of others and it’s a book worth reading for both educators and others who like books with fresh ideas and positive messages.
44 people found this helpful
Russ Cornwell –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Freedom Writers…A thought.
Just WOW. Words escape me. I doubt anyone can read this book and not see themselves in a few, or a lot of the Diaries. I saw myself in so many places it truly made me stop and think. Usually, recognizing my behavior and the way I thought was not in a positive light. I wish I had read this book in about 1964. Great book.
auggue doggie –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Teacher material
Great source for teaching writing
Vicki Church –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Being an educator is truly a calling !
I liked the inspiration that this teacher gave to her students to overcome their circumstance and Dream Big !
Christina WellsChristina Wells –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read, but the actual physical quality..
Loving the book so far!Just wish the paperback copy didn’t fall apart at the bind. I am an avid reader and I’ve never had a paperback book fall apart/break apart on me so easily like this one has. I’m really disappointed because I love to have physical copies of my favorite books and now I’ll have to take time to try and preserve/patch up up this book’s spine. Makes me regret not buying a kindle or hand cover (if available version).
Jes Jones –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Worthwhile read- very inspirational!
The Freedom Writers’ Diary is a collection of real-life diary entries from students of Wilson High School about their various experiences dealing with hardships, and adversities. Everything from molestation and physical abuse to gang violence, drug use and unsettling neighborhoods.Unfortunately, I watched the film The Freedom Writers featuring Hilary Swank prior to even knowing about the book (shameful, I know) so I couldn’t help but judge the book in comparison to the movie.When I first started reading, the story didn’t interest me too much. I loved the organization and lay out that the movie offered, but the book seemed a bit scattered to start. There were plenty of instances throughout the novel where the diaries overlapped one another and would repeat certain events from slightly different perspectives. I wouldn’t mind the repetition if the diary entries were offering different experiences, or perspectives, as opposed to slight variations of the same thing.The only other aspect of the book that caused it to drag for me was certain diary entries where the students weren’t really dealing with anything too horrific, or traumatizing. While some students had life changing issues to contend with such as being raped, or watching their friends get murdered on the streets there were a few students that just complained about their parents wanting to “control” them with curfews and rules so they rebelled well beyond what they needed to. Or one student that had a supportive family but stole from his parents to encourage a drug problem – why they had a drug problem, who knows. To fit in, or because they were bored? While I understand that it is never okay to undermine someone else’s pain just because another has experienced worse, I also feel that it is important for people to realize that their situation could be a lot worse and to be appreciative of that.Now, onto the best part of the novel. The diary entries of the kids who experienced absurd atrocities at such young ages and managed to work through all the adversity (with a bit of help) in order to come out on top. The highlight of the book is the ending which promotes how much the group accomplished and were able to impact not only society at that time but lay the groundwork for the future. From creating The Freedom Writers Foundation to developing a scholarship in order to assist future ‘at risk’ youth, to even the film The Freedom Writers, they are still managing to inspire people both young and old, both ‘at risk’ as well as those that are fortunate to live outside the norm of what is expected. The book does an impeccable job at going beyond stereotypes and reminding readers that no matter our backgrounds, skin color or ethnicity that we are all human beings when it comes down to it.I would highly recommend this book to anyone, and everyone in order to learn more about issues that constantly plague society as well as a good example to not judge others until you get to know who they are as people.
4 people found this helpful
Ashley –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Truly Remarkable Story!
I loved this book! I highly recommend this book!
2 people found this helpful
Rbesden –
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Freedom Writers Diary
I am a retired school principal in Philadelphia. Since retiring in 2012, I have begun substituting when principals are needed in Philadelphia. One day at a wonderful school, I went into an English class and the children were reading this book. I got so involved I downloaded it and read every word, sometimes more than once. Everyone can relate to the words in this diary. Congratulations to Erin. Gruwell who understands it is our job to help inspire children.
One person found this helpful
Weize –
5.0 out of 5 stars
I found something teen didn’t mind reading.
Purchased for my teen daughter who read in 7 days when usually it would take her purposely a month. She really liked this book a lot. It kept her attention. She told me it was better than the movie… go figure was my thoughts. Book was brand new condition.
katie –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great teen book
My daughter and I have watched the movie a couple times and she wanted to check out the book. Came in yesterday and I had to tell Her to put it down for bed last night. I love seeing teens put down the phone and read a book! She’s 14
Nancy Sauve –
5.0 out of 5 stars
An absolute must read
I had seen this movie and at the end it stated there was a book published with all their journal entries…so, it was a no brainer that I just had to buy the book to read them all.Since it was based on a true story, it was already so interesting to me. Knowing all the events really happened.Talk about an angel on Earth…she certainly was. She gave those kids love and hope when they thought nobody cared and expected them to fail in life…WRONG!It is such a feel good movie and book. Makes you realize how lucky you are to have grown up in a loving family/community.
One person found this helpful
Mita Cruz –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Freedom writers AND readers
My kids were so excited to get this book in the mail after watching the movie based on it. The had to draw straws to see who would read it first! My 13yo dived head first into it today! YAY! Thank you AND it arrived a week earlier than anticipated
Mariana Kramer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful True Story
This is a fascinating, inspirational book about a young teacher who helps inner city kids in a Long Beach, CA school find their voices in writing instead of violence , drugs and killings. The story of their four year journey is a story every teacher should read and take to heart.Told in the form of the kid’s diary entries, we are privy to the horrible problems of daily life that these kids have and through the marvelous ideas of their teacher, Ms Gruwell, are able to conquer. Great things happen to these students as a result. Please read this book.
One person found this helpful
ladytrucker –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Appreciation for my upbringing
I bought the book after I saw the movie. Part of me knows these children live this way, but more of me living in my glass bubble never really fully understanding the why and how it happens. Great read, sad but evocative.
2 people found this helpful
Margo –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Life Impacting
This was a book that I read for one of my English college classes and I along with my peers really took a liking to this book. It definitely caught everyone’s attention since the stories told were real and touched your heart with rage, sadness, and deep joy. I really liked having been able to read the Freedom Writers Diary.
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heart Wrenching & Eye Opening
I purchased this book solely because the last 5 minutes of the movie cut out. I cried my way through the kids entries and my conservative heart was opened up to the “victims” of undocumented aliens, USA war zones, and children’s lives in disarray but now with hope. Many of the books mentioned are now on my reading list as is a visit to the tolerance museum, that I didn’t know existed. Thank you. Each of you for educating me.
130 people found this helpful
Antonio –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good ?
Perfect
One person found this helpful
Emi Bevacqua –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Inspirational Read!
As a mom to two, I cannot give enough credit to the average teacher, who manages to wrangle 30 kids per class on a daily basis. And then, to read the true life challenges and victories of Erin Gruwell, a brand new teacher in Long Beach who brings her classroom full of at-risk teenagers so far beyond par, they reach outright excellence.Such an inspiring read, and one which I’m actually glad I missed at the height of its glory, so that I was able to enjoy this 10th Anniversary Edition which includes an Afterword by teacher Erin Gruwell plus some where-are-they-now-esque journal entries!
3 people found this helpful
Karen birdsong –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read
This book is touching and makes you wish all the teachers had this type of dedication. I watched the movie 1st then when I found out it was a true story. Then I researched the book. I would highly recommend this book.
Christina Ortega –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Educational
I like that it tells more than one story from different prospectives. Used for pleasure reading
Landon Norton –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good condition
Haven’t read yet, but after watching the movie I wanted to get this. Came in near perfect condition. No scratches on book, no folds or anything. Great condutib
April –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book but came damaged
Saw the movie a year ago and fell in love with the story so I just had to order the book! It was very well written and very interesting to read. I am giving it 4 stars because the product cams damaged due to a torn cover/pages.
Lacey Losh –
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Easy Read About a Complex World
I ordered this book immediately after watching the movie. I wanted to know about the real kids behind the characters in the movie. I found that the movie actually does an incredible job of giving you a real feel for the Freedom Writers by using actual quotes from the diaries in this written collection.The book was more satisfying than the movie, in that it followed the Freedom Writers through all 4 years of High School, and through more tolerance-building experiences. The journal entries of these students are insightful, surprisingly honest and often heart-breaking.I highly recommend this book.
4 people found this helpful
Sarah Jayy –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Black residue on cover
Nothing against the book since I haven’t started reading it. But when I received the book, there were these little black spots. I have no idea what they were but I wiped them off easily with a clorox wipe. Good as new!
Kathleen Spring –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent uplifting read.
What a difference one teacher made in the lives of her students. It was an uplifting read. Warning: some stories are very sad but the students were able to rise above their horrible circumstances.
Sija –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing
Before I read the book I watched the movie and I could see the parallels although not everything was exactly the same. The most important thing I learned is that determination against all odds and teamwork will help you achieve more than you can imagine. The fact that this is a true story is very inspirational and I urge anyone looking for inspiration to read it and watch the movie too. As long as you think you can win in life then your path has already been plotted. Your background does not determine your future and The Freedom Writers proved that it doesn’t matter if you’re young, you can still make a positive impact in the lives of the people that are around you.
One person found this helpful
Cyndrome –
4.0 out of 5 stars
R Rated
My fourteen year old daughter was given this book for a writing assignment over the summer. I was familiar with this book from the movie so I thought what a wonderful story. It was time for her to see life from a different perspective.When the book arrived I scanned it and was appauld at the raw language and sexual content.My issue is with her school who assigned such a book at her age level. If it were a movie based on the diary entries it would have been rated R. If she can’t get in to see an R rated movie at 14 she should not be permitted to read it either.School states it is mandatory, so I edited it. Parents beware of what schools are requiring your student to read. Cyndrome
One person found this helpful
shel99 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
POWERFUL
I wish that everyone who doubts that one person could possibly make a difference in the world would read this book. Talk about inspiration! Erin Gruwell, as a beginning teacher who was “stuck” with the students that no one else wanted to teach, transformed those 150 students over the course of their four years in high school into a group of passionate, determined young men and women instead of the doomed nobodies that they originally saw themselves to be. These teens have lived terrible lives, survived situations that many people try to pretend don’t even exist, and have come to adulthood believing in themselves for the first time. Many of the journal entries in this book actually made me cry.I am a beginning teacher myself, and though my students are not the at-risk youth that Ms. Gruwell taught, I can strongly identify with her and with her accomplishments – giving me hope that someday I can make as significant a contribution to my community that she has to hers.
51 people found this helpful
Theresa Andreano –
5.0 out of 5 stars
??
Great book
Kindle Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring
Inspiring to say the least…I laughed…I cried…I cheered everyone of those 150 Freedom Writers…to have persevered through every hardship imaginable & to come through it all with love…forgiveness…hope & inspiration is a testimony in itself…these kids are amazing & huge thanks to Ms G. For being more than just a teacher…to be a mentor…a friend…a critic at times when needed but always believing…you too are an amazing woman…I watched the movie & when it was over I was inspired to read the book…I am so glad I did…you have given this person something to think about…I’m not a teacher…I’m a schoolbus driver in the inner-city…I see alot of things out there on the road & on my bus…kids need more positive influences…more believing that things can change…maybe I can become a teacher on my bus & change things even if it’s only with a smile for someone who knows only sadness…everybody needs to read this book….Thank You Ms G & Freedom Writers!!!
13 people found this helpful
R. A. Golden –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bought used, but in great condition
There’s nothing I dislike about this book. The stories are so touching and enlightening. Some of the stories have made me laugh and some made me cry.It was delivered in a matter of a couple of days. I’m already halfway through and hate when I have to put it down to get something done. I’m looking forward to getting back to the book as soon as I can.
2 people found this helpful
Tammy Muse Belz –
5.0 out of 5 stars
True so I loved it
If you seen the movie buy this book
4 people found this helpful
Kaylei ashford –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Should be in every high schools’ reading list!
I have not read a book in a long time and after reading the Freedom Writers Diary restarted my interest in reading again. Everyone in this group are heroes! I love your inspirational stories and I cried reading about what you all went through! Your book should be on all high schools’ reading list!
One person found this helpful
Linda S –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Uplifting
This book gives people of all ages a view of different learning skills and helps build self esteem and character.
One person found this helpful
Kathryn Stephens –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good reading for young children
I have the move The Freedom Writers and really enjoy watching it. I finally decided to order the book of diaries written by the students. I am enjoying it so much that I am having my 10 year old read it also. He doesn’t like to read, but is really getting into reading this book.
2 people found this helpful
Kindle Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
“The Freedom Writers’ Diary” Review
I read this book because I have seen the movie and enjoyed it very much. I admire Erin Gruwell and her students for changing their extremely difficult situations and deciding to do whatever they could to make it better for each other and for future generations. If only we all would stop judging and try harder to understand each other, with love in our hearts, and make the world a better place. After all, we are all in this together. Why not give each other a helping hand up, instead of putting each other down, or just passing by and ignoring each others pain.May our Heavenly Father help us all to be the persons we were created to be, treating everyone as we would like to be treated in every situation.God help us all,nelirosi
6 people found this helpful